BAKU/BEIJING, July 17 — The recently enacted visa-free travel agreement between Azerbaijan and China is being hailed as a potential blueprint for broader regional cooperation across Asia, particularly along the Belt and Road Initiative corridor.
Speaking to CGTN, Li Wen, head of the International Organization for Migration’s (IOM) mission in China, praised the bilateral move as a transformative step toward reimagining regional connectivity.
“This agreement carries tremendous potential,” Li said, noting that easing visa requirements could significantly boost trade, tourism, investment, and cultural ties. According to her, the visa waiver could lead to a 40% annual increase in tourist flow, while deepening business and humanitarian cooperation between the two countries.
Li added that the Azerbaijan-China model could inspire other Asian nations — especially those situated along the Belt and Road — to pursue similar agreements. “Reducing administrative barriers is key to unlocking an estimated $2.3 trillion in potential tourism revenue for developing Asian economies by 2030,” she emphasized.
The agreement marks a new chapter in bilateral relations, reflecting Azerbaijan’s growing engagement with East Asia and China’s expanding influence in the South Caucasus through soft power and strategic infrastructure development.
