Category: Azer News

Despite ongoing global economic headwinds, Azerbaijan’s economy continues to demonstrate resilience and strategic foresight, underpinned by diversification policies, prudent fiscal management, and increasing integration into transcontinental trade routes. The latest forecast from Fitch Ratings reinforces this stability, projecting a real GDP growth rate of 2.5% in 2026, driven by the non-oil sector and major public investments.

According to Arvind Ramakrishnan, Director of the Sovereigns and Supranationals Department at Fitch, this growth rate aligns with Azerbaijan’s medium-term economic potential, reflecting a fundamental shift from hydrocarbon dependence toward a more balanced and sustainable economic model.

‘The key drivers of growth are the accelerated development of the non-resource sector and large-scale public investments,’ Ramakrishnan noted, adding that energy dynamics, while still important, are gradually evolving. As oil production continues its slow decline, natural gas output is expected to partially offset this trend, maintaining energy sector relevance in the broader economic structure.

One of the most critical developments supporting this transition is Azerbaijan’s expanding role in the Middle Corridor-a strategic logistics and transit route formally known as the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR). Stretching from China through Central Asia and the South Caucasus to Europe via Trkiye, the Middle Corridor has become increasingly important amid global supply chain disruptions and geopolitical tensions.

Azerbaijan’s geographic position at the crossroads of East and West, combined with substantial investments in transport infrastructure, has enabled the country to become a pivotal player in this corridor. This role not only amplifies Azerbaijan’s geopolitical relevance but also stimulates growth in the transport and logistics sectors, which Fitch identifies as among the most promising areas for expansion.

‘There are good growth prospects in information and communication technologies and transport,’ Ramakrishnan emphasized, highlighting that transit operations within the Middle Corridor are a major catalyst for the latter.

Additionally, reconstruction efforts in the Garabagh region have fueled non-oil sector growth in recent years, contributing to a surge in public investment. However, Fitch anticipates that as capital expenditure peaks, its direct contribution to GDP growth may gradually moderate-suggesting a need for the private sector and export-oriented industries to assume a larger role moving forward.

On the fiscal front, Fitch expects Azerbaijan’s consolidated budget to maintain a surplus of 0.3% of GDP in 2026, although down from 3.6% in 2024. A minor deficit is forecast for 2027, but analysts view this as manageable and not indicative of fiscal stress.

Importantly, Azerbaijan retains its investment-grade rating of ‘BBB-‘ with a stable outlook, a status supported by several macroeconomic fundamentals: a robust external balance, low public debt, and the substantial buffer provided by the State Oil Fund of Azerbaijan (SOFAZ).

These assets give Baku the financial flexibility to absorb external shocks, sustain capital investment, and finance strategic infrastructure projects-particularly those tied to the Middle Corridor and the diversification agenda.

Beyond its immediate economic impact, the Middle Corridor represents a long-term strategic lever for Azerbaijan’s regional and global positioning. As global trade patterns shift and supply chain resilience becomes a top priority for many economies, the corridor is emerging as a viable alternative to traditional maritime routes, particularly for high-value, time-sensitive goods such as electronics and automotive components.

From a policy standpoint, Azerbaijan’s bet on the Middle Corridor reflects a broader effort to transition from resource-driven growth to a model anchored in logistics, digital transformation, and regional connectivity. This positions the country to not only attract investment but also to influence trade flows and economic dynamics across Eurasia.

Fitch’s forecast underscores a key narrative: Azerbaijan’s macroeconomic stability is no longer solely a function of hydrocarbons, but increasingly of diversification, connectivity, and strategic planning. As the Middle Corridor gains momentum and new sectors come online, Azerbaijan appears well-positioned to sustain growth in a challenging global environment, while reinforcing its role as a bridge between continents.

Several players and members of the coaching staff of Portugal’s football club Benfica, including head coach José Mourinho, have contracted a viral infection ahead of a crucial match against Porto, Azernews reports.

If the situation does not improve, the match scheduled for October 5 may be postponed.

Under Portuguese championship regulations, a match can be delayed if fewer than 13 players are available to play. Players must also be certified fit to participate by the relevant health authorities. As of now, Benfica’s management has not officially requested a postponement.

José Mourinho has been leading Benfica since September 18, marking a new chapter in the club’s season. The upcoming fixture against Porto is seen as a significant test for the team under the new coach.

Victoria Beckham showed a collection of slip dresses, roomy suits and soft, leather jackets with crinkled edges for her namesake label’s spring summer runway show, held at the 17th century Val-de-Grace abbey in Paris on Friday, Azernews reports, citing Tribune.

Guests arrived after dark, crossing rain-slicked cobblestones to reach the cloisters inside.

