economy
Russia's Direct Investment in Azerbaijan Up 1.8 Times
In the first half of 2026, Russia's foreign direct investment in Azerbaijan reached $237.119 million, 1.8 times more than a year earlier. The counterflow of investment from Azerbaijan to Russia fell by 20.6%.
Second Azerbaijan International Investment Forum kicks off in Baku on September 25
The forum will take place on September 25–26 under the patronage of President Ilham Aliyev. It is organized by the Ministry of Economy and AZPROMO. Documents are expected to be signed across several sectors.
Azerbaijan's Cabinet Approves 2027 Budget Drafts
Azerbaijan's government has approved the draft state and consolidated budgets for 2027, as well as consolidated budget targets for the following three years.
Aliyev Approves State Program for Metallurgy Development for 2027-2030
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed a decree approving the State Program for the Development of the Mining and Metallurgical Industry for 2027-2030.
ADB cuts Azerbaijan's 2026 GDP growth forecast to 1.6%
The Asian Development Bank lowered its forecast for Azerbaijan's economic growth in 2026 from 2% to 1.6%, keeping its 2027 estimate at 1.8%.
Azerbaijan's economy grows by 1.2% — industries move in different directions
Rapid growth in communications and transport coexists with a decline in construction. Overall GDP hides different conditions for business, and industry percentages cannot be added together.
Azerbaijan's Reserves: Why $90.8 Billion Is Not Only a CBA Indicator
The country's strategic reserves and the CBA's foreign exchange reserves have different coverage. We examine what a large stock says about the buffer — and what it does not promise business.
Azerbaijan Increases Imports of Georgian Products by 14.2%
In January-August, Azerbaijan imported $124.242 million worth of Georgian-made goods, up 14.2% year-on-year. Azerbaijan accounted for 3.8% of Georgia's exports of local products.
Trump Announces Creation of Artificial Intelligence Forces
US President Donald Trump has announced the formation of AI Forces, modeled on the Space Force. He also said AI could account for up to 25% of US GDP.
Kyrgyz Finance Ministry and World Bank Discuss Kambarata HPP-1 and Program Financing
Kyrgyz Finance Minister Ruslan Suinaliev and World Bank Regional Director for Central Asia Naji Benhassine discussed the macroeconomy, 11.1% GDP growth in the first seven months of 2026, and financing for major projects.
Uzbekistan and South Korea Prepare $12 Billion in Investment Projects
Following talks between Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Lee Jae-myung, prospective projects worth $12 billion and an $8 billion program with the Export-Import Bank of Korea have been prepared.
Armenia's Central Bank Raises Key Rate to 6.75%
At its meeting on September 15, 2026, the Board of the Central Bank of Armenia raised the key rate by 25 basis points to 6.75%.
Fed Raises Rates for First Time Since 2023, to 3.75–4%
The Fed raised rates for the first time since July 2023, by 25 basis points to 3.75–4%. The unanimous decision came amid persistently high inflation; markets saw it as a hawkish signal.
Kyrgyzstan's Foreign Trade Reaches $10 Billion in Seven Months of 2026
Kyrgyzstan's foreign and mutual trade in goods totaled $10.0 billion in January–July 2026, up 7.7% year-on-year, according to the National Statistical Committee.
ADB Has Financed 160 Projects in Azerbaijan Worth $5.6 Billion
Since Azerbaijan joined the Asian Development Bank, $5.6 billion has been allocated to 160 projects under cooperation. This was reported by the country's Ministry of Finance.
World Bank to Move to Single Country Representation in Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan's Economy Minister Mikayil Jabbarov discussed with the World Bank's regional director the transition to a single country representation model.
Azerbaijan's GDP grows by 1.2% in 8 months
In January-August 2024, Azerbaijan's GDP reached 87.7 billion manats, up 1.2% year-on-year. The non-oil and gas sector grew by 2.1%.
Azerbaijan's Non-Oil and Gas Exports Up 17.6% in Eight Months
In January-August 2026, Azerbaijan's non-oil and gas exports amounted to $2.8 billion, up 17.6% year-on-year.
Putin and Aliyev Discuss Trade and Economic Cooperation
The presidents of Russia and Azerbaijan held a telephone conversation, during which they discussed topical issues of bilateral cooperation.
Azerbaijan's Tax Revenues Up 9.2% in 8 Months
In January-August 2026, Azerbaijan's state budget received 12.6 billion manats in taxes, exceeding the forecast by 900 million manats.
Iran's Gasoline Consumption Reaches 1.2 Billion Liters in Eight Days
Iran consumed about 1.2 billion liters of gasoline in the first eight days of the Iranian month (Aug 23 – Sep 22, 2026). Tehran saw a 30% spike due to rumors of shortages.
Iran's Central Bank Chief Denies Rumors of Economic Collapse
Abdolnaser Hemmati stated that Iran's economy is not on the brink of collapse and that reserves are sufficient. The Central Bank is ready to allocate $2 billion to the foreign exchange market.
Masato Kanda Re-elected as ADB President for Second Term
The Board of Governors of the Asian Development Bank unanimously supported the re-election of Masato Kanda as President. The new five-year term will begin on November 24, 2026.
Iranian Banks Increase Lending by 75% in Four Months
From March 21 to July 22, 2026, loans issued by Iranian banks grew by 75% year-on-year, reaching $19.6 billion.