Foreign trade turnover rose by 24.6%

In December this year, the State Oil Fund of the Republic of Azerbaijan (SOFAZ) marked its 25th anniversary, highlighting its pivotal role in shaping the country's economy since its establishment in 1999. The milestone was commemorated at a gathering titled "From National Wealth to Sustainable Development" on December 24, attended by SOFAZ staff and key stakeholders.

The Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA) has introduced new 3-qapik coins. Previously, updated coins of 1, 5, 10, 20, and 50 qapik denominations were also issued. According to the bank's press service, the reverse side of the new coin features the emblem of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the year of minting, while other design elements and technical specifications remain unchanged. The new 3-qapik coins will circulate alongside the existing currency.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree on Monday aimed at improving social welfare, increasing the country’s minimum monthly wage to 400 manats ($235) starting January 1, 2025.

Turkish companies YDA and ASFAT plan to build a shipyard near Kazakhstan's port of Kuryk to address the country's domestic fleet shortage, Kazakhstan's Minister of Transport Marat Karabaev announced on Monday during a parliamentary session. The project underscores Kazakhstan's ambitions to strengthen its maritime capabilities and logistics infrastructure.