INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
TEHRAN - Azerbaijan stands at the crossroads of continents, cultures, and commerce
Today, the country is fast transforming from a local player into a critical center for international trade and energy, driven by a dynamic
economy, strategic partnerships, and visionary facilities development.With a market value going beyond $80 billion, Azerbaijans economy is
both resilient and enthusiastic
The nation has actually diversified its economic base in recent years, broadening beyond hydrocarbons to sectors like transportation,
farming, innovation, and services
Energy remains a foundation, with Azerbaijan ranking among the top oil and gas manufacturers in the region, thanks to major projects like
the Shah Deniz field and the Southern Gas Corridor.Azerbaijans trade landscape is dynamic and expanding
In 2024, the countrys exports totaled almost $40 billion, with petroleum, natural gas, and petrochemical items leading the way
Non-oil exports, such as fruits, vegetables, aluminum, and cotton, are likewise acquiring momentum, reflecting Bakus dedication to economic
Imports reached around $16 billion, dominated by equipment, cars, electronics, and pharmaceuticals sectors that support the nations
modernization drive.The country maintains strong trade ties with its neighbors
Turkey and Iran are among Azerbaijans biggest trading partners, strengthened by shared cultural ties and strategic agreements such as the
Preferential Trade Agreement
Russia, and Georgia also feature plainly, enabling Azerbaijan to play a bridging role between significant markets
The countrys growing ties with the European Union and China even more highlight its international economic ambitions.Azerbaijans
geographical place is a crucial asset
As a linchpin of the International NorthSouth Transit Corridor (INSTC), Azerbaijan connects South Asia and West Asia to Europe and Russia
The INSTCs multimodal network integrating rail, roadway, and maritime routes is turning Azerbaijan into a logistical powerhouse
The Port of Baku, the biggest in the Caspian Sea, is undergoing fast expansion, placing itself as a key node for East-West and North-South
freight movement.Bakus positive financial investments in transit infrastructure are settling
The Baku-Tbilisi-Kars train uses a direct link to Turkey and Europe, while the Alat Free Economic Zone supplies tax incentives to draw in
global logistics and manufacturing business
These efforts are not just boosting Azerbaijans competitiveness but also reshaping the entire regions trade dynamics.Energy exchange is
another field where Azerbaijan applies strong influence
Through its oil pipelines notably the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) and gas pipelines such as TANAP and TAP, Azerbaijan guarantees energy
security for both local next-door neighbors and European consumers
Its tactical exports of clean-burning gas are particularly crucial in a world significantly concentrated on sustainable energy shift
Meanwhile, Azerbaijan is investing heavily in renewables, aiming to obtain thirty percent of its energy mix from green sources by 2030
Azerbaijans hosting of COP29 in 2024 signals its objective to take a management role in international environment discussions, leveraging
its energy know-how while championing environmental stewardship.In sum, Azerbaijans financial climb is no mishap
It is the result of tactical preparation, local cooperation, and strong investment in facilities and energy diversification
As the world seeks new trade routes, steady energy materials, and durable financial partners, Azerbaijan offers an engaging story and an
even brighter future.From the Caspian coasts to global markets, Azerbaijan is not just participating in the future of trade and energy it is
helping to form it.EF/ MA
This short article first appeared/also appeared in Tehran Times
