https://azertag.az AZERTAC - Azerbaijan State News Agency https://azertag.az/en/xeber/azerbaijan_railways_strengthens_open_dialogue_with_shippers_discusses_prospects_for_freight_transportation_development-4493376 Tue, 03 Nov 2026 17:48:00 +0400 Baku, November 3, AZERTAC A meeting was held between the management of Azerbaijan Railways (ADY) and representatives of companies that account for a significant share of the country’s freight transportation volumes and maintain close cooperation with ADY.According to Azerbaijan Railways, the meeting aimed to brief business partners on the organization’s activities and achievements in freight transportation, hear their proposals, identify common approaches, and discuss future prospects.The ADY chairman highly praised the role of shippers in the development of the national economy and the transport and logistics sector.It was emphasized that customer focus, openness, and transparency are among the key principles guiding ADY’s operations.Recalling that individual meetings with cargo owners had previously been held, the chairman noted that this was the first meeting in this format involving the company’s major shippers in terms of freight volumes.He stressed that the initiative demonstrated Azerbaijan Railways’ commitment to remaining open and accessible to its customers and fostering cooperation based on mutual trust.During the meeting, participants were briefed on ADY’s projects to modernize freight transportation infrastructure and the reforms being implemented in the sector.It was noted that reconstruction of the Sumgayit–Yalama railway line had been completed, with work to transition the line to an alternating current (AC) power supply system scheduled to begin in the next phase.Construction work at the Astara Terminal has also been completed, while the modernization of power supply, communications, and signaling systems along the Baku–Boyuk Kasik line, as well as the major overhaul of the Alat–Osmanli–Astara line, is ongoing.Train speeds have already been increased along the Osmanli–Astara section, creating opportunities to transport larger volumes of freight. It was also noted that, following the modernization of the Baku–Tbilisi–Kars railway line, its annual capacity had increased from 1 million to 5 million tonnes.Measures to renew rolling stock and expand locomotive and freight wagon fleets were also highlighted. Participants were informed that 300 new freight wagons had been purchased in 2025, while seven modern AC50 mainline freight locomotives were delivered to Azerbaijan from China in September 2026.Negotiations are underway to acquire an additional 14 locomotives.Preparations are also underway for the procurement of a further 250 wagons next year.These measures are aimed at expanding the railway network’s transportation capacity and improving service reliability.Particular attention was paid to institutional and digital transformation initiatives in the freight transportation sector.It was noted that, under the ADY Express model, railway, port, and maritime transport services are envisaged to be provided through a single-window system.The approach of “one contract, one manager, and one account” will enable customers to access various services more conveniently and efficiently while ensuring the coordinated management of transportation processes. Participants were also briefed on ongoing efforts to digitalize freight transportation, including the preparation of electronic consignment notes, shipment tracking, and automated tariff calculations.It was noted that 11 electronic services are currently available through portal.ady.az, a platform established to improve customer access to ADY services. Work is underway to further expand the functionality of the customer portal.In addition, ADY has launched the Cargo Tracking platform (cargo-tracking.ady.az), enabling cargo owners to monitor container shipments along the East–West international transport route in real time.This digital service allows cargo owners, shippers, carriers, and other stakeholders to obtain timely information on the current status of their containers. The meeting also addressed tariff policy, discount mechanisms, and ways to improve the economic efficiency of freight transportation.It was noted that the application of preferential tariffs takes into account various economic factors, including increased freight volumes, guaranteed volumes, the attraction of new cargo flows, the competitiveness of alternative routes, and other relevant considerations.During the interactive discussion, participants exchanged views on a wide range of issues raised by shippers.Particular attention was paid to the availability of wagons and platforms, delivery times, the organization of operations at railway stations, and the application of tariffs and fees.The questions raised by participants were addressed during the discussion.At the conclusion of the meeting, it was emphasized that maintaining direct and open dialogue with business partners remains a priority for ADY.It was also noted that such meetings and discussions would continue regularly, with further meetings planned with other shippers. https://azertag.az/en/xeber/socar_president_meets_with_kazmunaygas_chairman-4493328 Tue, 03 Nov 2026 17:37:00 +0400 Baku, November 3, AZERTAC On November 3, SOCAR President Rovshan Najaf met with Askhat Khassenov, Chairman of the Management Board of Kazakhstan’s KazMunayGas.During the meeting, the sides noted that the strategic relations between Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan were also developing successfully in the energy sector.They reviewed the implementation of the Memorandum on Strategic Cooperation signed between SOCAR and KazMunayGas in 2024, including efforts to expand cooperation in transporting Kazakh oil through Azerbaijan and opportunities for partnership in various areas of the energy sector. https://azertag.az/en/xeber/_bir_and_cinemastercard_announce_new_partnership_cinema_tickets_coming_soon_to_birbank-4493259 Tue, 03 Nov 2026 17:14:00 +0400 Buying tickets is about to get much easier for movie lovers. The Bir ecosystem, which unites digital services under one umbrella, is launching a new partnership with CineMastercard, one of Azerbaijan’s largest cinema networks. Through this collaboration, users will be able to purchase movie tickets directly via Birbank without switching to any additional platforms. The Bir ecosystem already simplifies everyday needs through its integrated digital solutions across fintech, payments, and e-commerce. The collaboration with CineMastercard now expands these capabilities into the entertainment sector. As part of the project, a custom interface is being developed within Birbank specifically for searching for movies and showtimes, selecting seats, and completing payments. Users will be able to choose their exact seats using an interactive map and receive their tickets instantly within the app.Following the completion of technical integration and testing, the new functionality is scheduled to launch by the end of 2026. This partnership seamlessly merges digital payment capabilities with everyday entertainment, making ticket purchasing faster, smoother, and more accessible than ever.About BirBir is the first fully integrated banking, payments and e-commerce ecosystem of the Caucasus, redefining how people and businesses interact with daily services in Azerbaijan. Launched in 2025 to unite the country’s leading brands, including Birbank, the Birmarket e-commerce platform, Milliön payment terminals, and the m10 e-wallet app, the Bir ecosystem reaches over 5 million users. Through its extensive ecosystem and strategic partnerships with the Trendyol marketplace and the BakiKart transportation payment solution, Bir, a trademark of Kapital Bank, is building the foundation for Azerbaijan’s first and largest digital ecosystem for consumers and businesses. https://azertag.az/en/xeber/azerbaijan_uk_hold_talks_on_draft_double_taxation_convention-4492761 Tue, 03 Nov 2026 14:08:00 +0400 Baku, November 3, AZERTAC A further round of negotiations has been held on a draft convention between Azerbaijan and the United Kingdom on the avoidance of double taxation with respect to taxes on income and the prevention of tax evasion.The meeting brought together representatives of Azerbaijan’s State Tax Service and authorized officials from the UK’s HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). The discussions focused on the main provisions of the draft convention.Orkhan Musayev, Head of the International Taxation and Tax Monitoring Department at Azerbaijan’s State Tax Service, emphasized the importance of the convention in strengthening bilateral economic