Dushanbe, Baku exploring alumina-for-aluminium supply scheme – EXCLUSIVE

Tajikistan is ready to purchase alumina from Azerbaijan for use in its aluminium production industry, Ambassador of Tajikistan to Azerbaijan Ilhom Abdurahmon told Report.

The diplomat noted that the specialized enterprises of the two countries - Tajik Aluminium Company and Azeraluminium - signed a cooperation agreement some time ago.

According to the ambassador, the latest meeting of the Azerbaijani-Tajik Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation, held in Baku about a month ago at the deputy prime minister level, also touched upon the issue of aluminium cooperation.

"During the meeting, certain understandings were reached. The issue was discussed, and both sides demonstrated mutual interest, especially given the recent increase in aluminium prices. Taking logistical opportunities into account, the possibility of aluminium supplies to Azerbaijan may be worked out in the near future. As far as I know, Azerbaijan has its own aluminium plant and produces the metal domestically. Nevertheless, there is still demand for aluminium imports in Azerbaijan, and Tajikistan is always ready to export aluminium at mutually acceptable prices," Abdurahmon said.

He emphasized that the final decision rests with the two companies, as they are commercial entities that will independently assess the profitability of potential supplies, taking transportation and logistics costs into account.

"As for strategic cooperation in the industrial sector, the option of resuming operations at the Ganja Alumina Plant is also being considered. If its restart or modernization begins next year, Tajikistan will be ready to purchase alumina from Azerbaijani partners. From a logistics perspective, this would be highly advantageous for us. I believe it would be an excellent step toward importing alumina to Tajikistan while simultaneously exporting aluminium to Azerbaijan," the ambassador added.