Azerbaijan’s Banking Sector Trails Behind Neighbors Despite Resource Advantage

The Chairman of the Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA), Taleh Kazimov, recently hosted a high-level delegation led by Elisabetta Falcetti, the Executive Director for Turkey and the Caucasus at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). The meeting, held in Baku, focused on key initiatives to bolster the sustainable development of Azerbaijan’s financial sector and expand access to financing for the country’s real economy. Among the most pressing topics was the EBRD's support for Azerbaijan’s ongoing green transition.

Recently, the prices of certain food items have increased in Azerbaijan. This is also reflected in the data released today, September 11, by the State Statistics Committee (SSC). It was noted that in August, compared to July, there were price increases in rice, beef, lamb, sausage products, butter, olive oil, and onions.

From January to August 2024, Azerbaijan’s retail trade network saw sales reach 37.2 billion manats, with consumers spending 20.6 billion manats on food products, beverages, and tobacco, and 16.6 billion manats on non-food items. This growth comes as retail turnover increased by 3.5% in real terms compared to the same period last year, according to data from the State Statistics Committee.

Azerbaijan's industrial output from January to August 2024 reached 42.4 billion manats, driven by contributions from both industrial enterprises and individual entrepreneurs. However, despite this robust performance, shifts within key sectors highlight the evolving dynamics of the nation's economy.