relations and promoting business partnerships.The parties also highlighted the importance of joint efforts to improve the efficiency of tax administration. https://azertag.az/en/xeber/baku_to_host_italy_azerbaijan_business_forum-4492740 Tue, 03 Nov 2026 13:55:00 +0400 Baku, November 3, AZERTAC The Italy–Azerbaijan Business Forum, entitled “Building Strategic Partnerships for a Shared Future”, will be held in Baku on November 23, the Embassy of Italy in Azerbaijan has announced.The forum will bring together representatives of government institutions and business communities from both countries. Its programme will include a plenary session, thematic sessions and business-to-business (B2B) meetings.The event aims to explore opportunities to expand economic and industrial cooperation in the following areas:• Energy: the oil and gas sector and renewable energy sources;• Infrastructure, logistics and construction;• Advanced industry, artificial intelligence and new technologies: the application of artificial intelligence in the real economy, including data centres, high-performance computing systems and AI infrastructure; technology transfer; and the application of these technologies in manufacturing, logistics, agriculture and the agro-industrial sector. Other areas include tourism, export-oriented services, pharmaceuticals and metallurgy (steel and aluminium);• Critical raw materials. https://azertag.az/en/xeber/central_banks_of_azerbaijan_and_uzbekistan_exchange_experience_in_financial_technologies-4492626 Tue, 03 Nov 2026 12:53:00 +0400 Baku, November 3, AZERTAC A delegation from the Central Bank of Uzbekistan paid a working visit to the Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA) to exchange experiences in financial technologies and innovation.Vusal Khalilov, Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Azerbaijan, met with the Uzbek delegation.The sides discussed the importance of sharing experience, promoting innovation in the financial sector and prospects for cooperation between the central banks of the two countries.During the meeting, the Uzbek delegation was briefed on the CBA’s initiatives in financial technologies, innovation and payment systems under the Financial Sector Development Strategy for 2024–2026, as well as the relevant regulatory approaches and results achieved.The meeting also featured an exchange of views on efforts to develop the digital financial ecosystem, promote innovative financial solutions, advance payment systems and products, improve relevant infrastructure and increase access to financial services.The Uzbek delegation, in turn, shared Uzbekistan’s experience in developing a financial technology strategy, outlining its priorities and main areas of development. https://azertag.az/en/xeber/azerbaijans_central_bank_foreign_exchange_reserves_increase-4492575 Tue, 03 Nov 2026 12:45:00 +0400 Baku, November 3, AZERTACAs of October 30, 2026, the foreign-exchange reserves of the Central Bank of Azerbaijan reached $15.430,4 billion.This figure represents an increase of $67 million compared to the previous month. https://azertag.az/en/xeber/space_academy_receives_another_international_award-4492506 Tue, 03 Nov 2026 12:21:00 +0400 Baku, November 3, AZERTAC SPACE Academy of Azercosmos has been awarded the APRSAF Space Achievement Award in recognition of its activities in the space sector and its contributions to the development of space education and human capital in the region.The award was presented to representatives of SPACE Academy during the 32nd session of the Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum (APRSAF), held in Bangkok, Thailand. The award certificate noted that the Academy’s activities have made significant contributions to the space sector and have inspired the development of the next generation of space professionals and regional leaders.The APRSAF Space Achievement Award represents international recognition of SPACE Academy’s efforts in space education, public awareness, and encouraging young people’s interest in the space sector. The award demonstrates that the Academy’s initiatives to date, as well as its efforts to develop human capital in the space sector, are highly valued by the international space community.Since 2024, SPACE Academy has facilitated Azerbaijan’s participation in four existing international space education projects under APRSAF. Through these initiatives, the Academy works to expand schoolchildren and young people’s access to space sciences, develop their practical knowledge and skills, and strengthen Azerbaijan’s participation in international space education networks.It should be noted that the expansion of Azerbaijan’s cooperation within APRSAF is part of the country’s broader efforts to develop relations with Asian countries across various fields. Azerbaijan’s engagement within the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA) also contributes to expanding this cooperation and promoting multilateral dialogue. The 7th CICA Summit, held in Baku on 15 October 2026, reflects Azerbaijan’s contribution to promoting dialogue among Asian countries, strengthening mutual trust, and advancing multilateral cooperation.Established in Tokyo in 1993, APRSAF is an international platform dedicated to promoting cooperation in space activities across the Asia-Pacific region. The Forum brings together 844 leading organizations from 52 countries and 32 international organizations. It is held in different countries and jointly organized with the local host partner.The Forum promotes the peaceful use of space technologies and supports the exchange of knowledge and expertise among space agencies, government institutions, research organizations, and other stakeholders. Its main areas of activity include satellite applications, space exploration, space education, the space industry, as well as space policy, diplomacy, and law. https://azertag.az/en/xeber/__baku_steel_company_brings_industry_and_art_together_through_baku_steel_art_2026_video-4492227 Tue, 03 Nov 2026 11:00:00 +0400 Baku Steel Company CJSC (BSC) has unveiled “Baku Steel Art 2026” in Baku, an exhibition dedicated to the “Big Five” of the Caucasus. Set beside the Stone Chronicle Museum in Seaside National Park, the open-air exhibition brings the region’s wildlife to life in steel. It is open to visitors until the end of November. The exhibition features works by participants in the third International Metal Symposium, “Baku Steel Art 2026”, organized by BSC with support from QGallery.The symposium brought together 14 artists from Azerbaijan, Türkiye, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Ukraine and Estonia. For two weeks, BSC’s production site became a shared creative workshop. Using the company’s steel products, the artists created sculptural compositions, each expressing a distinctive vision of the natural world of the Caucasus.The “Big Five” comprises five species native to the Caucasus: the goitered gazelle, Caucasian leopard, brown bear, grey wolf and imperial eagle. Through these animal forms, the artists explore the relationship between people and nature. The strength of steel is contrasted with the fragility of the natural world, inviting reflection on our responsibility to protect biodiversity.The exhibition opened as part of the “Fly to Baku. Art Weekend. Sense the Future NOW” festival, which ran in Baku from 30 October to 1 November 2026.The opening was graced by the honored guests – initiator of the “Art Weekend” project, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and founder and head of IDEA Public Union Leyla Aliyeva, along with head of Baku Media Center Arzu Aliyeva and Alena Aliyeva, alongside participants and visitors of the Fly to Baku Art Weekend. Set against Baku’s historic backdrop, the steel sculptures resonated with a poetic presence, inviting viewers to reflect, engage, and be inspired. The Baku Steel Art symposia have been held since 2024. Bringing together BSC’s expertise in metallurgy and the artists’ creative vision, the project opens up new possibilities for collaboration between industry and art: steel produced at the plant becomes part of the city’s cultural landscape. ABOUT THE COMPANY Baku Steel Company CJSC is the largest metallurgical company in the South Caucasus. The company produces high-quality steel products for the construction sector, infrastructure projects and industry. https://azertag.az/en/xeber/azeri_light_sells_for_116-4492242 Tue, 03 Nov 2026 10:53:00 +0400 Baku, November 3, AZERTACThe price of Azeri Light crude oil decreased by $9.66, or 7.6 percent, to settle at $116.50 per barrel on Tuesday.The all-time low for Azeri Light was $15.81 per barrel on April 21, 2020, while the record