AGP Executive Report

Digital Heritage & AR/AI: Bakcell and the Icherisheher reserve launched a new audio-visual guide using augmented reality and AI to let visitors explore monuments in multiple languages, including AR “digital reconstructions” at the Palace of the Shirvanshahs and Maiden Tower. Energy Tech & Caspian Gas: TotalEnergies, SOCAR and XRG approved the Absheron full-field Final Investment Decision, aiming to raise output and start in 2029 with a low-carbon, electrified subsea-to-shore setup. Subsea Engineering Milestone: bp wrapped up a multi-well riserless light well intervention campaign at Deepwater Gunashli in the ACG field, completing work on seven wells ahead of schedule and using RLWI tech in the Caspian. AI & Cybersecurity: Kaspersky flagged an ongoing phishing campaign impersonating Zoom and Docusign, using simple credential-stealing links and forms that have already produced over a thousand detected emails. Education & Language Tech: Beijing Foreign Studies University admitted its first master’s cohort for Azerbaijani language, with students starting in 2027 under scientific supervision. Business & Connectivity: AIIB backed Georgia’s Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor road upgrades with EUR158.42m, improving links toward Azerbaijan border routes and Black Sea ports. Investment Diplomacy: Azerbaijan’s invitation to the 21st G20 Leaders’ Summit in Miami was confirmed, signaling higher international standing.

Energy & Industry: BP wrapped up a multi-well subsea intervention campaign at the Deepwater Gunashli area of the ACG field in the Caspian, using riserless light well intervention and converting the Khankendi vessel for the first time in BP’s Caspian operations. Gas Development: TotalEnergies, SOCAR and XRG approved final investment decision for full field development at the Absheron gas project, targeting higher output and first production from the expanded phase in 2029. Trade Tech (NCTS): Azerbaijan’s State Customs Committee says work toward accession to the New Computerised Transit System is advancing, with digital procedures and IT infrastructure central to the staged transition. Defense Tech: Azerbaijan’s Mi-17 helicopters are set to receive Turkey’s FALCON FLEX 50 turret system for 12.7mm machine guns, with deliveries expected later this year and a display planned at ADEX 2026. AI & Security Policy: The UN Crime Congress in Abu Dhabi adopted a blueprint to tackle digital-age crime, including “crime as a service,” and calls for digital justice systems with AI safeguards. Investment Push: AIIF 2026 in Baku concluded with 26 contracts worth $10.8bn across AI, energy and manufacturing, with major global investors in the mix. Smart Cities (Regional): Kyrgyzstan is exploring “smart city” tech—video surveillance, traffic control, automated parking, air-quality monitoring—and discussing cybersecurity cooperation with Baku-based partners.

Azerbaijan Investment Push: The 2nd Azerbaijan International Investment Forum (AIIF 2026) wrapped in Baku with 23 signed documents worth $10.8bn, spanning AI, energy, manufacturing, capital markets, agribusiness, and critical raw materials. Energy & Industry: SOCAR and partners advanced major gas plans, including XRG’s Absheron field next-phase decision (production targeted from 2029) and SOCAR’s Absheron Final Investment Decision exchange with TotalEnergies and XRG. Digital Growth: Economy Minister Mikayil Jabbarov said AI and digital infrastructure are cross-cutting drivers for productivity and non-oil export potential, discussed at an SOFAZ-BlackRock dialogue. Power & Textiles: Aliyev launched a Textile Cluster foundation in Mingachevir and inaugurated the Minkend Small Hydropower Plant in Lachin, linking manufacturing jobs with new energy capacity. Aviation Safety Tech: Reports highlight rising GPS interference risks near conflict zones, raising concerns about false cockpit warnings for pilots. Tourism Boost: Baku’s F1 weekend drew 16,000+ foreign visitors, a new record and a major spending driver for the city.

