Within the framework of the Davos World Economic Forum, the meetings held by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, with the heads of leading global financial institutions and industrial companies should be regarded as an integral part of the country’s long-term economic development strategy.

Latif Zeynalli, Head of the State Programs Department at the Center for Analysis of Economic Reforms and Communication (CAERC), stated that these meetings demonstrate that mining, renewable energy, artificial intelligence, and data centers have been identified as strategic investment priorities for attracting foreign capital. Discussions held during the forum confirm that Azerbaijan has further strengthened its position as a strategic partner for institutional investors.

The CAERC department head particularly emphasized that the memorandum of understanding signed between the State Oil Fund of the Republic of Azerbaijan (SOFAZ) and BlackRock and Global Infrastructure Partners is of strategic importance in terms of deeper integration of the country’s sovereign wealth into the global value chain. Prioritizing sectors such as data centers, artificial intelligence infrastructure, and airport infrastructure reflects SOFAZ’s gradual transition from traditional assets to high-tech and real-sector-oriented investments. This approach is fully aligned with modern sovereign wealth fund management principles, both in terms of revenue diversification and ensuring long-term sustainability.

Latif Zeynalli also highlighted that discussions with leading companies such as J.P. Morgan, DP World, Vestas Wind Systems, and BTG Pactual confirm the high level of international confidence in Azerbaijan’s macroeconomic stability and fiscal discipline. It is no coincidence that J.P. Morgan - which manages assets exceeding USD 4 trillion - has highly assessed Azerbaijan’s position as a reliable partner in international financial markets, with its Chairman and CEO Jamie Dimon specifically noting the presence of a stable and secure investment environment in the country. During the meetings, Andre Esteves, Chairman of BTG Pactual, which manages more than USD 500 billion in assets, emphasized that preliminary discussions were held regarding potential areas of cooperation and strategic priorities with SOFAZ, and that dialogue on issues of mutual interest is ongoing. In addition, cooperation opportunities in financing SOCAR’s operations, renewable energy, and transport-logistics projects indicate that the deepening of the non-oil sector and the green transformation agenda are being translated into practical investment instruments.

In conclusion, the CAERC department head added that the “Breakfast with Azerbaijan’s Leadership” event organized by Euronews within the framework of the Davos World Economic Forum once again demonstrated that Azerbaijan is now perceived as a reliable long-term investment partner in the global economic agenda, where strategic decisions are being shaped. Discussions held during the event clearly showcased the country’s development model based on balanced diplomacy, institutional resilience, and economic rationalism amid current geopolitical realities. At the same time, Azerbaijan’s location at the crossroads of major international transport corridors positions the country as a low-risk, high-strategic-value investment destination for global capital. All these factors indicate that Azerbaijan is not a passive participant in the global economic system, but an active actor influencing regional and global processes. The established reliable institutional environment, strategic geographical position, and pragmatic economic policy further enhance the country’s attractiveness for international investors, and the discussions held on the Davos platform once again confirm international recognition of this reality.