{"id":1894353,"date":"2026-04-21T11:41:00","date_gmt":"2026-04-21T08:41:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1894353"},"modified":"2026-04-21T11:41:00","modified_gmt":"2026-04-21T08:41:00","slug":"armenia-and-azerbaijan-open-up-to-trade-after-years-of-strained-ties","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1894353","title":{"rendered":"Armenia and Azerbaijan open up to trade after years of strained ties"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/72\/83\/30\/1200x675_cmsv2_57d7766e-3aa0-55de-b0d7-957f1feb5d09-9728330.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2887804-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2887804\" data-cid=\"9729763\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2887804-label-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" 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src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/72\/95\/12\/189x106_cmsv2_8aa220f0-0306-52e7-86d5-3a38f26f36fa-9729512.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Commercial drones, illustration of an article discussing how shared infrastructure enables high-value drone operations.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Business<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Thales: Defence orders surge as Iran war drives military spending\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2887860-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2887860\" data-cid=\"9730015\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2887860-label-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/73\/00\/15\/189x106_cmsv2_12a42b88-a9a3-5737-b83e-19fe8965a769-9730015.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\" With a total investment of around \u20ac11 million, the projects will boost tourism across Portugal\u2019s inland regions\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Travel News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Looking inland: Portugal to boost regional tourism with \u20ac11m projects\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2887804-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2887804\" data-cid=\"9729763\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2887804-label-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/72\/97\/63\/189x106_cmsv2_eec764e3-4b65-5864-95bd-36d6f8b7e5d1-9729763.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"File - A technican welds a streetlamp in a production hall of the Hess Lichttechnik firm in Loebau, eastern Germany, Friday,  25 May 2007.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Economy<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    German business expectations fall to their lowest levels since 2022\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2887881-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2887881\" data-cid=\"9730123\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2887881-label-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/73\/01\/23\/189x106_cmsv2_3c94a193-eaac-53c4-aad2-9dfa5d89c597-9730123.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"North Korean and Russian flags are seen at the Vostochny cosmodrome outside the city of Tsiolkovsky, 13 September, 2023\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    North Korea<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Russia and North Korea connect road bridge ahead of summer opening\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2887772-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2887772\" data-cid=\"9729512\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2887772-label-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/72\/95\/12\/189x106_cmsv2_8aa220f0-0306-52e7-86d5-3a38f26f36fa-9729512.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Commercial drones, illustration of an article discussing how shared infrastructure enables high-value drone operations.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Business<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Thales: Defence orders surge as Iran war drives military spending\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2887860-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2887860\" data-cid=\"9730015\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2887860-label-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/73\/00\/15\/189x106_cmsv2_12a42b88-a9a3-5737-b83e-19fe8965a769-9730015.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\" With a total investment of around \u20ac11 million, the projects will boost tourism across Portugal\u2019s inland regions\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Travel News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Looking inland: Portugal to boost regional tourism with \u20ac11m projects\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"helper-site-row o-article-newsy\">\n<div class=\"helper-site-container o-article-newsy__container\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__main\">\n<header class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__header\">\n<nav aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs\">\n<div id=\"adb-article-breadcrumb\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs__list\">\n<p>                          Business<\/p>\n<p>                          Business<\/p><\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<h1 class=\"c-article-redesign-title\">\n                            Armenia and Azerbaijan open up to trade after years of strained ties<\/h1>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-video u-position-relative \">\n<div class=\"js-superdiv u-aspect-ratio-16x9 u-position-relative \" data-sponsored=\"Partner content\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"js-poster-img c-article-media__img\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/72\/83\/30\/1536x864_cmsv2_57d7766e-3aa0-55de-b0d7-957f1feb5d09-9728330.jpg\" width=\"1536\" height=\"864\" loading=\"eager\" alt=\"Train