AI & Digital Investment: Azerbaijan’s Economy Minister said AI and digital infrastructure are cross-cutting drivers for productivity and non-oil growth, as SOFAZ and BlackRock hosted an “Infrastructure Investment Dialogue” during AIIF 2026. AIIF 2026 Deals: The 2nd Azerbaijan International Investment Forum wrapped in Baku with 23 signed investment documents worth $10.8bn, covering AI, digital transformation, energy, green transition, capital markets, agribusiness and critical raw materials. Energy Expansion: SOCAR and partners exchanged key documents tied to the Absheron gas-condensate field’s next phase, while XRG outlined plans for the field’s full-scale development. Green Power & Industry: Aliyev launched a Textile Cluster foundation in Mingachevir and opened the Minkend small hydropower plant in Lachin, using Austrian and Italian technologies. Human Capital: The labor ministry highlighted employment, vocational training and digitalized social services as part of Azerbaijan’s long-term skills strategy. Geopolitics & Connectivity: Azerbaijan’s FM told the UN it’s turning the page of enmity with Armenia, linking “de facto peace” to trade and transit progress. Science & Nature: A mud volcano erupted in Garadagh, recorded by Azerbaijan’s seismic authorities.

AI & Digital Investment: Economy Minister Mikayil Jabbarov said AI and digital infrastructure are cross-cutting drivers for Azerbaijan’s productivity and non-oil growth, discussed at SOFAZ–BlackRock’s “Infrastructure Investment Dialogue” during AIIF 2026. AIIF 2026 Deals: The 2nd Azerbaijan International Investment Forum in Baku wrapped up with 23 signed investment documents totaling $10.8bn, spanning AI, digital transformation, energy, green transition, capital markets, agribusiness and critical raw materials. Energy Tech & Gas: SOCAR signed multiple agreements at AIIF, including the Absheron gas-condensate full-field Final Investment Decision with XRG and TotalEnergies, plus partnerships tied to LNG and upstream development. Electricity Export Push: President Ilham Aliyev said Azerbaijan aims to become a major electricity supplier, linking power exports to energy security and regional connectivity. Industrial Diversification: Aliyev launched the Textile Cluster facility foundation in Mingachevir (cotton-to-garments chain) and inaugurated the Minkend small hydropower plant in Lachin, using Austrian/Italian tech. Human Capital: Labor Minister Anar Aliyev highlighted skills and digitalization in social protection, with 90% of services digitized. Geoscience Alert: A mud volcano erupted in Garadagh district.

Investment & AIIF 2026: President Ilham Aliyev attended the 2nd Azerbaijan International Investment Forum in Baku, with talks on industry, finance, construction, AI, renewables and agriculture, while KPMG said Azerbaijan can become a regional business platform if rules stay stable and markets stay accessible. Urban Tech & Planning: Azerbaijan prepared 20-year master plans for 68 of 79 cities, pushing digital permitting, energy efficiency and greener building standards. Critical Minerals: ADB flagged two priorities for Azerbaijan’s critical minerals push: transparent performance indicators for incentives and stronger R&D links. Finance Infrastructure: The Baku Stock Exchange is in talks with LSEG on technology sharing and future dual listings, including remote membership for foreign brokers. Energy & Industry: Azersun plans to double capacity at an existing plant and expand into paper recycling and packaging; SOCAR met Brookfield on energy infrastructure and renewables. Space & Environment: Azerbaijan’s space agency developed a thermal vacuum chamber for satellites; a mud volcano erupted in Garadagh. Tech Policy: US and China agreed on a communication channel for AI incidents. Sports Tech: F1 moved the Azerbaijan GP to Saturday for Remembrance Day, and a supercomputer predicted the full race order after qualifying.

