BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 16. Economic growth,
development, and prosperity remain at the core of Azerbaijan’s
state policy, with diversification increasingly shaping the
country’s investment agenda, according to Economy Minister Mikayil
Jabbarov, Trend’s
correspondent reports from the event.
Jabbarov made the remarks at the “Azerbaijan Investment
Prospects Forum 2026,” held within the framework of the Islamic
Development Bank (IsDB) Group Annual Meeting in Baku.
According to the minister, the government places strong emphasis
on developing the private sector, expanding the non-oil and gas
economy, and creating new opportunities in priority industries.
He said successive reforms have strengthened investment
protection, simplified administrative procedures, expanded access
to state support, and promoted public-private partnerships.
According to Jabbarov, key priorities include supporting small
and medium-sized enterprises, improving access to finance,
promoting export-oriented growth, and strengthening industrial
infrastructure.
He also said non-oil export support measures include subsidies
for logistics and transportation costs, improved competitiveness of
local products, and easier access to foreign markets.
According to the minister, credit guarantee and interest subsidy
mechanisms are also being applied more effectively, making sectors
such as manufacturing, logistics, agriculture, services, renewable
energy, and digital technologies increasingly attractive to
investors.
Jabbarov said modern investors are seeking not only
opportunities but also efficient platforms for project
implementation.
According to him, Azerbaijan leverages its geographic location,
developed transport and communications infrastructure, and open
trade ties with neighboring countries. He noted that the country’s
position along the Middle Corridor has strengthened its role as a
regional transit and logistics hub.
The minister also pointed to the ongoing peace and normalization
process in the South Caucasus as a source of new regional
opportunities.
According to Jabbarov, one of the most significant investment
projects is the Alat Free Economic Zone, where modern
infrastructure, competitive incentives, and a favorable business
environment have been created.
He added that the zone’s proximity to the Baku International Sea
Trade Port and expanding logistics capabilities further enhance its
attractiveness for investors.
According to the minister, special institutional legislation has
been adopted to ensure a more secure legal framework for investors,
creating a stable and predictable environment for businesses
operating in the zone.