high stood at $149.66 per barrel in July 2008. https://azertag.az/en/xeber/_bank_respublika_accessbank_announce_successful_completion_of_strategic_transaction-4492194 Tue, 03 Nov 2026 10:42:00 +0400 Bank Respublika and AccessBank have announced the successful completion of a strategic transaction under which Bank Respublika acquired 100% of AccessBank’s shares, while AccessBank’s former shareholders became shareholders of Bank Respublika by receiving newly issued preference shares in Bank Respublika. The completion of the transaction marks an important milestone in the development of both banks, bringing together their financial strength, professional expertise and complementary business models. The next stage will be a legal and operational merger, creating one of Azerbaijan’s largest banks under the Bank Respublika brand.Until the merger is completed, both banks will continue to operate under their existing brands, ensuring uninterrupted customer service and fulfilling all obligations to their customers and partners.As part of the preparations for the merger, Tariyel Ismayilov will become Chairman of the Management Board of AccessBank and will subsequently serve as Chairman of the Management Board of the merged bank. Aslan Abbasov, Deputy Chairman of the Management Board of Bank Respublika, has been appointed Acting Chairman of its Management Board.The merger will strengthen the bank’s financial position, expand its capacity to finance businesses, improve operational efficiency, accelerate the development of digital service channels and enhance the quality of banking services.Commenting on the completion of the transaction, Shakir Rahimov, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Bank Respublika, said:“The successful completion of this major transaction reflects Azerbaijan’s favourable investment climate, the resilience of its banking sector and international investors’ confidence in its prospects. We are confident that bringing together the strengths of the two banks will represent an important step in the further development of the country’s financial market. We extend our sincere gratitude to the Central Bank of Azerbaijan, the shareholders of both banks, our customers, partner banks, international financial institutions and all parties involved in the transaction for their trust, constructive cooperation and support throughout the process.” https://azertag.az/en/xeber/gold_and_silver_prices_decline_on_global_markets-4492152 Tue, 03 Nov 2026 10:32:00 +0400 Baku, November 3, AZERTACGold prices fell by $43.47 to $3,916.08 per troy ounce on the New York-based COMEX (Commodity Exchange Inc.).Silver prices also declined, dropping by $1.61 to $49.22 per ounce. https://azertag.az/en/xeber/oil_prices_rise_on_global_markets-4492146 Tue, 03 Nov 2026 10:31:00 +0400 Baku, November 3, AZERTACOil prices climbed on global markets.On the London-based Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), Brent crude futures increased by $0.70 to $105.05 per barrel. Meanwhile, Light crude futures on the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX) rose by $0.73 to $97.19 per barrel. https://azertag.az/en/xeber/azerbaijan_china_explore_establishment_of_industrial_park-4491858 Mon, 02 Nov 2026 20:07:00 +0400 Baku, November 2, AZERTACMikayil Jabbarov, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Economy, met with Gao Bo, Chairman of the China State Construction Engineering Corporation International (CSCEC International), to discuss prospects for cooperation in infrastructure, urban development, energy, industry, and other areas in Azerbaijan.“The exchange also covered the establishment of the Azerbaijan–China Industrial Park and potential cooperation with the company in this regard.We also explored opportunities to attract joint investment and leverage CSCEC International’s expertise in implementing major infrastructure and industrial projects,” Minister Jabbarov said on X. https://azertag.az/en/xeber/azcon_kazakhstans_samruk_kazyna_sovereign_wealth_fund_expand_strategic_cooperation-4491495 Mon, 02 Nov 2026 16:42:00 +0400 Baku, November 2, AZERTACA delegation led by Shahin Babayev, Executive Director of AZCON Holding, met in Kazakhstan with a delegation led by Nurlan Zhakupov, Chairman of the Management Board of the “Samruk-Kazyna” Sovereign Wealth Fund. The meeting featured the signing of a strategic cooperation agreement outlining key directions for the development of the new 'Caspian Bridge' ('Super Ferry') Trans-Caspian ferry system, alongside a term sheet establishing the core principles for constructing an intermodal cargo terminal within the Baku International Sea Trade Port. The meeting also featured an exchange of experience in corporate governance and coordination between portfolio companies, as well as cooperation opportunities on the Middle Corridor, dredging works, and marine infrastructure projects. https://azertag.az/en/xeber/__azercell_supports_she___fabric_of_the_future-4491396 Mon, 02 Nov 2026 16:04:00 +0400   Developed around the concept of gurama, a traditional Azerbaijani art form, the event spotlighted the country’s cultural heritage and new opportunities for women “Fabric of the Future,” a special event under the SHE platform founded by Azerbaijan Business Women, was held with Azercell’s support. The event explored how traditional craftsmanship can find new expression in contemporary art. Discussions also focused on creating new social and economic opportunities for women.The event featured a new collection by Amina Malikova, an artist dedicated to reviving and researching gurama, one of Azerbaijan’s traditional decorative arts, and bringing it to international audiences. Tatyana Mikayilova, Chair of Azerbaijan Business Women and founder of the SHE platform, opened the event with remarks on the idea behind the initiative and its significance.Speaking at the opening, Shirin Aliyeva, Chief Legal and Data Strategy Officer at Azercell, highlighted the role of technology and responsible business in expanding opportunities for women. “Technology helps us preserve our cultural heritage and turn it into a source of new economic opportunities. With digital skills and access to technology, women can bring traditional crafts to wider audiences and grow their businesses. Our goal is to safeguard the cultural values we have inherited while creating more opportunities for future generations,” she said. Shirin Aliyeva also outlined the company’s initiatives supporting the personal development and social well-being of women and girls.Azercell also organized a panel discussion titled “Shaping Our Future,” which explored the expectations society places on women and access to support services for women and girls.Speaking on the panel, Sona Abbasova, Azercell’s Director of Corporate Communications, discussed the importance of strengthening women’s social and economic independence and broadening opportunities for girls. She highlighted the Women’s Support Hotline and the Offline Women digital platform, two initiatives supported by Azercell that provide timely assistance to women in difficult circumstances. S. Abbasova noted that Azercell subscribers can call the hotline free of charge and access the Offline Women platform without an internet package, making it easier for women to get support when they need it most.The event continued with a conversation between actor, playwright and television presenter Kamran Aghabalayev and Amina Malikova.The partnership reflects Azercell’s commitment to enabling women to fulfil their potential and pursue new opportunities. Through initiatives in education, digital skills and social support, the company promotes women’s active participation in society and the economy. https://azertag.az/en/xeber/socar_reports_drilling_production_processing_and_export_results_for_the_third_quarter_of_2026-4491207 Mon, 02 Nov 2026 14:23:00 +0400 Baku, November 2, AZERTAC In the third quarter of 2026, SOCAR carried out more than 21,000 metres of drilling operations, representing a 74.3% increase compared to the same period of the previous year. The fields operated by the company independently or as a major shareholder produced 1.7 million tonnes of oil and 1.7 billion cubic metres of gas. Nationwide gas production amounted to 12.5 billion cubic metres. Overall, Azerbaijan produced 6.6 million tonnes of crude oil in the third quarter of 2026.During the reporting period, SOCAR exported approximately 4 million tonnes of oil to international markets. This volume includes oil produced by the company itself, as well as the profit oil shares belonging to the Azerbaijani state and SOCAR from production by international consortia operating in the country. Nationwide natural