Azerbaijan and Italy have signed a strategic partnership statement on critical raw materials to combine Azerbaijani resources with Italian technology, expand processing and recycling capabilities, and explore investment in advanced manufacturing.
Azerbaijan and Italy have signed a joint statement establishing a strategic partnership on critical raw materials, aiming to strengthen industrial cooperation, diversify supply chains and create new investment opportunities across the materials production and processing sectors. The document was signed during Azerbaijani Economy Minister Mikayil Jabbarov’s working visit to Italy, alongside Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani and Minister of Enterprises and Made in Italy Adolfo Urso.
The agreement seeks to combine Azerbaijan’s natural resource potential with Italy’s technological expertise to develop industrial partnerships and increase the production of higher-value goods. Both countries intend to explore joint initiatives across the value chain, including resource processing, manufacturing and recycling, with the objective of strengthening industrial links and improving the security of critical material supplies.
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Critical raw materials are important to industries such as renewable energy, electronics, advanced manufacturing and digital technology. Reliable access to these resources is increasingly significant as countries seek to strengthen domestic industrial capabilities and reduce exposure to disruptions in global supply chains.
Italy has also expressed interest in attracting Azerbaijani investment into its manufacturing sector. According to Italian officials, the partnership could support collaboration in emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and advanced robotics, alongside traditional industrial activities. Potential support from Italy’s National Fund for Made in Italy has also been envisaged to encourage investment along the supply chain.
Another area under consideration is a proposed strategic stockpiling facility for critical raw materials at Porto Marghera in Italy. Italian officials have suggested that Azerbaijan could become a partner in the initiative, which is intended to help protect European industries against supply disruptions. The proposal remains a prospective project rather than an operational facility.
The signing took place during an Italy-Azerbaijan economic and industrial cooperation event organised in Rome with the participation of government representatives and business leaders. Discussions covered energy, mining and metallurgy, critical raw materials, digital infrastructure, information technology and tourism. A bilateral business forum planned for Baku is expected to provide another platform for companies to identify projects and investment opportunities.
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The partnership represents an effort by both countries to expand cooperation beyond their established energy relationship and develop broader industrial and technological connections.