WASHINGTON, U.S., March 10. Azerbaijan is
interested in working with one or several leading American
companies as anchor investors or co-investors in the creation of
industrial clusters in the country, Elnur Aliyev, First Deputy
Minister of Economy of the Republic of Azerbaijan, said, Trend's special corespondent
reports.
He made the remarks during the U.S.-Azerbaijan Trade and
Business Conference, dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the
U.S.-Azerbaijan Chamber of Commerce (USACC).
“Another strategic priority for Azerbaijan is the development of
a modern digital economy and innovation ecosystem. During this
conference, Azerbaijan and the U.S. technology company HAIMAKER.AI
will sign a memorandum of understanding on the development of an
AI-based data center in Azerbaijan. This initiative represents an
important step forward toward positioning Azerbaijan as a regional
digital infrastructure hub connecting Europe, Caucasus, and Central
Asia. Azerbaijan is also focused on developing modern industrial
clusters aimed at producing high-value export-oriented products. In
this context, we are interested in working with one or several
leading American companies as anchor investors or co-investors in
the creation of industrial clusters in Azerbaijan. This project
will involve modern factories based on advanced technologies while
also contributing to the development of highly skilled human
capital capable of working with modern industrial technologies,”
said Aliyev.
He noted that Azerbaijan is ready not only to attract
investment, but also to participate as a co-investor in strategic
projects.
“Through institutions like the State Oil Fund of Azerbaijan and
other national investment mechanisms, Azerbaijan can invest
alongside international partners in bankable projects, share risks,
and accelerate implementation. One of the most important platforms
for investment cooperation is the Alat Free Economic Zone located
next to the Port of Baku. This zone offers full tax and customs
exemptions, unrestricted foreign ownership, full profit
repatriation, and a modern regulatory environment designed
specifically for international investors. Our ambition is for Alat
to evolve into a regional economy comparable in its role to
Singapore in Southeast Asia or Israel in the Middle East, providing
American companies with an efficient operational place for
investment, logistics, manufacturing, and digital services across
the broader Eurasian region. The United States has been one of
Azerbaijan's most important economic partners for three decades.
Today, we have the opportunity to expand this partnership beyond
energy into digital infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, and new
supply chains connecting Central Asia with global markets.
Azerbaijan offers political stability, strategic geographic
location, and investment-ready infrastructure, and we are ready to
invest alongside our partners. We invite American companies and
investors to become part of this next chapter of U.S.-Azerbaijan
economic cooperation,” Aliyev added.
