Baku: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is prepared to invest in both state-owned and private companies in Azerbaijan, as announced by the Bank’s Private Sector Development Specialist, Sanan Shabanov, during his address at the ‘Caspian Investment Forum.’

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the ADB has expressed its willingness to engage as a direct investor in the capital market issuances of Azerbaijani companies. Shabanov highlighted the participation of over 25,000 informed potential investors in last year’s IPO of ABB, underscoring a growing interest in the local capitalisation process and indicating that there will be no shortage of market demand. He also mentioned that ADB had previously served as an anchor investor in the Georgian Railway project and is ready to assume a similar role in Azerbaijan.

Shabanov emphasized that there are no issues on the issuer’s side, as Azerbaijan boasts a sufficient number of financial directors well-versed in the capital market. However, he noted that to enhance companies’ access to the market, it is essential to provide commercially favourable and clear mechanisms. As a development bank, ADB considers not only commercial aspects but also climate, environmental, and social impacts. Shabanov affirmed that ADB can participate in the issuance process both as an investor and advisor for state and private companies ready to meet these standards.