Ilham Aliyev: The emerging peace in the South Caucasus creates new opportunities for regional cooperation and investments

The emerging peace in the South Caucasus creates new opportunities for regional cooperation and investment.

As reported by BAKU.WS, this is stated in the address of President Ilham Aliyev to the participants of the 2nd Azerbaijan International Investment Forum, which began its work on September 25.

"It is gratifying that this Forum once again brings together in Baku representatives of governments, international organizations, financial institutions, leading companies, investors and business circles from around the world.

This year, the theme of the Forum is 'Rebuilding Trust in a Fragmented World: The South Caucasus as a Pillar of Global Connectivity and Investment Stability,' which is particularly relevant today. Global economic relations are rapidly changing, supply chains are undergoing transformation, and new transport, energy and technological connections are emerging. Under these conditions, stability, transport connectivity and reliable partnerships are becoming increasingly important for investment. The emerging peace in the South Caucasus creates new opportunities for regional cooperation, transport connectivity, trade and investment, while contributing to the deepening of economic integration and diversification," the address states.

"Azerbaijan's economy has demonstrated high resilience amid global uncertainty and geopolitical challenges. Economic diversification lies at the core of our strategic objectives, and the non-oil sector has become a key driver of economic growth. Since 2020, real GDP growth in the non-oil sector has averaged 5 percent per year, while the volume of non-oil industry has grown one and a half times, and non-oil exports have nearly doubled. As a result, the share of the non-oil sector in GDP reached 72 percent in 2025.

This dynamic is underpinned by a stable and predictable business environment. Macroeconomic stability, investment and favorable conditions for entrepreneurship in our country create a solid foundation for long-term investor confidence. Azerbaijan's strategic geographic location, transport and logistics capabilities, well-developed infrastructure in economic zones, tax and customs incentives, as well as public-private partnership mechanisms and joint investment funds established with partner countries, open wide opportunities for investors to participate in sustainable projects and build partnerships that bring technology, capital and expertise to the entire region," President Ilham Aliyev's address states.