BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 25. UK Export
Finance (UKEF) has the capacity to provide financing for projects
in Azerbaijan covering clean energy, transport, the Middle
Corridor, advanced manufacturing, AI infrastructure and data
centers, UKEF Co-Head of Global Business Origination Natalia
Sergeeva told Trend
on Friday on the sidelines of the second Azerbaijan International
Investment Forum in Baku.
According to her, only a small portion of UKEF's £5 billion
financing capacity for Azerbaijan has been utilized so far.
"We have a £5 billion capacity for Azerbaijan. We have already
used only a small portion of it. Therefore, there is significant
scope to bring more capital into the country. This funding can be
directed toward projects such as clean energy, transport, the
Middle Corridor, advanced manufacturing, AI infrastructure and data
centers," Sergeeva said.
According to her, UKEF can also help establish connections
between Azerbaijani partners and UK companies.
"One important aspect is that we can connect local partners with
UK companies. This is important in terms of ensuring that projects
are eligible for UK financing," she said.
Sergeeva added that UKEF also works with international banks and
export credit agencies to help develop bankable financing
structures for projects.
"We work with international banks and export credit agencies to
make projects bankable. We can help structure projects. Overall,
this is the package of financial support that UKEF offers for
significant projects in the country," she stressed.
The UKEF representative also clarified the agency's cooperation
with the Baku Stock Exchange. She said UKEF's support is provided
through guarantees, while the Baku Stock Exchange represents a
different source of capital.
"We provide guarantees. The Baku Stock Exchange is a different
source of capital," Sergeeva said.
The second Azerbaijan International Investment Forum is being
held in Baku.
The two-day forum is organized by Azerbaijan’s Ministry of
Economy and its subordinate Azerbaijan Export and Investment
Promotion Agency (AZPROMO), in strategic partnership with European
House – Ambrosetti.
Plenary and panel sessions at the event will address strategic
issues including the Middle Corridor, energy and the green
transition, artificial intelligence and digital transformation,
infrastructure, industry and free economic zones, critical raw
materials, agribusiness, financial cooperation, small and
medium-sized business development, tourism, real estate and
investment in human capital.
