Asian Development Bank, Azerbaijan launch new Country Partnership Strategy Photo

Azerbaijan and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have officially launched the bank’s new Country Partnership Strategy (CPS) for 2025–2029, which outlines support for the country’s economic diversification, climate resilience, and green and digital transformation.

The announcement followed a meeting in Baku between Azerbaijan’s Minister of Finance and ADB Governor Sahil Babayev and ADB President Masato Kanda, who is on an official visit to the capital, Caliber.Az reports via Kanda's post on X. 

I met with Minister of Finance and ADB Governor Sahil Babayev to launch the new @ADB_HQ Country Partnership Strategy for Azerbaijan. With new financing requests, ADB is prepared to invest up to $2.5B through 2029. We will work closely with the government to advance renewable… pic.twitter.com/iBeDzQexXT

— Masato Kanda (@ADBPresident) November 14, 2025

During the meeting, the sides reviewed the new CPS and discussed its role in strengthening long-term cooperation. Babayev stressed the importance of sustained and productive collaboration with the ADB, while Kanda noted that the bank is ready to invest up to $2.5 billion through 2029 under new financing requests, according to his statement on X.

He said ADB would work closely with the government to support renewable energy development, modernisation of rail and metro systems, and the expansion of opportunities for private-sector growth.

The Ministry of Finance reported that the CPS prioritises support for the non-oil economy, increased resilience to climate change, digital and green transformation, and stronger private-sector activity.

The meeting also included detailed discussions on priority cooperation areas. These covered the expansion of the Baku Metro, improvements to transport infrastructure, drinking water supply, stormwater management in Baku and surrounding areas, and efforts to reduce water losses. The parties also discussed railway modernisation, public-private partnership initiatives, and projects aimed at boosting regional connectivity.

Special attention was given to ADB’s potential participation in major regional initiatives such as the Middle Corridor and the Green Energy Corridor.

Azerbaijan’s contribution to the ADF was also highlighted, with both sides noting its importance. Since 2021, the ADF has focused on supporting low-income countries to reduce poverty and enhance living standards.

Kanda said the ADB considers Azerbaijan a reliable and important partner and expressed readiness to further support the country’s development priorities, particularly in regional connectivity, digital transformation, water management, and sustainable infrastructure.

By Sabina Mammadli