Azerbaijan’s Prime Minister Stresses Digital Transformation and Innovation at CIS Plenary Session in Minsk
Minsk, The Gulf Observer: A plenary session titled “Union of New Technologies: Creating the Industry of the Future” was held on September 28 at the International Exhibition Center BELEXPO in Minsk, bringing together the heads of government of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).
Ahead of the session, Azerbaijani Prime Minister Ali Asadov and other CIS leaders jointly toured the INNOPROM.Belarus international industrial exhibition, which showcased cutting-edge developments in industrial innovation and technology.
In his address, Prime Minister Asadov underscored the pivotal role of digitalization and technological transformation in driving the sustainable development of Azerbaijan’s economy. He noted that the Fourth Industrial Revolution has profoundly influenced all sectors of economic and social life, stressing the importance of strategically managing technological trends to ensure long-term growth.
“Azerbaijan is actively implementing targeted measures in the field of digitalization and the application of technological innovations in the economy,” Asadov stated, highlighting that sustainable and competitive economic growth is among the country’s five national strategic priorities.
The Prime Minister provided an overview of key national initiatives, including the Digital Development Concept, the Artificial Intelligence Strategy, and the Digital Economy Development Strategy for 2025–2028. These frameworks, he said, aim to strengthen digital infrastructure, foster business adaptation to technological change, and create synergy between government, business, and society in line with global trends.
Asadov also highlighted the role of the Center for Analysis and Coordination of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, one of 24 global centers within the World Economic Forum’s network, in advancing Azerbaijan’s technological transformation.
Reviewing Azerbaijan’s industrial policies, the Prime Minister noted that over the past decade, industrialization has been pursued as both an economic policy priority and a foundation for sustainable development. He pointed to the creation of industrial zones, investment promotion, and technology adoption as factors contributing to innovation-driven, export-oriented growth.
He further underlined that Azerbaijan’s achievements have received international recognition. In particular, the Petkim and STAR plants of the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) were awarded by the World Economic Forum as among the most advanced digitalized industrial facilities worldwide.
Participants were also briefed on Azerbaijan’s Industry 4.0 Readiness Program, which focuses on the introduction of advanced technologies to enhance the efficiency of industrial enterprises.
Concluding his remarks, Prime Minister Asadov emphasized that international cooperation is essential to successfully achieving industrial transformation and to fostering innovation within the CIS region and beyond.
