“Fitch” rating update on Azerbaijan: flaws in banking, governance system

The State Oil Fund of Azerbaijan (SOFAR) reported revenues of $4.60 billion from the Azeri-Chirag-Guneshli (ACG) oil field in the January-September period of 2024, a decline of 12.1% compared to the same period last year. In 2023, SOFAR recorded revenues of $5.23 billion from ACG, the largest oil field in Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan launched its first trade forum on Monday to highlight the opportunities and challenges faced by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The forum, titled “Opportunities, Current Situation and Challenges for SMEs,” aims to strengthen dialogue between the public and private sectors while promoting international business cooperation.

Vahid Magerramov, Head of the Public Association for Support of Agrarian Reforms, has raised concerns over rising consumer prices in Azerbaijan, warning that the inflation trend could have serious economic consequences for the country.

Silk production in Azerbaijan decreased by 32.9% year-on-year in the first eight months of 2024, reaching 239.4 tons, according to data released by the State Statistics Committee. The decline was attributed to a reduction in the number of silkworm seeds distributed to farmers, reflecting a longer-term trend in the sector's contraction, noted agricultural expert Vahid Maharramov.