BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 21.
The Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) is ready to support the
access of Azerbaijani startups to international markets, Chief of
Council Affairs & Strategic Relations, DCO, Omar AlNemer, told
Trend in an
exclusive interview.
He noted that Azerbaijan’s signing of the DCO Charter is an
important step toward full membership and the deepening of
international digital cooperation. This process creates new
opportunities for collaboration in areas such as digital trade,
artificial intelligence (AI), digital government infrastructure,
and access to international markets for Azerbaijani technology
companies.
“Azerbaijan’s signing of the DCO Charter on 5 October 2026 marks
an important step toward full membership and deeper international
digital cooperation. We see three immediate opportunities:
strengthening digital trade and cross-border connectivity;
advancing cooperation in artificial intelligence and digital public
infrastructure; and connecting Azerbaijani startups and technology
companies with international markets and investors,” he said.
AlNemer said that Azerbaijan’s strategic position between the
South Caucasus and Central Asia gives it significant potential to
serve as a regional digital bridge. According to him, the priority
is to build on this milestone through practical initiatives that
create measurable economic value and strengthen cooperation across
DCO markets.
DCO can support attraction of investments into
Azerbaijan's digital economy
Touching on the potential of closer cooperation with DCO in
terms of attracting investments to Azerbaijan's digital economy,
AlNemer said that the organization can contribute to increasing the
country's investment attractiveness by connecting national digital
priorities with international investors, markets and policy
frameworks.
“Azerbaijan has demonstrated ambition in AI, cybersecurity,
digital infrastructure and innovation. DCO’s Digital Economy
Navigator can help identify investment opportunities and gaps,
while our work on digital-economy policy can support greater
regulatory predictability,” he stressed.
According to him, through initiatives such as STRIDE and DCO
InvestConnect, we can explore opportunities to connect Azerbaijani
technology companies with international investors and strategic
partners.
“Building on the recent Charter signing, our objective is to
support Azerbaijan’s ambitions to become not only a market for
digital technologies, but also a regional hub where innovative
solutions are developed, financed and exported,” the DCO
representative explained.
Cross-border digital connections and trade
AlNemer said that along with physical connectivity,
strengthening Azerbaijan’s role as a digital bridge between South
Caucasus and Central Asia also requires interoperable digital
systems, trusted data flows and regulatory frameworks that enable
businesses and services to operate across borders.
He noted that the discussions between Azerbaijan’s leadership
and the DCO Secretary-General highlighted opportunities for
cooperation in regional connectivity, digital transformation and
innovation.
“Through frameworks such as the Model Digital Economy Agreement
(MDEA), DCO can support dialogue on regulatory interoperability,
digital trade and trusted cross-border data exchange,” AlNemer
pointed out.
According to him, exploring opportunities for cooperation in
digital identification, electronic signatures, paperless trade, and
cross-border services could help transform Azerbaijan’s
geographical advantage into broader economic integration and
digital opportunities.
Access of Azerbaijan’s digital solutions to
international markets
The DCO representative noted that Azerbaijan’s experience in the
field of digital public services also creates opportunities for
international cooperation.
AlNemer pointed out that expertise regarding platforms such as
"mygov," "Digital Login," "Digital Bridge," and SIMA could be
shared with member states, technical knowledge could be exchanged,
and potential partnerships as well as pilot projects could be
explored.
“Beyond government cooperation, these platforms can create
opportunities for Azerbaijani technology companies to reach new
customers and markets through DCO’s wider network,” he
clarified.
According to him, the objective is to help countries move beyond
sharing best practices toward scaling proven digital solutions that
deliver measurable economic and social value.
Skills and security essential in implementation of
AI
Talking about the effects of artificial intelligence on the
economy and the labor market, AlNemer said that its successful
implementation is based on three main factors: the creation of
appropriate opportunities, the application of technology and the
provision of trust.
“Countries must invest in digital infrastructure, high-quality
data and AI skills, while accelerating practical adoption across
government, businesses and key economic sectors. At the same time,
cybersecurity, privacy and responsible AI governance must be
integrated from the outset,” he emphasized.
The DCO representative emphasized the critical importance of
workforce preparation. According to him, governments and business
entities must expand digital skills, support continuous reskilling
programs, and enable employees to adapt to the economic shifts
driven by artificial intelligence.
AlNemer added that it is essential for Azerbaijan to align the
development of artificial intelligence with its priorities in
economic policy, skills enhancement, and cybersecurity.
“DCO can support this through policy exchange, AI governance
tools, capacity building and international cooperation.
Responsible AI and innovation must advance together to ensure
sustainable economic growth,” he pointed out.
Access of Azerbaijani startups to international
markets
According to AlNemer, one of the DCO’s priorities is to expand
digital opportunities for startups and businesses, and to transform
international cooperation into concrete avenues for accessing new
markets, investments, customers, and strategic partnerships.
He noted that the Charter signing provides an opportunity to
explore stronger connections between Azerbaijan’s innovation
ecosystem and DCO initiatives such as STRIDE, Startup Nexus and DCO
InvestConnect.
“These programmes can provide potential pathways to
entrepreneurship networks, investors, accelerators and commercial
partners across DCO markets, subject to appropriate arrangements,”
he noted.
The DCO representative stressed that the organization is ready
to evaluate opportunities to identify promising Azerbaijani
companies, assess their international expansion potential and
connect them with relevant partners.
According to him, the goal is to create sustainable pathways for
Azerbaijani startups to scale internationally, while positioning
Azerbaijan as an attractive destination for innovation and digital
investment.
Results of cooperation should be measured by concrete
indicators
AlNemer said that the success of Azerbaijan’s cooperation with
the DCO should be evaluated not merely by signed agreements and
statements issued, but by the concrete results achieved.
“The Charter signing on 5 October 2026 is an important
milestone, but the real measure will be what follows: Azerbaijani
startups entering new markets, investment opportunities created,
joint digital projects implemented and greater adoption of
Azerbaijani technology solutions internationally,” he said.
According to the DCO representative, progress in digital skills,
AI adoption, cybersecurity readiness and broader digital-economy
development should also be evaluated.
He pointed out that DCO’s Digital Economy Navigator can help
establish an evidence-based understanding of progress, while a
potential joint results framework could track specific cooperation
outcomes.
“Ultimately, success means Azerbaijan becoming an active
contributor to international digital cooperation, connecting
regional markets and creating measurable economic opportunities for
businesses and communities,” AlNemer concluded.
