AGP Executive Report

Digital Connectivity: Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan launched a 380-kilometer fiber-optic cable across the Caspian, opening a new digital route linking Central Asia with Europe and China. University Research: Azerbaijan Technical University signed agreements with seven Uzbek universities to expand cooperation in engineering, transport, energy and IT. More than 40 Azerbaijani and Chinese scholars also gathered in Beijing for a conference on Azerbaijani studies. Agricultural AI: Azerbaijan’s farm technology project is drawing on data from 180 weather stations and satellites, with 33 AI and digital solutions targeted for agriculture this year. Regional Tech Cooperation: A TURKPA meeting in Bishkek on October 19–20 will focus on parliamentary cooperation in the Turkic world amid artificial intelligence and technological change.

Research Partnerships: Azerbaijan Technical University signed agreements with seven Uzbek universities in Khankendi, covering joint research and exchanges in engineering, transport, energy and IT. A China-Azerbaijan scientific conference in Beijing also brought together more than 40 scholars to strengthen academic cooperation. Digital Connectivity: Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan launched a 380-kilometer fiber-optic line across the Caspian, opening a new data route between Central Asia, China and Europe. Agricultural AI: Azerbaijan’s farm technology program uses data from 180 weather stations and satellites, with 33 AI and digital solutions targeted for 2026; Baku and Beijing have also explored smart-farming cooperation.

University Partnerships: Azerbaijan Technical University signed agreements with seven Uzbek universities in Khankendi, covering research and exchanges in engineering, transport, energy and IT. A China–Azerbaijan studies conference also opened in Beijing, bringing together more than 40 scholars. Digital Connectivity: Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan launched a 380-kilometre fiber-optic cable across the Caspian, creating a new digital link between Central Asia and Europe. Agricultural AI: Azerbaijan’s farm technology project draws on data from 180 weather stations and satellites, with 33 AI and digital solutions targeted for agriculture this year. Fintech: The Central Bank is developing rules for AI and data management as Azerbaijan’s instant payment system handles about one million transactions a day.

Digital Connectivity: Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan have launched a 380-kilometre fiber-optic cable beneath the Caspian, opening a new route for data between Central Asia and Europe and reducing reliance on Russian networks. Clean Energy: Azerbaijan plans to invest $2.6 billion in 11 power plants by the end of 2027, while targeting 8 GW of solar and wind capacity by 2032. Agritech: The country is developing 33 AI and digital tools for agriculture, drawing on data from 180 weather stations and satellites; officials say innovation can help raise farm productivity and incomes. Research Links: Universities in Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan have agreed to expand joint research, academic exchanges and innovation projects. Azerbaijani scholars also met students at Beijing Foreign Studies University as a conference on Azerbaijani studies opened in Beijing. Digital Economy: Information and communication services grew 11.1% year-on-year in January–September, as Azerbaijan targets a larger non-oil economy by 2030.

Digital Connectivity: Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan launched a 380-kilometre fiber-optic cable beneath the Caspian, linking Sumgait and Aktau and creating a new route for data traffic between Asia and Europe. Research and Education: Nearly 30 Azerbaijani and Uzbek universities met in Khankendi to expand joint research and innovation; Baku Engineering University signed cooperation deals with two Uzbek institutions, while Baku State University agreed partnerships with nine. Smart Agriculture: Azerbaijan is developing 33 AI and digital solutions for farming, drawing on data from 180 weather stations and satellites. Officials say innovation can help farmers manage water, weather risks and crop losses. Clean Energy: Azerbaijan plans to complete 11 power plants with about 2 GW of capacity by the end of 2027, as it pursues a goal of 8 GW of solar and wind power by 2032. Standards: The country adopted 620 new state standards in the first nine months of 2026, nearly three times the total for the same period last year; almost 4,000 regulatory documents are planned for 2026–28.