carries oil products from Azerbaijan to Armenia\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-caption u-position-absolute\"><i id=\"article-caption-content\" class=\"c-article-caption__content\"><span class=\"c-article-caption__text\"><br \/>\n              Train carries oil products from Azerbaijan to Armenia<br \/>\n                    <span class=\"u-color-white\">&#8211;\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__copyright\">Copyright\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__credit\">Azertag<\/span><\/span><\/i><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-copyright c-article-image-copyright--novideo\">\n      Copyright\u00a0Azertag\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__body u-article-content\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__contributors-publication-date\">\n<div class=\"c-article-contributors\">\n  By&amp;nbspSaida Rustamova\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-publication-date\" data-timestamp=\"1776771660\">\n         Published on<br \/>\n            <time datetime=\"2026-04-21 13:41:00 +02:00\">21\/04\/2026 &#8211; 13:41 GMT+2<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center 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class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-threads.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"threads\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Threads<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-threads.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"threads\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"whatsapp\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Whatsapp<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"whatsapp\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"c-article-summary\">\n        Early signs of economic contact emerge between Armenia and Azerbaijan, as export data points to a modest resumption of trade.<br \/>\n    <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-content c-article-content--business js-article-content\">\n<p>Official statistics confirm that economic contact between Armenia and Azerbaijan has begun \u2014 modest in scale, but among the first publicly documented signs of cross-border trade in years.<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Customs data from Azerbaijan shows exports to Armenia reached approximately $5.75 million (\u20ac5.1m) in the first quarter of 2026. No corresponding Armenian customs data has been publicly released for the same period, meaning the available picture reflects only one side of the ledger.<\/p>\n<h2>Limited flows, limited conclusions<\/h2>\n<p>Trade between the two countries has historically been negligible, shaped by the absence of direct economic relations and the legacy of decades of regional conflict. <\/p>\n<p>The new figures do not confirm a structured or sustained bilateral trade relationship, and internationally consolidated trade databases have not yet verified reciprocal flows for the same period.<\/p>\n<p>Still, some analysts see the numbers as an early signal of shifting dynamics.<\/p>\n<p>Bako Kheladze, a fellow at The Irregular Warfare Initiative research programme run jointly by Princeton University and the US Military Academy at West Point, describes the figures as more than symbolic. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;This $5.57 million represents more than just an economic figure. It is a positive signal toward building bridges of trust between nations, which can ultimately bring peace and prosperity to the South Caucasus,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n<p>Kheladze added that economic interdependence has historically helped stabilise post-conflict environments. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;There are many examples of how economic relations and interdependence solve disputes and build a peaceful environment,&#8221; he continued, pointing to post-war Europe as a reference point, while cautioning that direct parallels may be premature.<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-widget-related\" data-stories-id data-event=\"widget_related\">\n<div class=\"c-widget-related__title\"><b class=\"c-widget-related__title__text\" lang=\"en\">Related<\/b><\/div>\n<ul class=\"c-widget-related__list\">\n<li class=\"c-widget-related__item\">Rome and Caucasus poised to further discuss closer energy ties<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-widget-related__item\">Armenia and Azerbaijan civil societies hold new round of broad talks to advance peace process<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<h2>A confidence-building signal<\/h2>\n<p>The limited exports are emerging alongside wider diplomatic efforts in the South Caucasus aimed at improving communication and exploring gradual regional connectivity.<\/p>\n<p>Nourhan El-Bayaa, professor at Istanbul Aydin University and consultant at the United Nations Development Programme, says the development should be seen within a broader confidence-building framework. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;The first indications of economic cooperation between Armenia and Azerbaijan are more than just a business development. They are a crucial step toward fostering confidence,&#8221; she said.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;One of the first and most obvious signs that political conflicts may be giving way to practical agreement is frequently economic contact,&#8221; she added.<\/p>\n<p>But early signals alone are not enough. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;The emergence of cross-border economic activity is promising, but its sustainability depends on institutional trust, transparent trade mechanisms, and predictable political commitments. Without these foundations, early gains may remain symbolic rather than transformative,&#8221; El-Bayaa said.<\/p>\n<h2>Still a delicate moment<\/h2>\n<p>Experts caution that volumes remain small and require further corroboration over time. