In the first half of 2026, reserve assets increased by $1.4 billion, Samir Nasirov, Director of the Statistics Department at the Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA), said at a briefing dedicated to the presentation of the balance of payments for the first half of 2026.

According to him, during the reporting period, significant dynamics were observed in the capital and financial account of Azerbaijan's balance of payments, as well as in reserve assets. Substantial changes occurred in direct foreign, portfolio, and other investments.

Samir Nasirov noted that the bulk of Azerbaijan's direct investments abroad was related to the acquisition of a stake in Italy's energy sector.

"The majority of foreign investments were made through the acquisition of a controlling stake in Italiana Petroli, one of Italy's leading oil and gas and fuel companies," he said.

The CBA representative also addressed portfolio investment indicators. According to him, one of the main reasons for the deficit in this item was the reduction of the country's financial liabilities.

"In the first quarter, an operation to buy back previously issued Eurobonds under the Southern Gas Corridor project was successfully carried out. This step contributed to reducing the country's external debt and financial liabilities," Samir Nasirov said.

He also reported growth in the "Other investments" item.

"The main reason for the surplus in this item is the increase in liabilities. Funds attracted to finance investment projects were reflected as inflows into the country," the CBA representative emphasized.

According to him, in the reporting period, under the "Other investments" item, there was a reduction in deposits and cash foreign currency, while the volume of loans increased.

"These funds were directed directly to financing investment projects," Nasirov added.

The CBA representative reported that a significant increase in realized reserve assets was also recorded in the reporting period.

"Excluding exchange rate changes and revaluation, realized reserve assets increased by $1.4 billion," he said.