Category: Azer News

Azerbaijan’s resolute intention to diversify its economy away from hydrocarbons and foster sustainable growth is receiving robust support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), reflecting a long-standing and trusted partnership between the two. For decades, ADB has been a vital ally in Azerbaijan’s economic development, and today, its efforts align closely with the country’s strategic priorities – particularly in promoting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and advancing the green economy.

At the heart of Azerbaijan’s national agenda is the vision outlined in the ‘Azerbaijan 2030: National Priorities for Socio-Economic Development,’ which positions SMEs as a key driver of inclusive growth and employment diversification. This vision mirrors ADB’s commitment to nurturing SMEs as essential pillars of resilient economies throughout Asia.

These initiatives are particularly important for fostering balanced regional development beyond the capital, unlocking untapped potential across Azerbaijan.

The focus on SMEs is strategic and forward-looking. Globally, SMEs represent over 90% of businesses and are the largest source of employment. In Azerbaijan, empowering these enterprises within the green economy not only supports climate commitments but also enhances competitiveness by encouraging resource efficiency, access to green finance, and compliance with international standards.

However, SMEs often face barriers such as limited access to technology and capital, and gaps in knowledge regarding environmental regulations. ADB’s comprehensive support model – integrating finance, capacity building, and policy engagement – effectively addresses these challenges, maximizing the impact of interventions.

The trust built over years between Azerbaijan and ADB ensures that these initiatives are well-tailored to the country’s unique socio-economic landscape, promising sustainable outcomes that extend beyond short-term gains.

As Azerbaijan accelerates its economic diversification and green transition, the synergy between national priorities and ADB’s support creates a powerful foundation for sustainable growth. By empowering SMEs and fostering innovation, Azerbaijan is charting a resilient and inclusive economic future, while contributing to global environmental goals. This enduring partnership signals confidence in Azerbaijan’s potential as a regional leader in sustainable development.

A trusted partnership driving green growth – Sunniya Durrani-Jamal, Director of ADB’s Azerbaijan office, highlighted this synergy during her address at the ‘Halal Business Forum.’ ‘Our collaboration with the Azerbaijani government, especially the Ministry of Economy and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (SMBDA), focuses on expanding the private sector and supporting SMEs, which we see as fundamental to both economic vitality and environmental sustainability,’ she explained.

With a dedicated local team and a strategic approach that goes beyond financing, ADB is investing in building business capacity, promoting sustainable practices, and facilitating innovation. This holistic strategy is designed to empower SMEs to thrive, generate employment, and foster long-term community well-being.

SMEs in Azerbaijan are increasingly recognized as drivers of the country’s green transition. The Baku Climate Coalition, initiated under the framework of COP29 with ADB’s active involvement, underlines the importance of SMEs in adopting environmentally sustainable business models. The coalition’s declaration prioritizes strengthening SME capabilities and stimulating demand for green solutions, signaling a new phase in Azerbaijan’s climate action.

The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (SMBDA) plays a crucial role by championing alternative energy projects and supporting businesses engaged in recycling and circular economy practices. By promoting SME participation in local and international platforms, SMBDA helps unlock new growth opportunities and markets for these enterprises.

ADB’s country partnership strategy for 2025-2029 further reinforces Azerbaijan’s economic diversification goals by channeling investments toward non-oil sectors such as agriculture, services, and SMEs. This approach aims to build economic resilience, stimulate new job creation, and enhance innovation through digital transformation and skill development.

The European Union, together with its international partners, has announced large-scale investments aimed at developing Central Asia’s hydropower infrastructure. The decisions were presented at the Global Gateway Forum held in Brussels on October 9-10, according to the European Commission’s press service, Azernews reports.

Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, the EU, and the European Investment Bank (EIB) signed memorandums of understanding on the pound 900 million Kambarata Hydropower Plant-1 (HPP-1) project. The feasibility study for the project is financed by the European Union and implemented by the World Bank.

In addition, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is considering allocating a further pound 1.3 billion for the plant’s construction.

EU Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela stated that ‘investments in hydropower will ensure reliable access to electricity, create new income sources for local communities, and strengthen the resilience of agriculture.’