gas exports exceeded 5.7 billion cubic metres, while consumption amounted to nearly 2.3 billion cubic metres.In the third quarter of 2026, SOCAR processed more than 1.6 million tonnes of oil and nearly 632 million cubic metres of gas. A total of 657,400 tonnes of oil, petrochemical and gas-chemical products manufactured at SOCAR’s facilities in Azerbaijan were exported to international markets. Exports of oil, petrochemical and gas-chemical products increased by 2.8%. https://azertag.az/en/xeber/gold_and_silver_prices_rise_on_global_markets-4490835 Mon, 02 Nov 2026 11:34:00 +0400 Baku, November 2, AZERTACGold prices rose by $25,50 to $3,924.4 per troy ounce on the COMEX (Commodity Exchange Inc.) in New York.Silver prices also increased by $1.10 to $50.38 per ounce. https://azertag.az/en/xeber/oil_prices_decline_on_global_markets-4490652 Mon, 02 Nov 2026 10:26:00 +0400 Baku, November 2, AZERTACOn the London-based Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), Brent crude fell by $3.61 to $109.82 per barrel. On the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX), Light crude dropped by $3.60 to $100.52 per barrel. https://azertag.az/en/xeber/opec_nations_agree_to_keep_production_quotas_for_december_at_november_level-4490352 Sun, 01 Nov 2026 19:21:00 +0400 Baku, November 1, AZERTACThe seven OPEC+ nations, namely Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria, and Oman, have agreed keep oil production quotas in December at the previous month’s level, TASS reported citing OPEC."The seven OPEC+ countries, which previously announced additional voluntary adjustments in April and November 2023, namely Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria, and Oman met virtually on 1 November 2026, to review global market conditions and outlook," it said. "The seven participating countries decided to maintain September 2026 required production for December 2026."As follows from the OPEC table, Russia’s quota in December 2026 will stand at 9.949 mln barrels a day, Saudi Arabia’s at 10.478 mln barrels a day, Iraq’s - at 4.431 mln barrels a day, Kuwait’s - at 2.676 mln barrels a day, Kazakhstan’s - at 1.628 mln barrels a day, Algeria’s - at 1.007 mln barrels a day, and Oman’s - at 841,000 barrels a day."The seven countries reiterated their collective commitment to achieve full conformity with the Declaration of Cooperation," OPEC said. "The seven OPEC+ countries will continue to hold monthly meetings to review market conditions. The next meeting will be held on 29 November 2026.". https://azertag.az/en/xeber/the_european_signature_of_azerbaijani_road_engineering___azvirt_video-4489440 Sat, 31 Oct 2026 11:04:00 +0400 The reputation of Azerbaijan’s renowned road-construction company, Azvirt LLC, continues to grow in the Balkans. The company has achieved yet another success with the inauguration of a 20-kilometer section of the Zenica North–Golubinja highway, an integral part of Europe’s vital Corridor Vc. The section was constructed jointly by Azvirt and its consortium partner from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Hering. Azvirt participated in the construction of the 5.3-kilometer Vranduk–Ponirak stretch, technically the most challenging section of this road. Despite its short distance, this portion includes two bridges, a tunnel, and three large, high viaducts (the tallest reaching 112 meters). Located mainly on steep slopes and cuttings, the highway required the design and construction of numerous high retaining walls. The opening ceremony was attended by Prime Minister of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina Nermin Nikšić, Minister of Transport and Communications of the Federation Andrijana Katić, Director of the public enterprise JP Autoceste FBiH Denis Lasić, Head of the EU Delegation to Bosnia and Herzegovina Luigi Soreca, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Azerbaijan to Bosnia and Herzegovina Vilayat Guliyev, Azvirt Executive Director Kamil Aliyev, and other officials.In their speeches at the ceremony, Prime Minister Nermin Nikšić and other officials expressed their gratitude to the partners and contractors, expressing confidence that this success would bring tangible benefits to the region.At the end of 2024, Azvirt, together with its Chinese consortium partners, completed another major project in Bosnia and Herzegovina: the Počitelj Bridge, an impressive engineering structure measuring 945 meters in length and supported by viaducts nearly 100 meters high. Furthermore, to date, the company has completed a series of key projects in Serbia, Ukraine, and Kyrgyzstan, while continuing construction work on several others.Kamil Aliyev, Executive Director of the company, emphasized that Azvirt continues to benefit from the care and support of the Azerbaijani government and President Ilham Aliyev in achieving these accomplishments. “Taking this opportunity, we express our gratitude to our country’s leadership for this support. Thanks to this backing, we have gained the opportunity to demonstrate Azerbaijan’s engineering potential and the professionalism of our specialists. Therefore, we strive to perform high-quality work on every project we undertake, honoring this trust and responsibility.”In addition, Azvirt has spearheaded major infrastructure projects in Azerbaijan. Over the past five to six years, the company has completed the runways, aprons, and taxiways at Fuzuli, Zangilan, and Lachin international airports in Garabagh, as well as the construction of the Horadiz–Jabrayil–Zangilan–Aghband, Ahmadbayli–Fuzuli–Shusha, and Fuzuli–Hadrut highways, along with a section of the new Baku–Guba–Russian Federation state border highway. Azvirt is currently continuing work on challenging terrain along the Kalbajar–Lachin highway, at the Alat Cargo Terminal, on the Zangezur (TRIPP) railway corridor, and on the project to separate the Green and Red lines at the 28 May station of the Baku Metro. https://azertag.az/en/xeber/azerbaijani_oil_sells_for_126-4489410 Sat, 31 Oct 2026 10:25:00 +0400 Baku, October 31, AZERTACThe price of Azeri Light crude oil increased by $3.88, or 3.17 percent, to settle at $126.16 per barrel on Saturday.The all-time low for Azeri Light was $15.81 per barrel on April 21, 2020, while the record high stood at $149.66 per barrel in July 2008.   https://azertag.az/en/xeber/azerbaijans_central_bank_officials_discuss_promoting_financial_sector_innovation_in_dushanbe-4488996 Fri, 30 Oct 2026 19:02:00 +0400 Baku, October 30, AZERTAC An Azerbaijani delegation led by Vusal Khalilov, Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Azerbaijan, participated in the 4th Regional Meeting of Representatives of Central (National) Banks of Central Asian Countries and Azerbaijan on the Development of Payment Systems, held in Dushanbe.Speaking at the meeting, Khalilov briefed participants on Azerbaijan’s initiatives to modernize its payment sector, enhance the resilience and operational efficiency of national payment infrastructure, and expand the use of advanced payment solutions. He also shared the country’s experience in integrating artificial intelligence into supervisory processes.The Deputy Governor underscored the importance of stronger regional cooperation and knowledge-sharing in promoting the development and integration of payment systems and facilitating the introduction of innovative solutions.Representatives of the central banks also highlighted initiatives to promote innovation in the financial sector, improve regulatory frameworks and advance data management.The meeting focused on regional payment trends, modern financial technologies and the development of national payment systems. The participants agreed to establish a joint working group to explore the integration of payment systems and signed a protocol outlining future cooperation priorities. https://azertag.az/en/xeber/socar_opens_100th_petrol_station_in_romania-4488981 Fri, 30 Oct 2026 18:54:00 +0400 Bucharest, October 30, AZERTAC The State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) has commissioned its 100th petrol station in Romania.The new station is located in the city of Galati.Addressing the inauguration ceremony, SOCAR Vice-President Anar Mammadov emphasized that the company’s operations in Romania represent one of the key areas of its strategy.The station will offer Nano 95 and Nano 98 petrol, as well as Nano Diesel and Nano Super Diesel. Azerbaijani products will also be available at the Nar café on the premises. Igbal Hajiyev Special correspondent https://azertag.az/en/xeber/art_riverfront_hotel_tbilisi_opens_in_georgian_capital-4488969 Fri, 30 Oct 2026 18:52:00 +0400 Tbilisi, October 30, AZERTAC Prime Ministers Ali Asadov of Azerbaijan