The netherlands: ING Bank, the largest financial group in the Netherlands, has projected that Azerbaijan's current account surplus will reach 11% of GDP by 2026, with a budget surplus of 5% of GDP. This optimistic forecast was released as part of ING's assessment of the Azerbaijani economy, as reported by APA-Economics.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Azerbaijan is benefiting significantly from high energy prices, a trend that ING Bank highlights as a key advantage for the country. The bank attributes Azerbaijan's robust economic outlook to increased energy revenues and strengthened energy diplomacy, which are expected to bolster the country's external and fiscal reserves.

The report further details Azerbaijan's strategic initiatives in trade and energy development. Notable efforts include exploring opportunities for international investment in the Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli oil field, finalizing a 15-year gas supply agreement with Trkiye from the Absheron field, and evaluating the Baku-Supsa route as a potential export avenue for Kazakhstan.

However, ING Bank warns of potential risks, citing Azerbaijan's vulnerability to inflationary pressures from trading partners and a sluggish GDP growth rate. Despite these concerns, ING maintains the highest forecast for Azerbaijan's current account surplus in 2026, underscoring the significant role of energy prices in shaping the country's economic landscape.