OMM Redaksiyası
President Ilham Aliyev highlighted Azerbaijan’s opportunities in security, transport connectivity, economic diversification and renewable energy at the Second Azerbaijan International Investment Forum in Baku.
Speaking at the event, held under the theme “Restoring trust in a fragmented world: The South Caucasus as a pillar of global connectivity and investment stability,” the head of state said security had assumed particular importance amid the current global environment.
Ilham Aliyev said Azerbaijan was one of the safest places in the world. According to him, the crime situation in the country is fully under control. The president emphasized that political and economic stability had continued in Azerbaijan for more than 30 years.
Azerbaijan’s transport opportunities
The president said Azerbaijan’s geographical position and transport infrastructure had strengthened the country’s role in regional connectivity. He said that although Azerbaijan is geographically located in the Caucasus, politically, economically and in terms of transport, it is already part of the broader Central Asian region.
Digitized transport and customs management, as well as clear regulatory rules, were presented as factors increasing the country’s transit potential. Ilham Aliyev said demand for cargo transportation through Azerbaijan along the East-West and North-South routes was growing.
Mining and economic diversification
Ilham Aliyev said a new state program on mining had been adopted and that the program, designed for four years, would generate economic activity.
He also noted the importance of the oil and gas sector. According to the president, disruptions in traditional supply chains could create new opportunities for investment.
Addressing the diversification of Azerbaijan’s economy, the head of state said more than 70 percent of gross domestic product currently came from the non-oil sector. Cooperation with international partners is aimed at reducing the dominance of oil and gas in exports.
Renewable energy and artificial intelligence infrastructure
The president described renewable energy as one of Azerbaijan’s main economic priorities. He said the goal was to minimize the use of natural gas in electricity generation and direct gas reserves toward exports.
Ilham Aliyev said renewable energy sources would become widespread across Azerbaijan over the next five years. He also noted opportunities to use additional electricity generation capacity for artificial intelligence data centers and for exports.
The head of state said leading international companies operating in various economic sectors regarded Azerbaijan as a reliable partner and emphasized that the country had a favorable investment environment.
As part of the forum, a ceremony was also held to exchange documents signed on the day of the Second Azerbaijan International Investment Forum. President Ilham Aliyev attended the ceremony.