and Irakli Kobakhidze of Georgia attended the inauguration of ART Riverfront Hotel Tbilisi.Located on the banks of the Kura River in the Georgian capital, the hotel combines modern design with an artistic concept. It offers 152 rooms, a restaurant, conference halls and a range of other amenities.The hotel’s opening is expected to contribute to strengthening investment, tourism and economic cooperation between Azerbaijan and Georgia. ART Riverfront Hotel Tbilisi is a five-star hotel developed by PASHA Real Estate Group, and operated by Absheron Hotel Group.Absheron Hotel Group, part of PASHA Real Estate Group, brings together the Group's hospitality expertise and activities, supporting the development of hospitality projects across local and international markets. Khatayi Azizov Special correspondent https://azertag.az/en/xeber/georgian_pm_says_positive_dynamics_in_relations_with_azerbaijan_will_continue-4488843 Fri, 30 Oct 2026 18:03:00 +0400 Signagi, October 30, AZERTAC “We are keen to cooperate with Azerbaijan in the economic, energy, military, transport and logistics sectors,” Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze told journalists following the 11th meeting of the Azerbaijan–Georgia Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation.According to him, in addition to the bilateral economic agenda, the meeting also covered other areas of the strategic partnership, including trade, science and culture. The Georgian Prime Minister expressed hope that this positive momentum would be maintained in the future.He added that Georgia enjoyed not only a strategic partnership with Azerbaijan but also friendly relations between the two peoples. Khatayi Azizov Special correspondent https://azertag.az/en/xeber/central_banks_of_azerbaijan_uzbekistan_explore_cooperation-4488831 Fri, 30 Oct 2026 17:57:00 +0400 Baku, October 30, AZERTAC A delegation from the Central Bank of Uzbekistan (CBU) has visited the Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA) to exchange experience in risk management.During the visit, the CBU presented Uzbekistan’s experience in identifying and assessing strategic and operational risks, applying Key Risk Indicators (KRIs), conducting Risk and Control Self-Assessments (RCSA), and integrating Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) processes.According to the CBA’s post on X, the discussions also covered risk management related to the use of models, information technology and cybersecurity, as well as financial risk management, assessment methodologies and institutional approaches. https://azertag.az/en/xeber/mariam_kvrivishvili_georgia_and_azerbaijan_contribute_to_regional_transport_network_development_within_middle_corridor-4488519 Fri, 30 Oct 2026 16:08:00 +0400 Signagi, October 30, AZERTAC “One of the key issues discussed at the 11th meeting of the Azerbaijan–Georgia Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation was the deepening of trade relations and the strengthening of energy cooperation. In this regard, issues related to cooperation in the electricity and natural gas sectors were discussed,” said Mariam Kvrivishvili, Georgian Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development.According to her, transport cooperation was also in the spotlight at the meeting.“Georgia and Azerbaijan play a special role in this area. As part of the Middle Corridor, both countries make a significant contribution to expanding transport opportunities and developing the regional transport network.” Khatayi Azizov Special correspondent https://azertag.az/en/xeber/azerbaijan_georgia_sign_cooperation_documents_in_signagi-4488474 Fri, 30 Oct 2026 15:37:00 +0400 Signagi, October 30, AZERTAC On October 30, a signing ceremony was held on the sidelines of the 11th meeting of the Azerbaijan–Georgia Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation in Signagi.Shahin Baghirov, Chairman of Azerbaijan’s State Customs Committee, and Mamuka Baratashvili, Deputy Minister of Finance of Georgia and Head of the Revenue Service, signed the Protocol between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of Georgia on the practical functioning of the Silk Road–Abreshumis Gza joint international road border checkpoint.Goshgar Tahmazli, Chairman of Azerbaijan’s Food Safety Agency (AQTA), and Giorgi Iakobashvili, Head of the National Food Agency under Georgia’s Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, signed two memorandums of understanding on cooperation between the agencies in the fields of plant quarantine and protection, and veterinary services. Khatayi Azizov Special correspondent https://azertag.az/en/xeber/ali_asadov_joint_energy_projects_are_crucial_for_ensuring_europes_energy_security-4488171 Fri, 30 Oct 2026 13:53:00 +0400 Signagi, October 30, AZERTAC “Joint energy projects between Azerbaijan and Georgia, particularly the Baku–Tbilisi–Ceyhan pipeline and the Southern Gas Corridor, play a crucial role in ensuring Europe’s energy security and diversifying energy supply routes,” Azerbaijani Prime Minister Ali Asadov said at the 11th meeting of the Azerbaijan–Georgia Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation in Signagi.He noted that Azerbaijani natural gas was currently exported to 16 countries.Ali Asadov also highlighted the steady development of bilateral cooperation in the electricity sector.“Following a major power outage in Georgia this July, Azerbaijan promptly provided support in response to a request from the Georgian side. Specifically, electricity exchanges between the two countries’ power systems have been significantly increased and remain at this higher level. Furthermore, as a successful outcome of our bilateral green energy cooperation, the two countries have launched a green energy corridor to Europe. This project will be crucial to ensuring Europe’s energy security,” he said.“Transport and transit remain among the most important areas of our bilateral partnership. The two countries are working together to develop the Middle Corridor. A key element of this effort is the expansion of the operational capacity of the Baku–Tbilisi–Kars railway, increasing its annual throughput capacity to five million tonnes. This is a clear result of our successful joint efforts,” he emphasized.“Cultural and humanitarian ties also remain a key priority. I hope construction of the new building for the Heydar Aliyev Tbilisi State Azerbaijani Drama Theatre will begin soon.“Moreover, the Azerbaijani community in Georgia and the Georgian community in Azerbaijan play a unique role in strengthening bilateral ties. Ensuring access to education in their native languages and supporting local schools directly contribute to the enduring friendship between our two peoples,” the Azerbaijani Prime Minister added. Khatayi Azizov Special correspondent https://azertag.az/en/xeber/irakli_kobakhidze_energy_cooperation_is_a_key_priority_in_azerbaijan_georgia_strategic_relations-4488000 Fri, 30 Oct 2026 12:40:00 +0400 Signagi, October 30, AZERTAC “Cooperation in the energy sector is one of the key priorities in the strategic relations between Azerbaijan and Georgia,” Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said at the 11th meeting of the Azerbaijan–Georgia Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation.He emphasized that the Baku–Tbilisi–Ceyhan oil pipeline, the Baku–Tbilisi–Erzurum gas pipeline, the Baku–Supsa oil pipeline and the Southern Gas Corridor, jointly implemented by the two countries, have for many years facilitated the transit of energy resources and contributed to ensuring Europe’s energy security.The Prime Minister noted that Georgia was also participating in the development of a green energy project with Azerbaijan. The project aims to facilitate the transmission of renewable energy resources to European markets via the South Caucasus.He also highlighted that cooperation between the two countries extended to other areas, including defense, culture, education, agriculture, healthcare, tourism and environmental protection.Kobakhidze reaffirmed Georgia’s readiness to further strengthen existing ties and develop new areas of cooperation. Khatayi Azizov Special correspondent https://azertag.az/en/xeber/ali_asadov_trade_between_azerbaijan_and_georgia_rises_42_percent_in_nine_months_nearing_1_billion-4487934 Fri, 30 Oct 2026 12:14:00 +0400 Signagi, October 30, AZERTAC “Georgia is one of Azerbaijan’s key trading partners. In the first nine months of this year, trade between the two countries increased by 42 percent, approaching $1 billion and exceeding the figure recorded last year,” Azerbaijani Prime Minister Ali Asadov said at the 11th meeting of the Azerbaijan–Georgia Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation.The Prime Minister noted that trade and economic cooperation between the two countries continued to develop positively.