Roubini Macro CEO: Azerbaijan ready to attract direct investment in green technologies, fintech

Azerbaijan is ideally positioned to attract foreign direct investment in the technologies and industries of the future, Nouriel Roubini, CEO of Roubini Macro Associates, said during the first Azerbaijan International Investment Forum (AIIF 2025) in Baku, Report informs.

He noted that Azerbaijan is strategically located between East and West. "This is a stable country with good governance and macroeconomic policies. Therefore, being here, on my very first visit to Baku, in this amazing country, is a very successful experience. Excellent governance, macroeconomic stability, and you have great ambitions for the future," he said.

Roubini believes that if we consider Azerbaijan and how it can implement new technologies to improve itself and diversify the economy away from resources and energy, there are many such areas.

"First, of course, we need to prepare the workforce for the technologies of the future. Digital education is key. Second, technology can be used to optimize both the production and consumption of fossil fuels, and it's crucial to do this effectively. Third, this country is committed to a green transition, having hosted COP29 last year. And the green technological revolution is based on technology. Fourth, providing financial inclusion and more efficient financial services is key, and this is the realm of the fintech revolution," he said.

Fifth, the country is strategically positioned between East and West, North and South, he added.

"And despite the backlash against globalization, it will continue to grow. There will be more trade from Central and East Asia to the Middle East, the Caucasus, Europe, and beyond. But transportation and logistics are becoming high-tech. This is no longer a traditional sector. And therefore, technological orientation in this area is key. And one last point: we need to build data centers around the world. But data centers are huge energy consumers. And over time, they will move to those parts of the world where energy is abundant and cheap, including the Persian Gulf and, perhaps, here," he added.