Investments in Azerbaijan’s Economy in the First Half of 2024 Notably Increased

Many freight drivers (TIR drivers) report that they are unable to obtain the necessary permits to transport goods to other countries. The drivers, currently waiting at the Astara Customs Terminal of the Southern Regional Customs Department, told AzadliqRadio that this problem has persisted for months, with artificial barriers being placed in their way.

Following the recent agreement to expand the strategic partnership between Gazprom and Azerbaijan's state oil company SOCAR, Azerbaijan has faced mounting protests and backlash from several quarters, economist Gubad Ibadoglu said in an article. Pro-Russian media in Azerbaijan swiftly published articles criticizing Ukraine after Ukrainian consumers launched a campaign to boycott SOCAR's fuel stations. The boycott is seen as a response to Azerbaijan's growing ties with Russia, which has been in conflict with Ukraine since the 2014 annexation of Crimea and the subsequent war in eastern Ukraine.

Azerbaijan's Ministry of Energy held a high-level meeting with a delegation from the German energy company Uniper on August 28, discussing a range of topics including gas supply, energy security, and renewable energy opportunities.

Rovshan Najaf, President of the State Oil Company of the Republic of Azerbaijan (SOCAR), and Karsten Popping, Chief Commercial Officer of Uniper SE, met to discuss ways to deepen their strategic partnership. The meeting covered a wide range of energy-related topics, including the successful execution of their existing agreement on natural gas from the Shah Deniz field and potential expansion in gas supply cooperation.