Azerbaijan prioritizes Karabakh restoration with $10.3 billion investment over four years

Azerbaijani Prime Minister Ali Asadov has revealed that from 2021 to 2024, the government allocated a total of 17.6 billion manat ($10.3 billion) for the restoration and reconstruction of the liberated territories, with 5.35 billion manat ($3.1 billion) specifically designated for 2024. 

Asadov made these remarks during a parliamentary session where the government’s 2024 activity report was being discussed, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

The prime minister emphasised that the restoration of these areas remains a top priority for the government, stressing that these efforts are crucial for the long-term development of the country. To further support the mission, Asadov announced that an additional 4 billion manat ($2.3 billion) would be allocated in 2025 to continue these vital reconstruction projects.

Beyond restoration, Asadov also touched on the government’s broader socio-economic agenda, underlining that one of its primary objectives is to ensure parallel development across the country, with particular attention to vulnerable populations and the provision of essential housing. In line with this initiative, it was revealed that last year, the government provided 800 apartments to the families of martyrs, war veterans, and individuals from vulnerable groups.

Furthermore, 93 cars were donated to war veterans to aid with their mobility and daily needs. The government remains committed to advancing housing development, with 35 million manat ($20.6 million) allocated to provide housing for military personnel.

Additionally, 100 million manat ($58.8 million) will be directed toward ensuring housing for the general population, including through preferential terms. To address the ongoing issue of emergency housing, 50 million manat ($29.4 million) has been earmarked from this year’s budget for the repair and replacement of unsafe buildings. 

During the same session, Speaker of the Azerbaijani Parliament Sahiba Gafarova also highlighted the progress made in clearing the liberated territories of mines and unexploded ordnance.

Gafarova announced that in 2025, Azerbaijan plans to clear over 65,000 hectares of land in the liberated territories. 

She further emphasised the success of current demining efforts, noting that "last year, 62,000 hectares were cleared, and in total, approximately 180,000 hectares of land, freed from occupation, have been cleared of mines and unexploded ordnance."

By Naila Huseynova