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;This is still a delicate time, even though the latest improvements are positive,&#8221; El-Bayaa said. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;A more comprehensive political settlement cannot be replaced by economic participation, but it can promote peace.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>For now, the figures point to a cautious re-emergence of economic contact \u2014 limited in scale, unconfirmed by Yerevan, but potentially significant in a region where any movement at all is news.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>                                  Go to accessibility shortcuts<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-partage-commentaire-share\"><span>Share<\/span><\/span><span>Comments<\/span><\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-you-might-also-like\" class=\"perf-cv-auto c-article-you-might-also-like\">\n<h2 class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__title\">\n        Read more<br \/>\n      <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__container\">\n<article id=\"abe-2887772-pos0-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2887772\" data-cid=\"9729512\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2887772-label-pos0-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/72\/95\/12\/480x270_cmsv2_8aa220f0-0306-52e7-86d5-3a38f26f36fa-9729512.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Commercial drones, illustration of an article discussing how shared infrastructure enables high-value drone operations.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Business<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Thales: Defence orders surge as Iran war drives military spending<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2887743-pos1-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2887743\" data-cid=\"9729373\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2887743-label-pos1-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/72\/93\/73\/480x270_cmsv2_6aea33a7-fd82-5c02-9435-3be60faf4a5b-9729373.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Apple CEO Tim Cook pictured in Jan 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n              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supply deal<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto\">\n<ul id=\"adb-article-tags\" class=\"c-tags-list\">\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<p>    trade<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<p>    Armenia<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<p>    Azerbaijan<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"o-article-newsy__aside\">\n<div class=\"c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-1\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-top-stories\" class=\"perf-cv-auto c-top-stories\">\n<h2 class=\"c-top-stories__title\">Top stories<\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2887783-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2887783\" data-cid=\"9729620\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2887783-label-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/72\/96\/20\/320x180_cmsv2_8600cc4b-4f1c-566e-8d2c-52c49d9f9e0d-9729620.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Currency traders work near a screen showing the Korea Composite Stock Price 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shared infrastructure enables high-value drone operations.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Thales: Defence orders surge as Iran war drives military spending<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2887743-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2887743\" data-cid=\"9729373\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2887743-label-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/72\/93\/73\/320x180_cmsv2_6aea33a7-fd82-5c02-9435-3be60faf4a5b-9729373.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Apple CEO Tim Cook pictured in Jan 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div 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markets on edge as investors await US-Iran negotiations<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2887804-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2887804\" data-cid=\"9729763\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2887804-label-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/72\/97\/63\/320x180_cmsv2_eec764e3-4b65-5864-95bd-36d6f8b7e5d1-9729763.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"File - A technican welds a streetlamp in a production hall of the Hess Lichttechnik firm in Loebau, eastern Germany, Friday,  25 May 2007.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    German business expectations fall to their lowest levels since 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colleagues on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange, 20 April 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Global markets on edge as investors await US-Iran negotiations<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2887804-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2887804\" data-cid=\"9729763\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2887804-label-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/72\/97\/63\/320x180_cmsv2_eec764e3-4b65-5864-95bd-36d6f8b7e5d1-9729763.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"File - A technican welds a streetlamp in a production hall of the Hess Lichttechnik firm in Loebau, eastern Germany, Friday,  25 May 2007.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    German business expectations fall to their lowest levels since 2022<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2886836-pos1-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-related the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2886836\" data-cid=\"9725051\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Which European countries will be the richest by 2030?