Baku: Minister of Finance and the Governor for the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Azerbaijan, Sahil Babayev, met with a delegation led by Bhargav Dasgupta, Vice President of the ADB, during his visit to the country, as reported by the Ministry of Finance to APA. The meeting underscored the ongoing and future collaboration between Azerbaijan and the ADB.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Minister Sahil Babayev praised the enduring partnership with the ADB, noting that joint initiatives involving loans, grants, and technical assistance have significantly contributed to Azerbaijan’s development goals. He expressed optimism that this cooperation would persist, particularly in the execution of the ADB’s Country Partnership Strategy for Azerbaijan covering the years 2025 to 2029.

During the discussions, Minister Babayev provided insights into Azerbaijan’s current economic landscape, emphasizing the development achievements in the non-oil sector. Key priorities identified included enhancing the water supply and sewage systems in Baku and the Absheron Peninsula, funding infrastructure needs for the Baku Metro, and modernizing railway lines.

Bhargav Dasgupta conveyed confidence in the strengthening of the partnership between Azerbaijan and the ADB across various sectors, including private sector support, affirming that the collaboration would continue to be based on long-term partnership principles.

The meeting also involved an exchange of views on existing cooperation, private sector development, potential ADB support in this area, future collaboration opportunities, and other subjects of mutual interest.