ADB names two priorities for Azerbaijan’s critical minerals strategy

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has identified two key priorities for Azerbaijan as the government advances projects involving critical mineral resources: establishing transparent performance indicators for preferential regimes and strengthening research and development (R&D), ADB Country Director for Azerbaijan Sunniya Durrani-Jamal said.

She made the remarks during a panel discussion at the 2nd Azerbaijan International Investment Forum (AIIF 2026), Caliber.Az reports per local media.

Durrani-Jamal said Azerbaijan was gaining momentum across several sectors, including extractive industries, noting ongoing activity in Nakhchivan and the potential for new jobs, higher employment and expanded production capacity.

She also highlighted developments in the Alat Free Economic Zone, noting that a data centre project had recently been approved there.

The ADB representative said the government should establish transparent key performance indicators (KPIs) for investments and tax incentives to objectively assess the effectiveness of economic policy measures.

“First, there is a need for transparent KPIs for all investments being made and tax incentives being provided, which is essential for objectively measuring the effectiveness of these economic policy instruments. Second is research and development (R&D). Particularly in the area of critical minerals, cooperation between government institutions, the emerging industry and the scientific and academic community will be crucial. I believe that the KPI system and this ‘triple helix’ model will be decisive factors for the government in assessing the returns on public investment,” she said.

By Vafa Guliyeva