“Azerbaijan is the largest investor in Georgia. To date, nearly $4 billion has been invested in the country,” Ali Asadov added. Khatayi Azizov Special correspondent https://azertag.az/en/xeber/__pasha_real_estate_group_and_marriott_international_sign_agreement_for_jw_marriott_branded_residences_in_tashkent-4487772 Fri, 30 Oct 2026 11:23:00 +0400   PASHA Real Estate Group and Marriott International, Inc. have signed an agreement for JW Marriott branded residences in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The planned residences will occupy two residential buildings within a mixed-use development by PASHA Real Estate Group.The development is planned to comprise three buildings: one accommodating The Ritz-Carlton, Tashkent hotel and The Ritz-Carlton Residences, and two dedicated to JW Marriott branded residences. The development will also feature a retail promenade with luxury shops and restaurants. The JW Marriott residences are expected to complement The Ritz-Carlton offer and provide thoughtfully designed living spaces.“This agreement is an important milestone for PASHA Real Estate Group and reflects our approach to creating high-quality developments that bring together international expertise, thoughtful design and a strong focus on the overall customer experience,” said Özgür Geter, Chief Executive Officer of PASHA Real Estate Group. “Our collaboration with Marriott International is central to this development, and the agreement for JW Marriott branded residences marks another significant step in bringing our plans in Tashkent to life.”Jaidev Menezes, Marriott International Regional Vice President, Mixed-Use Development, EMEA, added, “Tashkent is an exciting and evolving market, where we are seeing growing demand for branded residences that combine exceptional design, world-class amenities and the assurance of a trusted global brand. Building on our longstanding relationship with PASHA Real Estate Group, we look forward to bringing JW Marriott’s mindful approach to luxury living to this development and creating an elevated residential experience for homeowners.”The Ritz-Carlton, Tashkent and The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Tashkent are currently under development and are anticipated to introduce The Ritz-Carlton brand to Uzbekistan. The planned JW Marriott residences will form part of the same mixed-use destination.The signing further strengthens the relationship between PASHA Real Estate Group and Marriott International, whose collaboration includes hotel and residential projects under The Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott, St. Regis, Marriott Hotels, Sheraton, Courtyard by Marriott and Autograph Collection brands across Azerbaijan, Georgia and Uzbekistan.Through this development, PASHA Real Estate Group continues to expand its presence in Uzbekistan, bringing internationally recognized hospitality and residential concepts together in a single destination.About PASHA Real Estate GroupPart of PASHA Holding, PASHA Real Estate Group specializes in real estate investment, development, sales, leasing, strategic management and operations. The Group’s geographical footprint spans Azerbaijan, Türkiye, Georgia, Uzbekistan, Montenegro and the United States.The Group’s portfolio includes luxury hotels, world-class resorts, shopping centers, premium residential properties and mixed-use developments. Guided by its commitment to quality, reliability and customer-centricity, PASHA Real Estate Group strives to set new industry standards globally and enhance the value of its assets.www.pasharealestate.az https://azertag.az/en/xeber/oil_prices_rise_on_global_markets-4487634 Fri, 30 Oct 2026 10:41:00 +0400 Baku, October 30, AZERTAC Oil prices climbed on global markets.On the London-based Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), Brent crude futures increased by $1.55 to $116.40 per barrel. Meanwhile, Light crude futures on the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX) rose by $1.39 to $103.40 per barrel. https://azertag.az/en/xeber/azeri_light_sells_for_12228-4487595 Fri, 30 Oct 2026 10:35:00 +0400 Baku, October 30, AZERTAC The price of Azeri Light crude oil fell by $3.14, or 2.5 per cent, to $122.28 per barrel on Friday.The all-time low for Azeri Light was $15.81 per barrel on April 21, 2020, while its record high stood at $149.66 per barrel in July 2008. https://azertag.az/en/xeber/gold_and_silver_prices_decline_on_global_markets-4487604 Fri, 30 Oct 2026 10:12:00 +0400 Baku, October 30, AZERTACGold prices fell by $28.99 to $3,989.91 per troy ounce on the New York-based COMEX (Commodity Exchange Inc.).Silver prices also declined, dropping by $1.35 to $50.97 per ounce. https://azertag.az/en/xeber/azerbaijan_among_countries_supplying_fuel_to_kyrgyzstan-4487247 Thu, 29 Oct 2026 20:12:00 +0400 Baku, October 29, AZERTAC The first shipments of fuel from China have begun arriving in Kyrgyzstan by rail, Kanatbek Eshatov, President of the Association of Oil Traders of Kyrgyzstan, told the Kabar News Agency on the sidelines of a meeting dedicated to ensuring the country’s energy stability.According to Eshatov, Kyrgyzstan previously imported fuel primarily from Russia, but now also receives supplies from countries including Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Belarus and Türkiye.“In August, during the summer, our representatives, accompanied by government officials, visited China and signed agreements with major Chinese companies. Initially, fuel was transported by road. However, today, October 28, the first shipments from China have begun arriving in Kyrgyzstan by rail,” he said.Eshatov noted that the diesel fuel supply situation in Kyrgyzstan was currently stable, while the country was experiencing a slight shortage of petrol, making it difficult to purchase the desired volumes. As a result, Kyrgyzstan is seeking to diversify its sources of fuel supplies and increase import volumes.“We aim to increase our domestic reserves. Ideally, we would like to build up a two- to three-month supply of petrol,” he said.According to Eshatov, Kyrgyzstan consumes around 1,200 tonnes of petrol and a similar volume of diesel fuel daily. Total daily domestic fuel consumption amounts to approximately 2,500–3,000 tonnes. https://azertag.az/en/xeber/economic_cooperation_organization_clean_energy_centre_represented_at_european_hydrogen_week_2026_in_brussels-4487016 Thu, 29 Oct 2026 17:57:00 +0400 Baku, October 29, AZERTAC The Economic Cooperation Organization Clean Energy Centre (CECECO), SOCAR Green and Hydrogen Europe jointly organized a high-level side event entitled “Connecting Europe with Emerging Clean Energy Markets: Accelerating Green Hydrogen Development” on the sidelines of European Hydrogen Week 2026 in Brussels.Speakers highlighted the importance of such events in fostering dialogue, exchanging expertise, identifying new opportunities for cooperation, and translating shared energy transition ambitions into concrete partnerships and initiatives. The meeting also underscored Azerbaijan’s role as a reliable energy partner of the European Union, the strategic importance of Azerbaijan–EU energy cooperation, and prospects for strengthening partnerships in renewable energy.The discussions focused on perspectives from the public and private sectors, industry stakeholders, and international and regional organizations, highlighting their respective roles in advancing clean energy markets. Particular attention was given to the potential of green energy corridors connecting the ECO region with Europe, including opportunities for green hydrogen exports, as well as their contribution to sustainable economic growth, regional connectivity, and cross-border energy cooperation.The side event also provided a platform to promote dialogue among stakeholders on the enabling conditions for clean energy development, including green hydrogen, through supportive policy frameworks, investment, infrastructure and international cooperation.By bringing together perspectives from Europe and emerging clean energy markets, CECECO, SOCAR Green and Hydrogen Europe underscored the importance of collaborative approaches to unlocking the potential of and advancing the development of interconnected, sustainable energy markets.The event also featured a presentation “Hydrogen Knowledge Guide: Key Terms and Definitions,” developed by CECECO to promote a shared understanding of key concepts across the hydrogen value chain. Covering 12 thematic chapters, the guide supports knowledge-building and capacity development in the region, contributing