Models marched under the arched corridors in sharp-toed shoes, parading dresses cut in asymmetric shapes and uneven hems, the fabric bunched together in places, some covered with a dusting of spray paint.

Trousers were low-waisted, cinched with thin belts and paired with tops that were slit open in front, while suit jackets came in boxy shapes, without lapels.

Handbags included a roomy duffle bag, a structured camera bag and one that resembled an accordion.

In written show notes, the brand described the collection as an “abstract adaptation of the coming-of-age wardrobe,” noting that Beckham had spent time reviewing photos of herself as a young adult.

Paris Fashion Week, which runs through October 7, features big name brands including Louis Vuitton, Dior, Chanel, Saint Laurent and Hermes.

This season has featured a record number of designer debuts as brands across the industry seek creative reboots to spark interest from inflation-weary shoppers.

The final stage of the boxing competitions at the 3rd CIS Games, hosted by Azerbaijan, continued in Baku with another moment of triumph for the home crowd, Azernews reports.

In the women’s 48-kilogram weight category, Azerbaijani boxer Gler Hseynova entered the ring against Russia’s Daria Gavrina in a highly anticipated final. Displaying composure, strength, and tactical precision, Hseynova outperformed her opponent and claimed the gold medal, further cementing Azerbaijan’s reputation as a rising power in women’s boxing.

Her victory was greeted with loud applause from spectators, who have turned out in large numbers to support the national team throughout the Games. The gold medal adds to Azerbaijan’s growing tally and underlines the host country’s success both in organizing the tournament and in sporting performance.

Hseynova’s success is not only a personal milestone but also a source of national pride, inspiring young athletes and highlighting the country’s commitment to strengthening women’s participation in sport.

The III CIS Games, which began earlier this month, have brought together 1,624 athletes from 13 countries to compete across a wide range of sports, from athletics and swimming to team disciplines and combat sports. Organizers have praised the high level of competition and the spirit of camaraderie among participating nations.

The second Baku Climate Action Week (BCAW) concluded in Azerbaijan, bringing together nearly 3,000 participants from 25 countries, Azernews reports.

The week-long event included government representatives, parliamentarians, scientists, business and women leaders, young climate activists, and officials from multilateral organizations.

Over eight venues across the capital, 46 sessions and events covered more than 30 topics, providing a platform for dialogue on the path to COP30 in Brazil. Key international organizations, including the United Nations, the Nizami Ganjavi International Center, Brazil’s SEBRAE, and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, participated alongside former heads of state, parliamentarians, academics, and youth leaders.

The breadth of topics highlighted the complexity of the climate crisis. Discussions focused on climate finance and accountability, energy transition and mobility, adaptation and resilience, sustainable food systems and circular economy, as well as gender and leadership in climate action. Roundtables examined institutional capacity for climate resilience, green construction, climate-smart agribusiness, green transition, and sustainable fashion. Notably, the COP29 Sustainability Report was presented for the first time, and the Azerbaijan Universities Climate Network was officially established.

Youth engagement was a central theme, featuring the Youth Climate Forum, the Art and Innovation for the Planet exhibition showcasing young artists and startups, the Sustainable Career Fair connecting students with green economy opportunities, and the Little Climate Champions program promoting environmental awareness among children.

BCAW 2025, held between Rio Climate Action Week and COP30, highlighted Azerbaijan’s emerging role as a climate dialogue hub. For the country, soon to hand over COP presidency to Brazil, the week offered more than discussion-it reinforced a climate legacy and strengthened international collaboration, positioning Azerbaijan as a proactive leader in global climate action.

For the second year, the city of Jabrayil has opened its arms to its returning residents, as citizens gathered to celebrate Jabrayil City Day on their native land, Azernews reports.

The event was organized by the Ministry of Culture together with the Special Representation of the President of Azerbaijan in the districts of Jabrayil, Gubadli, and Zangilan.

The celebration began with the opening of the exhibition ‘Garabagh – From the Lens to History,’ dedicated to the history and rebirth of the region. The program will continue with a concert performance marking the occasion of Jabrayil City Day.

The festivities carry a deep symbolic meaning, as Jabrayil was one of the Azerbaijani districts liberated during the 2020 Patriotic War after nearly three decades of occupation. For many residents, the opportunity to celebrate on their ancestral soil for the second consecutive year is both a moment of pride and a testament to the city’s revival.

City Day has quickly become not just a cultural event, but also a powerful reminder of resilience, return, and the unbreakable bond between the people of Jabrayil and their homeland.

Japan’s former Minister of Economic Security, Sanae Takaichi, has been elected as the leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), marking a historic first for the party, Azernews reports, citing Japanese media outlets.

