The China-Shanghai Cooperation Organization Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Center in Qingdao has agreed to deepen cooperation with Azerbaijan's Innovation and Digital Development Agency (IDDA) in four key areas following a recent online meeting.

The two sides will focus on university and research collaboration, digitalization and artificial intelligence projects, two-way market access, and the establishment of a cooperation hub in Azerbaijan.

Under the plan, universities, research institutes and technology companies from China and Azerbaijan will be encouraged to establish joint laboratories and pursue applied research, technology transfer, talent exchanges and the commercialization of research results. The two organizations will also explore digital solutions in areas including AI, smart transportation, healthcare, customs and judicial services.

They will work to connect Azerbaijani companies with resources in China while supporting Chinese technology firms seeking opportunities in Azerbaijan and surrounding markets. A proposed cooperation hub in Azerbaijan would provide regular support for project matching, business visits, pilot programs and technology commercialization.

The two sides also agreed to begin drafting a memorandum of cooperation. IDDA is expected to identify two or three specific needs, which the Qingdao center will match with suitable technologies, companies and research teams.

The meeting followed discussions held during the first China-SCO Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Conference in Qingdao in June, marking a further step toward practical cooperation between the two organizations.