Digital Infrastructure: Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan inaugurated a 380-kilometer Trans-Caspian fiber-optic cable, strengthening regional data links. Azerbaijan is also set to establish a Digital Communications information system. Investment & Innovation: The World Bank Group says it mobilized nearly $100 million in private capital in Azerbaijan in fiscal 2026, with its country program supporting digital infrastructure, AI, renewable energy and more efficient water use. Smart Agriculture: Azerbaijan and Chinese companies discussed investment in smart farming, greenhouses and food processing. The country’s 2026 agriculture plan targets 33 AI and digital solutions, using weather-station and satellite data. Transport Technology: Azerbaijan Railways joined Kazakhstan’s New Silk Way forum, where regional rail operators explored AI and digital logistics to improve Middle Corridor freight. Cybersecurity: Researchers say the Silent Lynx hacking group exploited a WinRAR flaw in espionage campaigns against nine governments, including Azerbaijan.

Digital Connectivity: Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan launched the 380-kilometre Trans-Caspian fiber-optic cable, linking Sumgayit and Aktau with capacity above 400 terabits per second. The route is designed to carry data between Asia and Europe and strengthen the Middle Corridor. Digital Government: Azerbaijan ordered a new “Digital Communications” information system to digitize telecom and postal services and improve regulatory oversight. Agritech: Azerbaijan’s farm AI project draws on data from 180 weather stations and satellites, with 33 AI and digital solutions targeted for agriculture in 2026. Officials also discussed Chinese investment and technology partnerships in the sector. Aviation: Türkiye has signed an agreement to export 14 Hürkuş trainer aircraft to Azerbaijan, a major addition to bilateral aerospace cooperation. Regional Tech Cooperation: The Baku CICA summit’s declaration highlighted science, innovation, digital connectivity and the opportunities and risks of artificial intelligence.

Agricultural AI: Azerbaijan plans to deploy 33 AI and digital tools this year, using data from 180 weather stations alongside satellite and drone imagery, soil sensors and farm records to support productivity, subsidies and livestock management. Fintech: The Central Bank is drafting rules to let fintech firms offer more services and join the instant-payment system, which handles up to one million transactions a day. Tech skills: Baku’s AWS Agentic Football Cup on Oct. 17 will give participants hands-on experience building autonomous AI teams on cloud infrastructure; the city also hosted the 20th IEEE conference on information and communications technologies. Digital infrastructure: Azerbaijan plans to cut electricity-grid connection procedures from seven to two and shorten the wait from 41 days to 20 through one-stop and online services.

Fintech: Azerbaijan is drafting rules to let financial technology firms offer more services, including access to the instant payment system, which handles up to one million transactions a day. Research and ICT: ADA University opened the 20th IEEE conference on information and communication technologies, bringing researchers and industry experts together to discuss new developments. Cybersecurity: Authorities reported attacks on more than 100 government domains; a pro-Iranian hacker group claimed responsibility, citing school dress-code rules as its motive. Water Technology: Azerbaijan is negotiating financing for a $407 million Caspian Sea desalination plant, the country’s first pilot project under a public-private partnership. AI Skills: Azercell is supporting an upcoming Baku competition where teams will build autonomous, AI-powered football players using cloud computing.

Garabagh Reconstruction: The Rebuild Garabagh exhibition opened in Baku, spotlighting construction and engineering across the region. President Ilham Aliyev said nearly 1,500 kilometres of roads have been built, three international airports commissioned and 38 hydroelectric plants brought online. Digital Banking: IE Business School has made ABB Bank’s transformation a case study. Its mobile banking users grew from about 171,000 in 2020 to 2.6 million in 2025, while Agile teams cut product development time from 243 days to 59. Fintech and AI Rules: Azerbaijan’s Central Bank is working on regulatory frameworks for AI and data management, alongside a proposed shared fintech framework for Turkic states. Daily instant-payment transactions have reached one million, and cashless payments approach 70% of transactions. Digital Access: Users reported restrictions on TikTok, Instagram and X amid protests over school dress rules. Authorities had not publicly confirmed the reported blocks or explained the disruption. Regional Digital Infrastructure: Outages after drone strikes on Yandex facilities in Russia affected services in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, highlighting the region’s reliance on cross-border technology platforms.

Fintech & AI: Azerbaijan’s Central Bank is developing rules for AI and data management as officials from Turkic states discuss shared fintech standards. Cashless payments now account for nearly 70% of transactions, while the instant payment system handles about one million transactions a day. Agricultural Technology: Azerbaijan and China signed an agricultural cooperation deal covering digitalization and joint research, including animal health, vaccines and crop production. Startups: Baku ID 2026 ended with startup awards and new partnerships, while Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan are working to establish a hub for startups, investors and talent. Caspian Research: Falling water levels are driving calls for joint monitoring and research among Caspian states, amid growing concern over environmental and economic impacts. Digital Access: Users reported restrictions on TikTok, Instagram and X during school dress-code protests; authorities had not officially confirmed the reported blocks.