Takaichi emerged victorious over four competitors in the party leadership race. In the first round, she secured 183 votes, narrowly edging out her main rival, Shinjiro Koizumi, who received 164 votes, advancing both to the second round. Takaichi ultimately prevailed in the decisive stage, securing her position as party leader.

In the coming days, the parliament will vote to confirm the ruling party’s new leader as the country’s prime minister. If approved, Takaichi will become Japan’s first female prime minister.

The leadership race follows the resignation of current Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, who announced in early September that he would step down as head of the LDP.

U.S. President Donald Trump is considering visiting South Korea later this month just ahead of an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, Azernews reports, citing Yonhap.

Government circles speculate that Trump may hold bilateral summits with South Korea and China before the APEC gathering opens and depart without attending the main session of the summit, slated for Oct. 31-Nov. 1 in the southeastern city of Gyeongju.

“President Trump is expected to arrive on Oct. 29 and visit Gyeongju,” a ruling party official told Yonhap News Agency by phone. “However, his schedule has yet to be finalized and is still being coordinated between South Korea and the U.S.”

Trump is expected to attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Kuala Lumpur from Oct. 26-28 before heading to Japan for talks with the country’s new prime minister.

He is then likely to travel to South Korea after his Japan stop, diplomatic observers said, raising the possibility of a one-day trip.

“As for when he will depart after arriving on the 29th, nothing has been confirmed at this point,” a government official said.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent earlier said Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping will have a “pull-aside” meeting in South Korea late this month.

A ruling party official, meanwhile, downplayed the possibility of Trump’s meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un on the sidelines of the APEC summit.

The town of Shamakhi is once again hosting the International Barbecue Festival, a two-day culinary celebration that began on October 4 in the village of Meysari, Azernews reports.

Organized for the first time in Azerbaijan, the festival is supported by the Shamakhi District Executive Authority, the Nasimi Vineyards Complex, the ‘Abqora’ restaurant, and international culinary judge Sahib-David Israfilov, widely known as Don David.

The event has drawn celebrated chefs from more than 30 countries, including Willem Vink, President of the World Barbecue Association (WBQA); Christopher Sandford, WBQA’s chief judge; Thomas Gugler, former President of the World Association of Chefs’ Societies (WACS) and personal chef to the King of Saudi Arabia; as well as culinary association presidents, Michelin-starred masters, and international judges.

At the opening ceremony, Don David, WBQA President Willem Vink, and WACS Vice President Uwe Friedrich Herbert Micheel welcomed participants, noting that the festival’s purpose is to strengthen cultural exchange while showcasing Azerbaijan’s hospitality, cuisine, and cultural values. Guests were then invited to tour the pavilions, sample delicacies from different countries, and explore a variety of food brands and restaurant presentations.

Specially designated zones featured professional chefs representing both Azerbaijan and world cuisines, highlighting the richness of global gastronomy. Visitors also had the chance to attend family-friendly cooking masterclasses, where renowned chefs prepared burgers alongside children in an engaging and playful format.

A lively cooking competition added to the festival atmosphere, with teams tasked to prepare dishes from assigned recipes. Competitors were judged on flavor, cooking techniques, and presentation, with winners receiving certificates, medals, and the festival’s grand trophy, awarded by partners.

Throughout the day, local and international musicians performed on the festival stage, providing a vibrant soundtrack as visitors enjoyed an array of barbecue specialties.

The International Barbecue Festival will continue on October 5, offering another day of flavors, entertainment, and cultural exchange in the heart of Shamakhi.

The opening round of the Azerbaijan Basketball League is set to conclude this evening with the final match between Ordu and Nakhchivan. Azernews reports that the game will be held at the Baku Sports Palace, tipping off at 19:00 local time.

Basketball enthusiasts have already witnessed an exciting start to the season, with several competitive clashes across the country. In earlier fixtures, Sabah overcame Neftchi with a confident 86-75 victory, while Absheron Lions defeated Sheki 91-80 in a hard-fought contest. Ganja edged past NTD 90-85 in a nail-biter that went down to the final minutes, while Lankaran secured a convincing 93-82 win against Sumgayit. Meanwhile, Quba impressed with a dominant performance, routing Sarhadchi 98-76.

The league, which brings together teams from different regions of Azerbaijan, is gaining increasing attention both from fans and sports analysts. Each matchup reflects not only the rising standard of domestic basketball but also the growing passion for the sport nationwide.

Tonight’s clash between Ordu and Nakhchivan will determine the final standings of the first round, setting the tone for the rest of the season. With both teams eager to prove themselves early, fans can expect another spirited encounter to round off an already thrilling start to the league.