A business seminar titled “Azerbaijan: Ready for International Investment?” was recently held at the London Stock Exchange. The event included panel discussions on topics such as post-oil economic recovery, strategic development sectors, and investment opportunities in Azerbaijan.

Vusal Qasimli represented Azerbaijan in the panel “Post-Oil Economic Growth Recovery: New Development Trends in the Azerbaijani Economy”. He highlighted that, under President Ilham Aliyev’s economic reforms, Azerbaijan has embarked on a new growth trajectory, achieving balance in both fiscal policy and the current account.

Key economic indicators shared included:

• Strategic foreign currency reserves of $45 billion, sufficient to cover 35 months of imports, which is four times greater than the country’s external debt.

• Stable manat exchange rate and reduced inflation, reaching 5.5% in January 2018.

• Banking sector capitalization increased by over 50% in 2017, with profitability restored from prior losses.

• Establishment of the Azerbaijan Mortgage and Credit Guarantee Fund, facilitating financing for the real sector.

Vusal Qasimli emphasized that these reforms have been recognized and positively assessed by the World Bank, Davos Economic Forum, IMF, Asian Development Bank, and international investors, positioning Azerbaijan as one of the top three reformist countries in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. The combination of a favorable business environment, macroeconomic stability, and emerging growth sectors has increased international investor interest.

The seminar also included panels on UK-Azerbaijan trade and investment relations, strategic roadmap and development sectors for international investors, and Azerbaijan’s most attractive economic sectors. Organized by Paşa Bank, the event gathered high-level representatives, including UK Trade Envoy to Azerbaijan Baroness Nicholson, Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to the UK Tahir Taghizadeh, the Central Bank of Azerbaijan, and other local and international officials.

This seminar highlighted Azerbaijan’s growing appeal as a destination for international investment and reinforced confidence in the country’s economic reforms and strategic development plans.