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Strategic projects need clear business models to be bankable - Deputy Cahirman

Farid Guliyev, Deputy Chairman of the Board and Chief Commercial Officer of Azer Turk Bank

06 October 2026 11:13 (UTC +04:00)

The strategic importance of the Middle Corridor is steadily increasing. Container transportation along the corridor rose by 58% in the first eight months of this year alone, Farid Guliyev, Deputy Chairman of the Board and Chief Commercial Officer of Azer Turk Bank, said during his speech at the “German-Azerbaijani Strategic Partnership and Connectivity Conference 2026,” APA-Economics reports.

He recalled that a few weeks ago, the European Union announced plans to mobilize up to 10 billion euros in public and private investment in the Middle Corridor with the aim of tripling trade flows by 2030:

“However, developing transport routes alone will not be enough to realize the full potential of the Middle Corridor. Modern infrastructure, reliable energy supply, digital solutions and access to long-term financing must be developed in parallel. In this regard, the banking sector has an important role to play.

Banks can connect strategic priorities with private and international capital. They can also support the structuring of project financing and the proper assessment of risks."

Farid Guliyev noted that the strategic importance of a project does not automatically mean that it is bankable:

“For this, a clear business model, a realistic implementation plan and proper allocation of risks are required. When these conditions are met, projects become more attractive both for banks and investors. Large infrastructure and energy projects also require broad cooperation. A good example of this is the 315-megawatt Neftchala Solar Power Plant. Last month, the plant reached financial close with financing from three international institutions — the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and the Asian Development Bank."

According to him, commercial banks, international financial institutions, development banks, investors, technology companies and project owners each have an important role to play in this process:

“At Azer Turk Bank, we consider sustainable development and green projects to be important drivers of future economic growth,” he said.