Baku: Regional integration enables countries to shape their future, Boutheina Guermazi, Director of the Strategy and Operations Department for the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan, and Pakistan at the World Bank, stated during a panel discussion. The event, titled 'Drivers of Regional Integration in IsDB Regions', took place as part of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group Annual Meetings 2026 in Baku.

According to Azeri-Press news agency, Guermazi emphasized that regional integration extends beyond physical markets and infrastructure, focusing instead on strengthening connections between countries, creating opportunities, and shaping a shared future. She pointed out that, although countries cannot choose their neighbors, they can choose their destiny, with regional integration playing a crucial role in this process.

Guermazi highlighted that a significant aspect of regional integration involves enhancing transport, energy, and digital connectivity. She noted that regional cooperation is particularly important for landlocked countries, as it expands their market access opportunities. Through regional integration, nations benefit from access to cheaper resources, job creation, and expanded economic growth opportunities.

Furthermore, Guermazi stressed that integration is not limited to connectivity but also involves better integration of markets, services, and the movement of people. She mentioned that challenges such as climate change, pandemics, and other transnational issues cannot be effectively addressed by individual states alone, underscoring the importance of regional cooperation in tackling these challenges.