EIB Vice-President Kyriakos Kakouris stressed that the bank supports projects aimed at fostering regional energy cooperation, while EBRD President Odile Renaud-Basso described the project as ‘a flagship example of regional cooperation and sustainable water resource management.’

Within the Team Europe initiative-which brings together the EU, its member states, and financial institutions-the parties are working to enhance regional coordination in water resource management and energy development.

The Kambarata HPP-1 project is being implemented in Kyrgyzstan on the Naryn River. With a planned capacity of 1,860 megawatts, it will become the country’s largest power facility. Its 256-meter-high dam and 5.4 billion cubic meter reservoir will allow the plant to generate about 5.6 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually.

Construction is expected to take about ten years, with the first turbine unit scheduled to begin operation four years after the main construction phase begins. Upon completion, all assets and shares of the hydropower plant will be transferred to the ownership of Kyrgyzstan.

Denmark’s Ministry of Defence has allocated 2.1 billion kroner (approximately $330 million or 561 million manats) to establish resources for detecting and combating unidentified drones, Azernews reports.

According to a statement by the ministry, the decision was made based on a proposal from the Danish Armed Forces Command.

In total, 3.8 billion kroner (around $590 million) will be spent between 2025 and 2033 on reserves and new initiatives. The statement noted that, given the current security environment, the Chief of Defence has recommended acquiring counter-drone systems as well as decision-support systems based on artificial intelligence.

‘The recent incidents involving unmanned aerial vehicles have increased the Danish Armed Forces’ need to strengthen their counter-drone capabilities. Therefore, I am pleased that Denmark is allocating funds for the acquisition of vital resources to enhance its ability to combat drones. This demonstrates that Denmark is reinforcing its efforts to counter this type of hybrid threat,’ said Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen.

China has successfully launched three satellites into orbit using the Gravity-1 carrier rocket from an offshore platform, Azernews reports.

The launch-conducted by a private company-took place at 10:20 a.m. local time (6:20 a.m. Baku time) from coastal waters off Shandong Province. During the rocket’s second flight, the satellites were successfully delivered into their planned orbit.

The Gravity-1 is recognized as the world’s largest and most powerful solid-fuel rocket. Its first launch was carried out in January of last year.

According to the manufacturer, the rocket has a liftoff mass of 405 tons and is capable of carrying up to 6.5 tons of payload to low Earth orbit or 4.2 tons to a typical 500-kilometer sun-synchronous orbit.

The launch marks another milestone in China’s rapidly expanding commercial space sector, which has seen growing participation from private enterprises.

The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has dismissed dozens of employees from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as part of a new wave of staff reductions, Azernews reports citing international media outlets.

The layoffs primarily affected experts specializing in disease detection and monitoring – a move that has raised concerns among public health professionals about the country’s preparedness for potential health threats.

Sources said the affected employees were notified via email that their positions were being eliminated. The notices reportedly stated that their roles were ‘no longer considered necessary,’ though no detailed explanation was provided.

The exact number of dismissed staff members has not yet been disclosed, but internal sources described the cuts as ‘significant,’ targeting several divisions involved in epidemiological research and early-warning systems.

A mud volcano erupted in a mountainous area near the Sahil settlement of Baku’s Garadagh district at 08:27 a.m. on October 11, 2025, Azernews reports, citing the Ecology and Natural Resources Ministry (MES).

The Ministry noted that specialists are currently studying the eruption and its aftermath.

‘Our experts are conducting on-site observations and assessing the environmental impact,’ Ministry’s spokeperson Ibrahimova said.

MES also issued a statement noting that, following a report about the eruption near the S?ng?çal settlement, the ministry’s Aviation Unit dispatched a helicopter to survey the area.

During the aerial inspection, no signs of fire were observed, and it was determined that the eruption poses no threat to nearby residential areas. Authorities emphasized that the situation is under control and that relevant agencies are continuing their coordinated response.

