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Speaking at a Euronews-hosted leadership breakfast in Davos, President Ilham Aliyev outlined Azerbaijan’s investment priorities, focusing on connectivity, renewable energy, data centers, and artificial intelligence as the country positions itself as a key Eurasian hub.
At the World Economic Forum in Davos, President Ilham Aliyev took part in a high-level event titled “Breakfast with the Leadership of Azerbaijan,” organized by Euronews following his interview with the broadcaster.
The event brought together government officials, business leaders, and investors from multiple countries, focusing on Azerbaijan’s regional role, economic transformation, and long-term growth strategy.
Moderator:
Good morning, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to the first Azerbaijani government leadership breakfast in Davos. Today we will discuss Azerbaijan’s growing role as a regional hub for connectivity, energy, and economic development.
Azerbaijan’s Investment Vision
President Ilham Aliyev:
For many years, energy was our top priority. Those projects allowed us to strengthen the economy and improve living standards. Today, most major energy infrastructure is complete, and our focus has shifted toward the non-oil sector.
The president emphasized that economic diversification is now Azerbaijan’s central objective. While traditional energy remains important, new growth areas are taking priority.
Renewables and Green Energy
President Ilham Aliyev:
We are seeing strong international interest in renewable energy. Two major renewable power plants are already operational. Over the next six years, we plan to reach eight gigawatts of solar and wind capacity.
Aliyev noted that Azerbaijan’s climate – abundant wind and sunshine – gives the country a competitive edge. Large-scale renewables will also free up natural gas for export, particularly to European markets.
Data Centers and Artificial Intelligence
President Ilham Aliyev:
Azerbaijan can become one of the most efficient locations for data centers. We have affordable energy, surplus capacity, and a strategic geographic position.
According to the president, Azerbaijan already has unused electricity capacity, which will grow significantly as renewable projects come online. This creates favorable conditions for AI development, cloud infrastructure, and large data centers, sectors now actively discussed with international partners in Davos.
Connectivity and Eurasian Transit
President Ilham Aliyev:
As a landlocked country, connectivity has always been essential for us. We successfully built oil and gas pipelines stretching 3,500 kilometers from the Caspian Sea to Italy. That experience shaped our broader transport strategy.
Azerbaijan has invested heavily in ports, railways, airports, and highways, positioning itself as a reliable corridor linking Europe and Central Asia, especially amid sanctions-affected alternative routes.
Peace, Trade, and Regional Integration
President Ilham Aliyev:
Connectivity supports peace. After achieving peace with Armenia, we lifted all restrictions on cargo transit. Goods are already moving from Kazakhstan and Russia through Azerbaijan into Armenia.
He stressed that integrating Armenia into regional transport networks would transform it from a dead end into a participant in international trade, benefiting stability across the South Caucasus.
Mining and New Opportunities
President Ilham Aliyev:
Mining is a relatively new focus. Much of our potential in rare metals lies in territories restored after occupation. We are now conducting advanced geological studies using modern technologies.
The president identified mining, renewables, AI, and data infrastructure as the main pillars for attracting foreign investment in the coming years.
Message to Investors
President Ilham Aliyev:
Azerbaijan offers political stability, strategic vision, and predictable policies. When a country knows where it is going and acts independently, investment follows.
The Davos discussion reinforced Azerbaijan’s ambition to move beyond hydrocarbons, presenting itself as a stable, future-oriented investment destination at the crossroads of Eurasia.
