Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Masato Kanda met with Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev to discuss the country’s long-term development priorities, with a strong focus on transforming Azerbaijan into a major regional hub for connectivity, trade, and energy between Central Asia and Europe. During the meeting, Mr. Kanda announced that ADB plans to invest up to $2.5 billion under its new Country Partnership Strategy for 2025–2029 to support these goals.
ADB’s planned investments will advance smart mobility infrastructure, renewable energy, digitalization, and skills development. To help Azerbaijan diversify its exports and access new markets, the Bank is supporting the construction of green and efficient infrastructure. Key regional initiatives—including the CAREC Corridor 2 (Middle Corridor) and the Trans-Caspian Green Corridor—are expected to enhance connectivity, enable smoother trade flows, and support the transfer of renewable energy from Central Asia to Europe. Increased digital connectivity and digital trade are also anticipated as part of this regional integration.
Mr. Kanda also met with Prime Minister Ali Asadov and senior ministers to explore new areas of collaboration aimed at attracting private investment, strengthening innovation, and expanding job opportunities. His visit included a tour of a metro station planned for the Baku Metro Expansion Project, a stop at an ADB-financed warehouse that has improved food access and safety, and interactions with smallholder farmers benefiting from resilient agricultural training.
Since joining ADB in 1999, Azerbaijan has received $5.5 billion in public and private sector financing and technical assistance, supporting critical sectors such as transport, energy, agriculture, health care, trade, and disaster risk reduction. This long-standing partnership has played an important role in improving livelihoods and supporting the country’s development path.
ADB continues to serve as a key development partner across Asia and the Pacific, promoting inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth. Established in 1966 and owned by 69 members, the Bank works with governments and partners to address complex challenges, build high-quality infrastructure, and support long-term prosperity across the region.
