President Ilham Aliyev held a series of high-level meetings with global business leaders and international organization heads on January 19 during the World Economic Forum in Davos.
Operative Information Center-OMM reports that the head of state met with Jacob Aarup-Andersen, CEO of Carlsberg Group. During the conversation, the parties noted the implementation of several projects aimed at producing goods based entirely on local raw materials. Specifically, they discussed the operation of a barley processing facility in Imishli, a key raw material for beer production. It was also noted that the production of packaging materials will be fully localized in the future. Jacob Aarup-Andersen emphasized that exports of Carlsberg Group products manufactured in Azerbaijan increased significantly in 2025, expressing satisfaction with the conditions created for foreign investors in Azerbaijan.
President Ilham Aliyev also met with Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman and CEO of DP World, one of the world's largest port operators. The meeting highlighted the successful activities of DP World in Azerbaijan. Emphasizing the country's location at the intersection of major international transport corridors, the parties discussed recent projects to build modern transport infrastructure in Azerbaijan. The potential for expanding cooperation with DP World was also underlined.
In a meeting with Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), the sides recalled previous meetings with satisfaction. They emphasized the successful cooperation between Azerbaijan and the WHO, noting Azerbaijan's support for the organization's projects globally. Azerbaijan's voluntary financial assistance to several countries during the COVID-19 pandemic was specifically highlighted, and views were exchanged on future cooperation prospects.
Furthermore, President Ilham Aliyev met with Morten Dyrholm, Group Senior Vice President of Vestas Wind Systems. The discussion touched upon the company's activities in Azerbaijan's renewable energy sector, particularly wind energy. It was noted that Azerbaijan is an attractive destination for foreign investors due to its favorable investment and business environment.
The President also met with Andre Esteves, Chairman of BTG Pactual, a leading Brazilian investment bank. President Ilham Aliyev stated that Azerbaijan's policy regarding macroeconomic stability and fiscal discipline has strengthened the country's position as a reliable partner in international financial markets. He noted that international rating agencies have upgraded Azerbaijan's credit rating to investment grade with a positive outlook. Andre Esteves provided information on BTG Pactual's global operations, which manage over half a trillion US dollars in assets. It was noted that preliminary discussions on strategic priorities are ongoing between the State Oil Fund of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the company.
The World Economic Forum in Davos serves as a premier global platform where political, business, and cultural leaders gather to shape global, regional, and industry agendas. For Azerbaijan, participation in the forum is a strategic opportunity to showcase its economic potential, attract foreign direct investment, and strengthen its role as a pivotal energy and logistics hub between Europe and Asia.