to the objectives of the COP29 Hydrogen Declaration to advance international cooperation and scale up development of renewable, clean, zero-emission and low-carbon hydrogen. https://azertag.az/en/xeber/__32_ai_powered_teams_compete_in_virtual_football_tournament-4486893 Thu, 29 Oct 2026 17:15:00 +0400 Organized by AWS User Group Baku with Azercell’s support, the AWS Agentic Football Cup challenged participants to develop AI agents capable of making autonomous decisions on a virtual football pitch. Artificial intelligence took to the virtual pitch at the AWS Agentic Football Cup. Organized by AWS User Group Baku with Azercell’s support, the tournament featured 32 teams competing with AI-powered football squads they had developed.With guidance from Amazon Web Services (AWS) mentors, participants developed virtual football squads with five AI agents each. During matches, the agents independently made tactical decisions about passing, attacking and defending. Participants analyzed match results to refine their code and strategies, while AWS mentors helped to enhance their technical solutions and explore the capabilities of cloud technologies.The tournament brought together students, engineers and aspiring developers to exchange knowledge. By combining football with coding, the competition provided an excellent platform for participants to observe how their AI agents responded to changing match conditions. They also gained hands-on experience in developing agentic AI solutions and deploying them on the AWS cloud platform. Three winning teams were selected at the end of the tournament.By supporting this initiative, Azercell invests in the development of local talent in AI and cloud technologies, contributing to the growth of Azerbaijan’s technology community and the country’s wider digital ecosystem. https://azertag.az/en/xeber/azal_announces_export_revenues_for_january_september-4486851 Thu, 29 Oct 2026 17:06:00 +0400 Baku, October 29, AZERTACAzerbaijan Airlines CJSC (AZAL) generated $8.2 million in export revenues in January–September of this year, marking 24.1% or $2.6 million decline compared to the same period last year, according to the October edition of the "Export Review” magazine published by the Center for Analysis of Economic Reforms and Communication (CAERC).The airline's export revenues stood at $10.8 million during January–September 2025. https://azertag.az/en/xeber/azerbaijans_energy_ministry_socar_organize_energy_and_ai_hackathon-4486827 Thu, 29 Oct 2026 16:58:00 +0400 Baku, October 29, AZERTACThe Energy & AI Hackathon will be held for university students through a joint partnership between Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Energy and SOCAR, as part of the Switch Off and Win! energy efficiency campaign implemented by the Ministry of Energy of Azerbaijan.The Hackathon, scheduled to take place on 11 December at Baku Higher Oil School, aims to harness students’ innovative and technological potential to address practical challenges in energy efficiency and encourage the development of innovative, practically applicable solutions using artificial intelligence and digital technologies.As part of the Hackathon, participants will be provided with real energy consumption data. Participating teams will be tasked with analysing the data to identify instances of inefficient energy consumption, determine their potential causes, and develop AI-based digital solutions or functional prototypes aimed at reducing energy waste.The competition is open to third- and fourth-year undergraduate students, as well as master's and doctoral students pursuing degrees in energy, engineering, information technology, computer science, artificial intelligence, data analytics, economics, and other related disciplines. Teams must consist of a minimum of three and a maximum of five members. Each team is required to complete a registration form.The Hackathon offers a total prize of 10500 AZN, with 5000 AZN awarded to the first-place team, 3500 AZN to the second-place team, and 2000 AZN to the third-place team.Students wishing to participate in the Hackathon can apply by 15 November 2026 via the registration form.For further information about the competition, please visit the Ministry's official website or contact energyhackathon@minenergy.gov.az. https://azertag.az/en/xeber/azerenergys_export_revenues_increased_over_53_percent-4486737 Thu, 29 Oct 2026 16:31:00 +0400 Baku, October 29, AZERTACIn January–September 2026, AzerEnergy OJSC exported products worth $9.2 million, according to the October issue of the "Export Review" published by the Center for Analysis of Economic Reforms and Communication (CAERC).This represents an increase of $3.2 million, or 53.3 percent, compared to the same period of the previous year.In January–September 2025, AzerEnergy OJSC's export revenues amounted to $6 million. https://azertag.az/en/xeber/ministry_of_digital_development_and_transport_wonderful_sign_mou_to_bring_ai_across_azerbaijan_039s_government_and_accelerate_ai_adoption-4486680 Thu, 29 Oct 2026 16:10:00 +0400 Baku, October 29, AZERTAC A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Digital Development and Transport and Wonderful, an AI operating system for enterprises and critical organizations, to facilitate cooperation on artificial intelligence (AI) solutions and related digital technologies.The document establishes a framework for exploring opportunities to deploy AI solutions on Wonderful’s platform across ministries, government agencies and state-owned enterprises.The broader ambition is to transform how public services are delivered, making them faster, more accessible, and more responsive to the needs of citizens and businesses, while empowering government institutions to operate more efficiently and at scale.The parties envisage a shared AI platform serving citizens, businesses and government institutions, with one set of controls, and plan to deploy it on Azerbaijan’s Government Cloud (G-Cloud). Based on this vision, the parties will jointly identify high-impact use cases and consider the broader deployment of successful solutions across the public sector.The Baku-hosted signing ceremony was attended by Rashad Hasanov, Deputy Minister of Digital Development and Transport; Farid Osmanov, Chairman of the Board of the Innovation and Digital Development Agency; and a delegation from Wonderful led by Bar Winkler, co-founder and CEO, which included Omer Perez, Managing Director of Central Eastern Europe, and Vitaly Gordon, General Manager of the Caucasus and Central Asia.Rashad Hasanov, Deputy Minister of Digital Development and Transport, said that “the true value of artificial intelligence lies in its ability to deliver practical improvements in how governments operate and how people access public services. Through our cooperation with Wonderful, we aim to explore solutions that can make public administration more efficient, responsive and accessible. This cooperation is also aligned with the priorities of the Action Plan for 2026–2028 on Accelerating Digital Development and forms part of our wider effort to ensure that technological progress delivers tangible benefits to citizens, businesses and the economy.”Bar Winkler, co-founder and CEO of Wonderful, said: “We see the Republic of Azerbaijan as a strategic, long-term partner, and our goal is to support the government, its citizens and critical organizations across all of their AI needs.” He added: “Alongside our partnership, we are proud to build out our local team and presence here in Baku and accelerate AI adoption across the country.”Following the signing, a government AI roundtable was held with the participation of the Innovation and Digital Development Agency (IDDA) and several government institutions already engaged in advanced planning for prioritized AI pilot projects.Wonderful showcased AI-powered solutions tailored to the needs of government entities, demonstrating the versatility of its unified platform.The demonstrations covered residence application checks, import document verification, an anonymous assistant for families in Azerbaijani, voice support for myGov services and assistance for public transport passengers. Each solution addresses a different problem using a single platform, helping deliver faster and more accessible services.The parties have also agreed to cooperate in strengthening local capacity, sharing knowledge and expertise, and developing relevant skills. Wonderful intends to invest in Azerbaijan for the long term, including establishing a local entity in Baku, hiring local professionals and training Azerbaijani specialists.As an early demonstration of this commitment, Wonderful has already hired its first