Fintech: Baku’s forum on Turkic-state cooperation put shared payment systems and regulatory coordination on the agenda. Azerbaijan’s instant payment system now handles 1 million transactions a day, while cashless payments account for nearly 70% of card transactions. The Central Bank is also developing rules for AI and data management in finance. Agricultural Technology: Azerbaijan and China agreed to expand scientific cooperation, including joint research into animal health, vaccines, crop production and digital agriculture, alongside wider trade and investment ties. Urban Transport: The Asian Development Bank approved a $302.38 million loan to digitize Baku Metro operations and modernize signaling, supporting a wider expansion plan that includes nine stations and 20 kilometres of tunnels. Startups: Baku ID 2026 wrapped up with awards and new partnerships; 4sell.ai won the regional Startup World Cup final and a place in San Francisco’s grand finale.

Startup Scene: Baku ID 2026 wrapped with awards and new partnerships. Kazakhstan-founded 4sell.ai won the regional Startup World Cup final, while 12 projects received NEXUS Awards, including AI startup Forg3t Protocol. Education and Skills: Azerbaijan awarded grants to 100 students from 55 countries to study at 11 universities. Baku Engineering University also partnered with Xsolla Baku to give IT students more hands-on training and project experience. AI and Innovation: President Ilham Aliyev told a meeting of Turkic states’ intellectual-property agencies that AI and digitalization are reshaping the work of IP systems, which must protect creators while supporting innovation. Agricultural Technology: Azerbaijan and China signed an agriculture cooperation agreement covering digitalization, technology transfer, joint research and investment, with a working group set to develop an action plan.

AI & Intellectual Property: President Ilham Aliyev told Turkic-state IP officials meeting in Baku that fast-moving AI and digital technologies demand stronger protection for authors and inventors while supporting innovation. Transport Technology: At an Azerbaijan-Czech business forum, officials discussed Czech expertise in intelligent transport, railway systems and urban mobility, with cooperation also eyed for the Middle Corridor and Alat logistics hub. Space & AI: Azercosmos has launched an AI platform, adding to Azerbaijan’s growing use of digital technologies. Clean Technology: The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank approved a $45 million loan for Azerbaijan’s seawater desalination project, while a separate 3 GW solar plan aims to bring manufacturing into the country’s green-energy push. Energy Engineering: Vallourec won a TotalEnergies contract to supply more than 16,000 tonnes of pipe for development of the Absheron gas field.

Agricultural Technology: Azerbaijan’s agriculture minister Majnun Mammadov visited Beijing-based agri-tech firm DBN Group to explore cooperation, including ways to support a more intensive, competitive farming sector. He also invited the company to Azerbaijan’s Caspian Agro exhibition. Digital Cooperation: Azerbaijan and Japan discussed expanding ties in digital technologies, while a Japanese delegation was introduced to the ASAN Khidmət service model. Azercosmos also launched an AI platform. Clean Energy and Water: Azerbaijan’s 3-gigawatt solar plan links renewable power growth with domestic manufacturing. Separately, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank approved a $45 million loan for a seawater desalination project. Caspian Research: Five Caspian states are pursuing a joint response to falling sea levels, with a proposed commission drawing on scientific data and expert advice to develop measures.**

Caspian Research: The five Caspian states agreed to establish a commission on the sea’s falling water levels, with its first meeting planned in Azerbaijan in the first half of 2027. Scientists and specialists are expected to help develop coordinated measures based on research. Agricultural Technology: During a visit to China, Azerbaijan’s agriculture minister met high-tech firm DBN Group to explore cooperation, as Baku seeks to modernize farming and boost competitive production. Digital Cooperation: Azerbaijan and Japan discussed expanding ties in digital technologies. Industrial Production: Sumgayit’s first potassium sulfate fertilizer plant is scheduled to open in November, with capacity to produce 40,000 tonnes a year—four times estimated domestic demand.