BAKU, Azerbaijan, September
26. The Azerbaijan Infrastructure Investment
Dialogue was held, jointly organized by the State Oil Fund of
Azerbaijan and BlackRock, one of the world’s leading asset
management companies, on September 26, 2026, Trend reports.
The dialogue, held within the framework of the 2nd Azerbaijan
International Investment Forum in Baku under the patronage of the
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, focused on
discussing investment opportunities in artificial intelligence (AI)
and digital infrastructure, energy infrastructure, as well as
strategic transport and logistics corridors.
In addition to high-ranking Azerbaijani government officials,
the dialogue was attended by executives from international
investment institutions, infrastructure companies, and global
business entities.
Managing Director and Global Head of the Financial and Strategic
Investors Group at BlackRock, Charles Hatami, moderated the
dialogue’s first panel session, titled “AI and Digital
Infrastructure.” Speakers at the session included Minister of
Economy of Azerbaijan Mikayil Jabbarov, Minister of Digital
Development and Transport Rashad Nabiyev, President and Head of
EMEA at Temasek Global Investments Nagi Hamiyeh, and CEO of
Coravel, ACS, Howard Boville. Discussions covered the application
of AI technologies, the expansion of data processing and storage
capabilities, the strengthening of digital connectivity and
digitalization processes, as well as investment opportunities in
these areas. Additionally, views were exchanged regarding the
importance of public-private sector cooperation in the development
of digital infrastructure.
The second panel session, titled “Energy infrastructure,” was
moderated by Partner and Global Head of the Capital Raising Group
at Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), Eric Varvel. Panelists
included Minister of Energy of Azerbaijan Parviz Shahbazov,
President of SOCAR Rovshan Najaf, President and CEO of Vision
Invest Omar Al-Midani, and CEO of Skyborn Renewables Patrick
Lammers. The panel addressed the development of energy
infrastructure, shifting investment priorities in the sector,
energy security, and the growing role of renewable energy.
Discussions also covered opportunities to attract institutional
investment to energy projects and prospects for expanding
public-private sector collaboration in developing sustainable and
reliable energy infrastructure.
The dialogue concluded with a panel session on “Strategic
transport and logistics corridors.” Moderated by CEO and Chief of
Staff at GIP, Mustafa Riffat, the session featured remarks from
Deputy Minister of Digital Development and Transport of Azerbaijan
Rahman Hummatov, CEO of NEQSOL Holding Kirill Rubinski, Chairman
and CEO of Eldridge Industries Todd Boehly, and CFO of Gatwick
Airport Jim Butler. This final panel discussed expanding investment
in transport and logistics infrastructure, strengthening regional
connectivity, and prospects for developing strategic transport
corridors. Azerbaijan’s role in transport routes linking regional
markets and the opportunities the country offers in this regard
were also key topics of discussion. The three panel sessions held
within the framework of the dialogue highlighted the importance of
long-term institutional capital and public-private partnerships in
developing the infrastructure that forms the backbone of the modern
economy.
Bringing together Azerbaijani government officials with senior
representatives from international investment institutions,
infrastructure companies, and global businesses, the event served
as a vital platform for exchanging views and experiences regarding
investment priorities, emerging market trends, and prospects for
infrastructure development.
The discussions made it possible to examine Azerbaijan’s
infrastructure priorities in the context of global investment
processes while also highlighting the country’s role in
strengthening regional connectivity and transport links.