employee in Azerbaijan, marking a tangible first step towards building its local team and establishing a lasting presence in the country.The aim is to ensure that AI solutions contribute to Azerbaijan’s long-term national digital development objectives.Wonderful has also expressed interest in supporting Azerbaijan’s efforts to strengthen the local ICT industry and the international competitiveness of its technology sector.The initial collaboration with government entities is designed to lay the groundwork for broader AI adoption across Azerbaijan’s public sector, with the potential to scale successful solutions across government institutions.The Memorandum is aligned with the objectives of the “Artificial Intelligence Strategy of the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2025–2028” and the “Action Plan for 2026–2028 on Accelerating Digital Development,” as well as the Ministry’s efforts to build a modern, citizen-centred and data-driven public sector. https://azertag.az/en/xeber/azergold_039s_export_revenues_increase_over_31_percent-4486617 Thu, 29 Oct 2026 15:53:00 +0400 Baku, october 29, AZERTACGold topped the list of Azerbaijan's non-oil exports (excluding non-monetary gold) in the first nine months of 2026, generating $313.1 million in revenue, which marks a 31.6 percent increase year-on-year.According to the October edition of the "Export Review" published by the Center for Analysis of Economic Reforms and Communication (CAERC), copper ores and concentrates ranked second with $213.5 million, followed by tomatoes in third place with $172.3 million.In September alone, gold remained the leading non-oil export commodity, bringing in $41.9 million. Copper ores and concentrates ranked second with $29.8 million, while mineral or chemical nitrogen fertilizers placed third with $21.6 million.During the January–September period, Azerbaijan’s primary destinations for non-oil exports (excluding non-monetary gold) were the Russian Federation $881.4 million, Türkiye $475.2 million, Georgia $443 million, Switzerland $327.9 million, and Ukraine $121.2 million.In September, non-oil products worth $67.2 million were exported to the Russian Federation, $56.5 million to Georgia, $43.5 million to Switzerland, $40.2 million to Türkiye, and $29.8 million to the United Arab Emirates. https://azertag.az/en/xeber/_azerbaijan_airlines_and_sea_breeze_announce_100_winners_of_joint_lottery-4486593 Thu, 29 Oct 2026 15:47:00 +0400 The grand prize winner of the “Sky and Sea” (“Səma və Dəniz”) lottery, jointly organized by Azerbaijan Airlines and Sea Breeze for members of the AZAL Miles loyalty program, has won an apartment in the Park Lane residential complex at Sea Breeze Resort. A total of 100 winners were selected in an electronic draw held on September 28 and broadcast live. In addition to the grand prize — an apartment in the Park Lane residential complex — the prize pool included flight miles, ABB–AZAL Miles Co-brand Infinite and Platinum cards, annual memberships at Crocus Fitness Baku, and gift vouchers for the Aghalarov Rest restaurant chain.The campaign ran from July 8 to September 8, 2026. During this period, participants earned chances to win through flight ticket purchases, earning and redeeming miles, and other eligible transactions specified in the lottery terms and conditions. To participate in the draw, AZAL Miles members were required to confirm their participation through their personal accounts.The full list of winners is available on the official Azerbaijan Airlines website. https://azertag.az/en/xeber/taleh_kazimov_azerbaijans_central_bank_could_purchase_1_billion_in_foreign_currency_by_year_end-4486347 Thu, 29 Oct 2026 14:13:00 +0400 Baku, October 29, AZERTAC Azerbaijan’s Central Bank could purchase $1 billion in foreign currency by the end of this year, Governor of the Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA) Taleh Kazimov said at a press conference.He noted that the Central Bank had purchased $3.6 billion worth of foreign currency so far this year. https://azertag.az/en/xeber/azerbaijans_strategic_foreign_exchange_reserves_reach_894_billion-4486305 Thu, 29 Oct 2026 14:01:00 +0400 Baku, October 29, AZERTAC Azerbaijan’s strategic foreign exchange reserves increased by $4.3 billion to reach $89.4 billion, Governor of the Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA) Taleh Kazimov said at a press conference.He noted that the country’s strategic foreign exchange reserves are sufficient to cover 40 months of imports of goods and services. https://azertag.az/en/xeber/azercosmos_export_revenues_increased_15_times_in_january__september_2026-4486281 Thu, 29 Oct 2026 13:44:00 +0400 Baku, October 29, AZERTACIn January–September 2026, the Space Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan (Azercosmos) provided telecommunications services worth $19.6 million to nearly 95 companies from 36 countries around the world, according to the October edition of the "Export Review” magazine published by the Center for Analysis of Economic Reforms and Communication.Compared with the same period last year, this reflects a decrease of 5 countries, alongside 1.5 times increase in service value, while export operations accounted for 61% of total revenues generated during this period.During the reporting period, the top five destinations for exports of satellite telecommunications services were the United Kingdom with $3.1 million, Luxembourg with $2.4 million, Türkiye with $989.7 thousand, Pakistan with $884.4 thousand, and Egypt with $484.9 thousand. https://azertag.az/en/xeber/sofaz_indonesia_explore_investment_cooperation-4486197 Thu, 29 Oct 2026 13:05:00 +0400 Baku, October 29, AZERTAC Israfil Mammadov, Chief Executive Officer of the State Oil Fund of the Republic of Azerbaijan (SOFAZ), met with a delegation led by Todotua Pasaribu, Indonesia’s Vice Minister of Investment and Downstream Industry.The meeting was attended by Berlian Helmy, Indonesia’s Ambassador to Azerbaijan, representatives of Danantara, Indonesia’s state investment holding company, and other Indonesian investment institutions.The parties exchanged views on the development of economic and investment relations between Azerbaijan and Indonesia, the expansion of institutional cooperation, and investment opportunities of mutual interest. Discussions also focused on SOFAZ’s investment activities across Asian markets, its partnerships with leading investment institutions in the region, and the opportunities these relationships could create for future cooperation.In this context, the parties discussed the China–ASEAN Investment Platform, established in April 2026 by SOFAZ, China Investment Corporation, and Indonesia Investment Authority. The platform represents a concrete example of the institutional cooperation already established among the parties and offers additional opportunities for private equity investment and long-term partnerships across Southeast Asia’s high-growth markets.The meeting also addressed prospects for cooperation in various areas, including infrastructure, technology, and the digital economy. The parties emphasized the importance of maintaining institutional dialogue and further developing engagement on investment themes of mutual interest. https://azertag.az/en/xeber/azerbaijan_indonesia_discuss_partnership_opportunities_in_mining_sector-4486167 Thu, 29 Oct 2026 12:53:00 +0400 Baku, October 29, AZERTACAzerGold CJSC hosted a meeting with a delegation led by Todotua Pasaribu, Vice Minister of Investment and Downstream Industry of the Republic of Indonesia and Vice Chairman of the Investment Coordinating Board.During the meeting, Zakir Ibrahimov, Chairman of the Executive Board of AzerGold CJSC, provided information on the achievements made by the Company over its 10 years of operation, the strategic projects it has implemented, and its future development targets.The parties discussed the potential for investment cooperation in the mining industry between Azerbaijan and Indonesia, as well as the prospects for implementing joint projects. In particular, an exchange of views was held regarding the opportunities for AzerGold CJSC to participate as an investor in prospective mining projects in Indonesia and to establish investment partnerships.The Indonesian side expressed interest in the mining projects implemented in Azerbaijan, particularly in the Dashkasan iron ore project, which is one of the strategic projects of AzerGold CJSC. The execution prospects of the project and possible areas of cooperation were discussed.At the conclusion of the meeting, the parties agreed to continue technical discussions on projects of mutual interest and to define the next stages of cooperation based on their outcomes.