Meeting Held at the Ministry of Agriculture with Delegation of the Islamic Development Bank
At a meeting held at the Ministry of Agriculture of Azerbaijan with an assessment mission from the Islamic Development Bank Group, new project opportunities and cooperation in digital agriculture were discussed.
Abdulrahman Sadikhli2 min read
On September 16, Ilhama Gadimova, Deputy Minister of Agriculture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, met with Muhammad Sulaiman, Country Operations Manager and Head of the Assessment Mission of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group. The meeting focused on proposed strategic directions under the Member Country Partnership Strategy for the Republic of Azerbaijan, the results of the initial mission, and a potential portfolio of projects in the agricultural sector.
Highly valuing the long-term partnership with the Islamic Development Bank, Ilhama Gadimova emphasized the importance of this mission in terms of expanding cooperation through new projects and initiatives. The Deputy Minister highlighted the Integrated Rural Development Project, implemented in Agdash, Yevlakh, Shaki, and Oguz districts under the coordination of the Agricultural Credit and Development Agency, as a successful example of partnership. It was noted that this project contributed to increasing rural incomes, restoring infrastructure, and improving irrigation and drainage services.
During the meeting, the Deputy Minister pointed out that the 'State Program on the Development of Production and Processing of Agricultural, Fisheries, and Aquaculture Products in the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2026–2030' defines the development priorities of the agricultural sector for the coming years. She stated that there is significant potential for broad cooperation with the IsDB in climate-resilient agriculture, modern irrigation and efficient water resource management, financing and risk management, digital technologies and artificial intelligence, value chain development, processing and cold chain infrastructure, livestock, fisheries, aquaculture, as well as agricultural research and education.
Muhammad Sulaiman, head of the IsDB Group mission, noted his high appreciation for the artificial intelligence and innovative solutions applied in Azerbaijan's agriculture. He emphasized the importance of applying this experience to other member countries of the bank and proposed developing new projects within the framework of the partnership.
At the end of the meeting, the parties continued to exchange views to specify future areas of cooperation and potential projects.
