The II Azerbaijan International Investment Forum AIIF 2026 was held in Baku under the patronage of President Ilham Aliyev.
Organized by the Ministry of Economy of Azerbaijan and the Export and Investment Promotion Agency AZPROMO, the forum was held under the theme “Restoring Trust in a Fragmented World: The South Caucasus as a Pillar of Global Connectivity and Investment Stability.” The event brought together leading global investors, representatives of government institutions and international financial institutions, as well as business leaders.
The Baku White City project was presented during the panel session “Emerging Investment Frontiers: Real Estate, Tourism and Urban Development.”
The session opened with remarks by Anar Guliyev, Chairman of the State Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture of the Republic of Azerbaijan. He briefed the participants on projects being implemented in the country in the fields of urban planning and urban development, investment opportunities, and approaches to sustainable urban development. As an example, he highlighted the Baku White City urban development project, describing it as a benchmark for environmental rehabilitation:
“Historically known as the ‘Black City,’ this area was affected by industrial activity and oil production for more than a century. Through environmental rehabilitation and comprehensive redevelopment, the area is being transformed into a modern multifunctional urban district combining residential, commercial, cultural, recreational and public spaces.”
At the same time, Baku White City Special Projects Manager Elena Chernova introduced the project to the participants during her presentation.
“Environmental considerations were incorporated into the master plan from the very beginning. This approach provides for urban planning that takes climatic conditions into account, the integration of the project into the existing urban environment, and its adaptation to the transport strategy,” she noted.
Chernova also stated that “green” buildings are being developed as part of the project, while a number of commercial buildings have been certified in accordance with BREEAM standards. According to her, this initiative is now being extended to residential buildings as well.
The pavilion of the II Azerbaijan International Investment Forum also featured a model of the building housing the Museum of Azerbaijani Oil History and the library, which attracted considerable interest from participants and visitors.
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