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2887743-pos2-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--has-related the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2887743\" data-cid=\"9729373\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Tim Cook names successor as he steps down as Apple CEO<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2887491-pos3-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-related the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2887491\" data-cid=\"9728083\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Egypt\u2013Italy Ro-Ro link gains traction connecting Europe and Gulf trade<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2887450-pos4-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-related the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2887450\" data-cid=\"9727813\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Oil prices climb as US-Iran stand-off keeps Strait of Hormuz in limbo<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2886238-pos5-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2886238\" data-cid=\"9722198\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Zara owner Amancio Ortega becomes the world&#8217;s biggest property tycoon<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"articleBody\" data-key=\"articleBody\">Official statistics confirm that economic contact between Armenia and Azerbaijan has begun \u2014 modest in scale, but among the first publicly documented signs of cross-border trade in years.Customs data from Azerbaijan shows exports to Armenia reached approximately $5.75 million (\u20ac5.1m) in the first quarter of 2026. No corresponding Armenian customs data has been publicly released for the same period, meaning the available picture reflects only one side of the ledger.Limited flows, limited conclusionsTrade between the two countries has historically been negligible, shaped by the absence of direct economic relations and the legacy of decades of regional conflict.The new figures do not confirm a structured or sustained bilateral trade relationship, and internationally consolidated trade databases have not yet verified reciprocal flows for the same period.Still, some analysts see the numbers as an early signal of shifting dynamics.Bako Kheladze, a fellow at The Irregular Warfare Initiative research programme run jointly by Princeton University and the US Military Academy at West Point, describes the figures as more than symbolic.&#8221;This $5.57 million represents more than just an economic figure. It is a positive signal toward building bridges of trust between nations, which can ultimately bring peace and prosperity to the South Caucasus,&#8221; he said.Kheladze added that economic interdependence has historically helped stabilise post-conflict environments.&#8221;There are many examples of how economic relations and interdependence solve disputes and build a peaceful environment,&#8221; he continued, pointing to post-war Europe as a reference point, while cautioning that direct parallels may be premature.A confidence-building signalThe limited exports are emerging alongside wider diplomatic efforts in the South Caucasus aimed at improving communication and exploring gradual regional connectivity.Nourhan El-Bayaa, professor at Istanbul Aydin University and consultant at the United Nations Development Programme, says the development should be seen within a broader confidence-building framework.&#8221;The first indications of economic cooperation between Armenia and Azerbaijan are more than just a business development. They are a crucial step toward fostering confidence,&#8221; she said.&#8221;One of the first and most obvious signs that political conflicts may be giving way to practical agreement is frequently economic contact,&#8221; she added.But early signals alone are not enough.&#8221;The emergence of cross-border economic activity is promising, but its sustainability depends on institutional trust, transparent trade mechanisms, and predictable political commitments. Without these foundations, early gains may remain symbolic rather than transformative,&#8221; El-Bayaa said.Still a delicate momentExperts caution that volumes remain small and require further corroboration over time.&#8221;This is still a delicate time, even though the latest improvements are positive,&#8221; El-Bayaa said.&#8221;A more comprehensive political settlement cannot be replaced by economic participation, but it can promote peace.&#8221;For now, the figures point to a cautious re-emergence of economic contact \u2014 limited in scale, unconfirmed by Yerevan, but potentially significant in a region where any movement at all is news.<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/business\/2026\/04\/21\/armenia-and-azerbaijan-open-up-to-trade-after-years-of-strained-ties&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/72\/83\/30\/1200x675_cmsv2_57d7766e-3aa0-55de-b0d7-957f1feb5d09-9728330.jpg&#8221;] Economy German business expectations fall to their lowest levels since 2022 North Korea Russia and North Korea connect road bridge ahead of summer opening Business Thales: Defence orders surge as Iran war drives military spending Travel News Looking inland: Portugal to boost regional tourism with \u20ac11m projects Economy German business expectations fall [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[90],"tags":[226,36],"class_list":["post-1894353","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-international","tag-crawlmanager","tag-euronews-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1894353","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1894353"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1894353\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1894353"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1894353"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1894353"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}