The opening ceremony of the First Azerbaijan International Investment Forum on the topic of "Advancing East-West, North-South connectivity in a fragmented global economy" was held in Baku.

Under the patronage of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mr. Ilham Aliyev, the First Azerbaijan International Investment Forum on the theme of "Advancing East-West, North-South connectivity in a fragmented global economy" has kicked off in Baku.

At the opening ceremony, a message from President Ilham Aliyev to the participants of the First Azerbaijan International Investment Forum was read. The message was delivered by Shahmar Movsumov, Assistant to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Head of the Department of Economic Issues and Innovative Development Policy of the Presidential Administration of Azerbaijan.

The forum, organized by the Ministry of Economy, the Export and Investment Promotion Agency – AZPROMO, with strategic partnership from “The European House – Ambrosetti” (TEHA) think tank, as well as media support from “Euronews” and organizational support from the “Sea Breeze” tourism zone, will last two days. The purpose of the forum is to expand partnerships with regional countries through specific projects at the strategic crossroads of East and West, North and South, to improve joint activity mechanisms based on mutual benefit, and at the same time, to further raise awareness and promote international interest about Azerbaijan’s transparent and sustainable economy, favorable business environment, strategic development priorities, broad investment opportunities, and important transport-logistics advantages.

The event gathered nearly 1,000 participants, including high-level officials from various countries, representatives of leading local and international companies and financial institutions, think tanks, business representatives, global investors, as well as the local and foreign media.

On the first day of the First Azerbaijan International Investment Forum, plenary meetings and panel sessions will be held on topics such as the strategic integration of regions, transit opportunities, energy and infrastructure projects, innovations, “green” energy, real estate, urban planning, and sustainable development. On the second day, panel sessions dedicated to public-private partnerships, healthcare, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and digital health, agriculture, agribusiness, food industry, industrialization, small and medium enterprises, “green” transition, and other topics will take place. The event also features thematic discussions on various subjects and an exhibition showcasing the country’s investment opportunities and potential.

At the opening ceremony, Valerio De Molli, Managing Partner of “The European House – Ambrosetti” think tank, emphasized the necessity of new formats of cooperation against the backdrop of global geostrategic realities. He provided information about the think tank’s activities and strategic analyses carried out in over 100 countries. It was noted that dialogue and sincere discussions play an important role in building new partnerships and that the First Azerbaijan International Investment Forum is an important initiative in shaping ideas and long-term investment visions.

Emin Agalarov, founder and head of the “Sea Breeze” tourism zone, greeted the participants of the First Azerbaijan International Investment Forum and stated that the event serves as a strategic platform for experience exchange and the development of international cooperation. He emphasized the great pleasure of hosting the forum within the “Sea Breeze” area. It was highlighted that such platforms stimulate the establishment of new connections among businessmen and the realization of innovative ideas.

At the opening ceremony, moderated by Jane Wisperspoon, Euronews’ chief editor for the Middle East, Central Asia, and the South Caucasus, a video showcasing Azerbaijan’s economic development and investment opportunities was shown to the participants.

The First Azerbaijan International Investment Forum continues with plenary sessions and panel meetings.