AIIF 2026 Deal Flow: Azerbaijan’s Economy Minister said new agreements were reached across tech, energy, industry, pharma and finance, including cooperation with Microsoft on AI/cloud/cybersecurity and projects in the Alat Free Economic Zone. Capital Markets Modernization: Baku Stock Exchange talks with LSEG on depository links and dual listings, while Central Bank work would let foreign brokers trade remotely without local offices. Green Transition & Energy Tech: SOCAR met Brookfield on energy infrastructure, renewables and financing; China’s ISETS council urged using oil-and-gas revenues to scale renewables, storage and CCUS. Critical Minerals Push: AzerGold outlined plans to build a regional critical-minerals hub focused on processing, logistics and access to international markets. Digital Connectivity: Tajikistan proposed a green digital corridor with Azerbaijan, tying hydropower to AI-ready computing. Regional Manufacturing: Deputy Economy Minister highlighted industrial parks and Alat’s stable legal regime to attract export-oriented high-tech production. Human Rights: Courts upheld Bahruz Samadov’s 15-year treason sentence after self-harm during a Supreme Court hearing; Amnesty called for immediate release and healthcare access. Tech in Practice: Oracle’s Rees stressed “built-in” AI for Azerbaijan’s intelligent economy, not just infrastructure. Sports Tech Spotlight: A supercomputer predicted Azerbaijan GP results after qualifying, while McLaren’s Norris faced a top-speed power issue in qualifying.

Azerbaijan International Investment Forum (AIIF 2026): President Ilham Aliyev used the 2nd AIIF in Baku to pitch Azerbaijan as a bridge between Asia and Europe, stressing non-oil growth, investment stability, and new corridors like the Middle Corridor and TRIPP. Middle Corridor & TRIPP momentum: Deputy FM Elnur Mammadov said Azerbaijan has lifted transit restrictions tied to Armenia, moving 60,000+ tons of cargo and supplying 20,000+ tons of petroleum products, while modernization of the Baku–Tbilisi–Kars railway is expected to reach 5 million tons annually. Deal pipeline: AIIF 2026 saw 12 cooperation documents signed, spanning construction, renewable energy, industry and digital technologies, with additional agreements expected. Energy + tech investment angle: Aliyev framed Azerbaijan as a reliable energy partner while pushing green energy corridors and advanced technologies; Economy Minister Mikayil Jabbarov said many foreign firms reinvest profits. Sovereign finance: SOFAZ joined the China-ASEAN Joint Investment Council, signaling broader regional capital coordination. Defense industry at ADEX: Kalashnikov will debut new AK rifles and Kub loitering munitions at ADEX 2026 in Baku. Regional connectivity diplomacy: US-backed TRIPP discussions continue as a multimodal route linking Azerbaijan to Nakhchivan via Armenia, with Armenia’s sovereignty emphasized.

Mining-to-metallurgy push: AzerGold is moving from ore to metal by launching Dashkasan Iron Ore work and backing a Western Industrial Park, aiming to end steel dependence on imports and scrap. Digital economy rules: Proposed amendments to Azerbaijan’s Migration Code would introduce business visas for digital nomads from Jan 1, 2027, defining remote work in AI, cybersecurity and innovation. Regional connectivity investment: Azerbaijan’s TRIPP push is framed as turning the Armenia-Azerbaijan opening into real corridors and investment, with officials discussing how to move from plans to steel and asphalt. Rail tech upgrade: Azerbaijan Railways held talks at InnoTrans 2026 on AI-enabled traffic and dispatching, plus digital solutions with Siemens, Hitachi and Tesmec. Space hardware: Azercosmos engineers developed a new “AlTvac 03” device for testing space equipment. Metals in liberated areas: AzerGold says precious and non-ferrous deposits in Karabakh and East Zangezur are key priorities, with exploration and reassessment using modern methods. Tech governance: Azerbaijan’s National Cybersecurity Agency joined the Global Anti-Scam Alliance. Azerbaijan in global forums: The 2nd Azerbaijan International Investment Forum will run Sept 25–26 in Baku, focusing on Middle Corridor, green transition and AI.