Mud volcanoes are a well-known geological phenomenon in Azerbaijan, home to nearly half of the world’s active mud volcanoes. These natural formations periodically release a mixture of gas, mud, and water from deep underground, often accompanied by minor tremors. While visually dramatic, such eruptions rarely cause significant damage or endanger human life.

Officials said that monitoring efforts will continue in the coming days to ensure the safety of nearby communities and to study the geological dynamics behind the latest eruption.

A terrorist attack on Hasan Khel Police Station in the Mattani area of Peshawar was repelled early Saturday morning, with two terrorists killed in retaliatory fire, police officials confirmed, Azernews reports, citing Tribune.

According to Express News, heavily armed terrorists launched an attack on the police station using heavy weaponry. A fierce gun battle ensued between the attackers and law enforcement personnel. Senior police officers described the situation as dangerous due to the use of heavy weapons by the attackers.

Police responded swiftly, killing two terrorists in the exchange of fire. However, reports suggest that more terrorists may still be present in the area, prompting continued security operations.

In response to the attack, additional police reinforcements and elite force units were deployed to the scene. The Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Peshawar confirmed that the exchange of fire was ongoing and that all necessary measures were being taken to neutralise any remaining threats.

Further updates are expected as the operation continues.

Sevil Aliyeva has been awarded the “Sharaf” Order for her services to the development of Azerbaijani musical art, Azernews reports.

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed the relevant decree.

As part of the Baku Dialogue on Missing Persons, participants of the international conference titled ‘Combining Efforts and Expanding Cooperation to Address the Problem of Missing Persons’ have begun their visit to Zangilan, Azernews reports.

The delegation traveled to the liberated territories of Azerbaijan, visiting Zangilan District as part of their program. During the trip, the participants visited the Victory monument located in the newly rebuilt Aghali village center.

The visitors were also briefed on the conditions created for the return of residents to Aghali village, one of the first smart villages reconstructed in the liberated territories.

It should be noted that a day earlier, conference participants visited a mass grave discovered in the Balligaya village area of Aghdara District and the former Shusha prison, where Azerbaijani captives were held during the Armenian occupation.

The visit aims to provide international participants with a deeper understanding of the human and humanitarian consequences of Armenia’s aggression and to highlight Azerbaijan’s ongoing efforts to address the issue of missing persons and support the safe return of displaced citizens to their ancestral lands.

During his visit to Ukraine, Executive Director of the Network for Religious and Traditional Peacemakers and Commissioner of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), Mohamed Elsanousi, met with Elshad Ibrahimov, Deputy Chairman of the United Diaspora of Azerbaijanis in Ukraine (UABD).

Azernews reports that the meeting focused on the situation of religious and ethnic minorities living in Ukraine, their integration into society, and efforts to strengthen mutual understanding.

Elshad Ibrahimov emphasized that the Azerbaijani community serves as a cultural, humanitarian, and spiritual bridge between the peoples of Azerbaijan and Ukraine. He noted that Azerbaijanis have long been an integral part of Ukrainian society and remain committed to the country’s multicultural values.

‘Azerbaijanis freely practice their religion and beliefs. The Ukrainian state respects religious freedom and provides an environment of mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence among different faiths. This represents an exemplary model of tolerance for both Ukraine and Azerbaijan,’ he said.

Ibrahimov added that members of the diaspora actively participate not only in religious holidays but also in national and cultural events. Despite the ongoing war since 2022, the Azerbaijani community has preserved its spirit of solidarity and mutual assistance.

‘Azerbaijani businessmen and philanthropists in Ukraine have provided medical, humanitarian, and social support to soldiers, demonstrating loyalty to both the Ukrainian people and universal human values,’ he remarked.

During the meeting, Ibrahimov presented a photo album showcasing the diaspora’s social, cultural, and humanitarian projects, including charity events, iftar dinners, and community initiatives organized during wartime.

Commissioner Elsanousi described the meeting as not only an introduction to the Azerbaijani diaspora’s activities but also as a reaffirmation of religious tolerance, multiculturalism, and international peace. Representatives of Finland’s largest humanitarian organization, Finn Church Aid, also attended, emphasizing the importance of compassion, dialogue, and mutual respect among nations and religions.