Samir Sharifov: Azerbaijan entered new stage of development

Azerbaijan has entered a new stage of development and is focused on ensuring stable economic growth, Deputy Prime Minister Samir Sharifov told journalists on the sidelines of the 1st Azerbaijan International Investment Forum (AIIF 2025) in Baku, Report informs.

"The country is implementing a socioeconomic development strategy for 2022-2026, and preparations for a new strategy for the next four-year period – 2027-2030 – have already begun. One of the most important areas of the strategy is ensuring economic growth, which is impossible without investment. Investments must come from both the state and the private sector. The goal is to accelerate Azerbaijan's economic development by complementing public investment over the past 30 years with increased private investment," he noted.

The deputy prime minister stated that under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, large-scale reforms have been carried out in the country and the necessary physical and social infrastructure has been created.

"Without roads, water supply, energy supply, and reliable sanitation systems, it is impossible to attract private investors. Political stability and a predictable environment, which Azerbaijan has provided, are also crucial for investment. The occupation of territories, which was the only source of instability, is a thing of the past. Azerbaijan has liberated its territories and restored sovereignty," Sharifov said.

According to him, the country's macroeconomic and financial environment has also strengthened over the past eight years: the manat exchange rate remains stable, the fiscal situation is improving, and foreign exchange reserves have reached 95% of the country's GDP and are 15 times higher than the external public debt.

The deputy prime minister also spoke about measures taken to improve the business environment and create favorable conditions for investors.

He noted that the Business Environment Commission, established at the initiative of the president, is conducting a dialogue with the business community and investors, monitoring the situation, and making necessary changes. He also drew attention to Azerbaijan's strategic location: "Azerbaijan is located at the intersection of East and West, North and South. President Ilham Aliyev's vision for international transport corridors, including the Belt and Road Initiative, is bearing fruit. The Middle Corridor is developing rapidly, the flow of goods is increasing, and all countries in the region are benefiting from this. Central Asian countries, in particular, support alternative transport routes passing through Azerbaijan."