Digital Economy & Policy: Azerbaijan is set to introduce business visas for digital nomads via proposed Migration Code amendments, defining remote workers in AI, cybersecurity and innovation, with income and document requirements; if approved, rules would start Jan 1, 2027. Cybersecurity & Fraud Prevention: The National Cybersecurity Agency joined the Global Anti-Scam Alliance, aiming to tap research on AI-driven scams and join working groups on online and financial fraud. Energy Storage & Grid Tech: YEO Teknoloji signed a $58.6M EPC-F deal with AzerEnerji to deliver a 250MWh battery energy storage system, targeting commissioning within one year and expanding Azerbaijan’s storage capacity. Regional Connectivity & Trade: Azerbaijan’s Deputy FM Yalchin Rafiyev backed TRIPP as a corridor that boosts regional commerce and supports peace, citing investments like the Port of Baku, Alat FEZ and Baku–Tbilisi–Kars rail. Security Diplomacy: Baku hosted the 4th Baku Security Forum with security chiefs from 100+ countries, focused on new cooperation mechanisms against terrorism. Space & Industry: Azerbaijan’s space engineers developed a thermal vacuum chamber for satellite testing, while mining and metallurgy planning highlighted the Söyüdlü gold deposit with first production targeted for 2028.

Cybersecurity: Azerbaijan’s National Cybersecurity Agency joined the Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA), aiming to share best practices and get access to research on online fraud, AI-driven scams, and social engineering. Space Tech: Azercosmos engineers built and tested a thermal vacuum chamber (“AITvac 03”) for small-satellite testing, supporting local reliability and compliance checks before launches. Energy Storage: YEO Teknoloji signed a $58.6M EPC-F deal with AzerEnerji to deliver a 250MWh battery energy storage system, with commissioning targeted within a year. Standards for Electrification: Azerbaijan’s energy and standardization bodies met with the IEC leadership to expand cooperation under associate membership, aligning electrotechnical standards for energy transition and electrification. Skills & AI Talent: Azerbaijan joined WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 with competitors in seven skills, while a BEU student’s “AI Youth Camp” won a Youth Foundation grant. Diplomacy & Education: Azerbaijan and the Central African Republic established diplomatic relations, including cooperation on education scholarships. Earth Observation Risk: A 4.7 quake hit Tajikistan; no casualties reported.

AI in Education: Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Science and Education signed a three-year memorandum with OpenAI to expand safe, responsible AI use in schools, including AI teaching tools, teacher training, and an education management system for math, natural sciences and reading. Diplomacy & Tech Links: President Ilham Aliyev met Estonia’s newly appointed ambassador Tiina Nirk, highlighting cooperation potential in IT, logistics and education, while Azerbaijan’s Deputy Economy Minister Anar Akhundov discussed with Czech officials energy, transport, pharma and technology transfer. Industry Modernization: Ilham Aliyev chaired a meeting on the 2027–2030 state program for mining and metallurgical development, aiming to cut reliance on imported raw materials and boost full-cycle processing. Regional Connectivity: Coverage points to the EU’s Global Gateway push for the Middle Corridor and TRIPP as converging connectivity efforts linking the Caspian, South Caucasus and Europe. UNGA Focus: Azerbaijan’s FM Jeyhun Bayramov attended UNGA81’s general debate, where AI and emerging technologies are on the agenda.

UNGA Diplomacy: Azerbaijan’s FM Jeyhun Bayramov attended the opening of UN General Assembly’s general debate in New York, where AI and emerging technologies sit alongside peace, security, climate and human rights on the agenda. Mining-to-Metallurgy Push: President Ilham Aliyev chaired a meeting on the 2027–2030 state program to build a full mining-to-metallurgy chain by 2030, targeting higher output of gold, copper, molybdenum and iron ore, plus 5,000+ jobs and new processing capacity. Industry Modernization: Economy Minister Mikayil Jabbarov flagged the need to modernize subsoil laws, adopt international reporting standards, create a unified electronic geological database, and expand long-term financing for capital-heavy projects. ADEX/Securex Caspian: Azerbaijan held a press conference for ADEX 2026 and Securex Caspian (Sept 30–Oct 2, Baku Expo Center), highlighting priorities for new defense technologies. Digital Safety for Kids: Azerbaijan’s science and education minister joined a UNGA-side event on building safer digital systems for children, focusing on online protection and the role of AI. Caspian Environment: The UN is set to launch “Blueing the Caspian Sea” to improve monitoring, protect biodiversity and strengthen regional cooperation as inflows decline. Regional Tech Contrast: Bloomberg reports Armenia’s Firebird AI data center in Hrazdan aims for 300MW capacity and 70,000+ Nvidia chips by end-2027, with part reserved for local research and startups.

