BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 20.
Zakir Ibrahimov, Chairman of the Executive Board of AzerGold CJSC, met with Sunniya Durrani-Jamal, Asian Development Bank (ADB) Country Director for Azerbaijan.
During the meeting, Zakir Ibrahimov provided comprehensive information on the achievements made by the Company over its 10 years of operation, the extensive work carried out to explore the country's mineral resource potential, and the continuous development of the mining industry. He emphasized the particular importance of the large-scale measures implemented under the leadership of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mr. Ilham Aliyev, toward the development of the non-oil sector and the diversification of the national economy. It was noted that the approval of the "State Program for the Development of Mining (Metal Ores) and Metallurgical Industries for 2027–2030" stands as a vivid example of the state's high attention and care for this sector, as well as a clear manifestation of the strategic approach aimed at the future sustainable development of the industry.
Sunniya Durrani-Jamal provided information on the Bank's primary operational areas and strategic targets for private sector financing. Stating that the ADB actively applies new financing mechanisms in the extraction and processing of critical minerals, she expressed strong interest in expanding cooperation on strategic projects that support sustainable development, employment growth, and the overall strengthening of the regional economy.
During the discussions, the key strategic projects of AzerGold CJSC were highlighted, including the ongoing feasibility study for the Filizchay polymetallic deposit located in the Balakan district, the planned hot-briketted iron (HBI) production complex based on green energy principles in the Western Industrial Park in the Shamkir district, as well as the current status and future exploitation plans for the Soyudlu (Zod) gold deposit.
It was emphasized that the implementation of these strategic projects holds exceptional importance in terms of strengthening the country's industrial potential, driving economic development in the regions, and creating new job opportunities. In accordance with the strategic priorities set by the state, expanding cooperation with international financial institutions in this direction remains of particular significance.
At the end of the meeting, the parties agreed to maintain regular contacts at the level of technical and financial working groups and to systematically evaluate concrete cooperation opportunities on specific projects.
