10:25 - 20.06.2025

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June 20, Fineko/abc.az. The volume of direct foreign investments attracted to the Azerbaijani economy during 2000-2024 amounted to $27.503 billion, Report informs, citing the Global Investment Report of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).

According to the report, this indicator was $27.919 billion for the period covering 2000-2023, and $14.253 billion in 2000-2010. In 2000, this indicator was $1.791 billion.

At the same time, during 2000-2024, the volume of direct investments made by Azerbaijan in foreign countries amounted to $29.876 billion. This indicator was $28.644 billion in 2000-2023, and $5.79 billion in 2000-2010. In 2000, this indicator was $1 million.

Over the past six years, the highest volume of direct foreign investment in the Azerbaijani economy was made in 2019 - that year this figure amounted to $1.504 billion. In the same year, Azerbaijan's direct investments in foreign countries also reached a peak, equaling $2.432 billion.

According to the report, in 2020-2024, investments in "greenfield projects" in Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) were mainly in the energy, digital economy, and transport sectors. Thus, the energy and gas supply sector remained the main investment direction for greenfield projects in LLDCs, attracting a total of approximately $50 billion. This means more than a twofold increase compared to the previous period and accounts for nearly 30% of total greenfield activity.

Investment flows were mainly concentrated in several countries. Uzbekistan led with $18 billion across more than 40 projects. Kazakhstan took second place with $5 billion, while Zimbabwe and Bhutan ranked next, each attracting more than $3 billion. Other notable investment recipient countries include Azerbaijan, Nepal, and North Macedonia - each distinguished by more than $1.5 billion in greenfield project value, UNCTAD wrote.

The report authors also note a significant increase in greenfield activity in the digital economy sector. The main investment recipient countries in this area included Tajikistan, Paraguay, Uzbekistan, Ethiopia, and Zambia. Tajikistan attracted more than $1.1 billion, Paraguay received a similar amount, while Uzbekistan received approximately $900 million in investments. This concentration of investments is explained by government digitalization strategies, regulatory reforms, and increasing domestic demand for digital services in these countries.

Particularly Uzbekistan and Ethiopia have experienced increasing investor interest following reforms in the telecommunications sector. Among the main investors contributing to the digital economy of LLDCs, the Russian Federation and the USA stood out with approximately $2 billion each. Other important investor countries include the Netherlands, Mauritius, the United Kingdom, France, and Switzerland.

Greenfield projects in the transport sector also occupied an important place in a number of LLDCs. The largest investment flow in this area was directed to Kazakhstan - more than $8 billion were attracted for 19 projects. Uganda ranked second, receiving nearly $4 billion in investments across 9 projects. Other major investment recipients included Uzbekistan (more than $1 billion), as well as Azerbaijan, Moldova, and Rwanda. Activity in the sector was relatively weak in other LLDCs.

Among the main investor countries, Qatar and France stood out particularly - they made investments in the transport sector amounting to approximately $6 billion and $4 billion, respectively.