Belarus and azerbaijan strengthen industrial ties with maz vehicle kits deal
Belarus's Minsk Automobile Plant (MAZ) has signed a contract with Azerbaijan's Ganja Auto Plant to supply 100 vehicle kits of the MAZ 6312C5 model. The deal, inked on April 7, aims to meet the needs of Azerbaijan's Ecology and Natural Resources Ministry, Report informs.
A partnership-focused agreement
According to MAZ Director General Valery Ivankovich, the contract represents a forward-looking technological cooperation between the two nations. By supplying vehicle kits to Ganja Auto Plant, where utility equipment is assembled, Belarus is helping address key social needs in Azerbaijan.
Ivankovich highlighted the momentum generated by a recent visit from the Belarusian president to Azerbaijan, which led to last year's delivery of fire trucks and earned high praise. The current contract further solidifies the partnership-based cooperation, with Belarus providing vehicle kits rather than finished vehicles.
Competitive advantage and future prospects
Despite strong competition, Belarusian equipment has earned a solid reputation in Azerbaijan, with consistently positive feedback. MAZ currently operates in the Azerbaijani market through its truck and utility equipment segments, supplying vehicle kits.
When asked about the possibility of assembling buses from Belarusian kits at Ganja Auto Plant, Ivankovich described the idea as promising and currently under development. He also mentioned that electric buses could be another area for cooperation in the future, as Azerbaijan moves in this direction.
Minsk auto plant's expansion plans
In the passenger vehicle segment, MAZ aims to continue expanding its range. The company is working on both its own projects and collaborations, with the hope of releasing a new truck model in the near future.
Ganja Auto Plant Chairman Khanlar Fatiev expressed interest in furthering cooperation with Belarus, noting that the partnership began after the 2006 visit of Azerbaijan's president to Belarus. Since then, the two countries have assembled over 15,000 tractors and 4,000 MAZ vehicles, with the latter's utility vehicles built on MAZ chassis receiving high praise.