Air Passenger Growth from Azerbaijan Surges by 26.7% in Nine Months

Azerbaijan’s prolonged border closures, approaching five years, have taken a profound toll on the labor market, particularly in border regions, where cross-border trade and services were once critical economic drivers. Official data highlights the stark disparity between the growing labor force and the lack of new job creation in these areas, underscoring the social and economic challenges faced by residents.

Azerbaijan’s food imports have surged to unprecedented levels, with a significant rise recorded in the first nine months of 2024, according to data from the State Customs Committee. Food imports for January-September reached USD 1.755 billion, marking an 11.4% increase over the same period last year. This represents a USD 179.7 million increase compared to 2023, setting a record for food imports in the country’s history. Over the past decade, food imports have more than doubled, rising by 2.4 times, with a notable 52.5% growth in the last five years alone.

Azerbaijan’s Finance Minister Samir Sharifov and UAE’s Minister of State for Financial Affairs Mohamed Hadi Al-Husseini discussed strengthening cooperation in the financial sector during a meeting in Dubai, the UAE Ministry of Finance said on social media platform X.

Azerbaijan celebrated Energy Day on October 20, 2023, marking the 43rd anniversary of the launch of the first power unit at the Azerbaijan Thermal Power Plant. This event highlights the importance of the energy sector for the country, which is actively advancing its policies in renewable energy and efficiency improvement.