Baku Security Forum: President Ilham Aliyev told the 4th Baku Security Forum that global security is being reshaped by geopolitical competition and conflicts, calling for effective cooperation mechanisms against terrorism. Middle Corridor logistics: Azerbaijan Railways (ADY) and the Port of Hamburg agreed to deepen rail-sea cooperation, push the Baku–Hamburg route, and digitalize logistics to boost Middle Corridor transit. Caspian environment: The UN plans a “Blueing the Caspian Sea” project with UNEP/UNOPS to improve pollution monitoring, protect biodiversity, and strengthen regional scientific cooperation. Tech & AI ecosystem: US and Azerbaijani innovators met at BakuID, with US Commerce-backed experts offering mentorship and linking startups to AI and digital infrastructure cooperation. Green tech ties: A China-Azerbaijan green energy cooperation push highlights solar/wind, energy storage, and BYD’s move from bus sales to local component production. Infrastructure in Karabakh: The Agdam–Khankendi railway project reached 48% construction completion, with 90% of design work done. Earthquake update: A magnitude 4.1 quake was recorded in the Caspian Sea; no casualties reported. Google update: Google Play Services v26.37 adds Motion Assist to help reduce motion sickness.

Transport & Logistics: Azerbaijan Railways (ADY) and the Port of Hamburg agreed to deepen cooperation on the Baku–Hamburg route, pushing multimodal rail-sea links, more containers, digital logistics, and tighter rail-port coordination to boost the Middle Corridor. Seismic Update: A magnitude 4.1 earthquake hit the Caspian Sea (46 km depth), with no reported casualties. Caspian Environment: The UN plans to launch “Blueing the Caspian Sea” with UNEP/UNOPS to improve pollution monitoring, protect biodiversity, and strengthen regional scientific cooperation. Tech & Innovation Links: At BakuID, US and Azerbaijani innovators discussed technology and AI cooperation, with US Commerce-backed mentorship for startups. AI in Education: Azerbaijan’s parliament speaker said AI can tailor learning and expand access for children with disabilities, while warning that unequal access could widen gaps. Digital Economy Deal (Global): GIIB and TripleX Global signed a 20-year, $5bn plan to deploy on-device AI and payment-enabled sovereign data nodes in Korean merchant businesses. Cultural Tech/Heritage: Azerbaijan hosted events on Caucasian Albania heritage, with scholars urging tighter research standards.

Military Readiness & NATO Prep: Azerbaijan’s Defence Minister Zakir Hasanov inspected a Military Police forward operating base aligned with NATO standards, ahead of an October 2026 SEL-1 self-evaluation exercise. Digital Sovereignty in Parliament: Milli Majlis hearings are planned on protecting the Azerbaijani language and digital sovereignty, including defenses against disinformation, deepfakes and manipulation tech. Energy Transition + AI Education: SOCAR and Spain’s IE University launched the AZEMBA leadership and innovation program in Baku, focusing on energy transition and AI, with wider cooperation on talent and knowledge transfer. Court Case Update: A preparatory hearing began for former official Ramiz Mehdiyev at the Baku Court of Grave Crimes, with charges tied to property legalization, treason, and attempts to alter constitutional order. Cybersecurity: OpenAI fixed a vulnerability in a forum after researchers used Claude to access employee accounts and internal systems. Defense Tech: Turkey’s ASELSAN showcased an upgraded SMASH 300 remote weapon station with AI support and smart ammunition for naval air-defense. Tech Event Calendar: ITCN Asia 2026 will run Sept 22–24 in Karachi, with participation including Azerbaijan.