BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 29. The 2nd
Azerbaijan International Investment Forum was held in Baku on
September 26. This year’s forum, held under the theme “Restoring
Trust in a Fragmented World: The South Caucasus as a Pillar of
Global Connectivity and Investment Stability,” brought together
government and business representatives, investors, and experts
from various fields.
As part of the forum, a panel discussion titled “New Horizons
for Investment: Real Estate, Tourism and Urban Development” was
held. Ali Huseynov, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Avant
Group, participated as a speaker and shared his views on changing
investor and buyer expectations in the real estate sector, the
development of modern residential and mixed-use projects, as well
as the impact of international partnerships on the commercial value
and global positioning of real estate developments.
During his speech, Ali Huseynov noted that people today are no
longer looking simply for an apartment or a certain number of
square meters, but for a complete living environment, a lifestyle,
and long-term value. He emphasized that Baku’s transformation in
recent years into a more international, connected, and modern urban
environment has also contributed to changing buyer
expectations.
According to Huseynov, while buyers in previous years primarily
focused on questions related to the size, floor, and view of an
apartment, factors such as proximity to schools and other social
infrastructure, walkability, the quality of public spaces, building
management, and the long-term prospects of the community are now
becoming increasingly important.
He noted that these changes are directly influencing the
development and planning process. In the modern approach to
development, the focus should not be limited to the building
itself; the city, location, and community must also be considered
from the outset. Mobility, landscaping, retail, social
infrastructure, public spaces, and long-term management have become
integral elements of planning from the earliest stages of a
project.
The discussion also addressed the changing approach of
investors. The Chairman noted that capital is becoming increasingly
selective, with investors looking beyond expected returns and
paying greater attention to factors such as corporate governance,
execution capabilities, transparency, the quality of the
development team, and the company’s long-term commitment to the
project.
Speaking about Avant Group’s development strategy in this
context, Huseynov noted that the company began its operations as a
construction company in 2010 and has since evolved into a
full-cycle development model that integrates construction, product
development, commercial strategy, and long-term management.
“Ultimately, the market does not remember only what you sell. It
remembers what you create,” said the Chairman of Avant Group.
Another key focus of the panel was the role of international
architects, hospitality operators, and strategic partners in the
development of real estate projects.
According to Ali Huseynov, international partnerships should not
be limited to simply bringing a recognized name to a project; they
should create genuine added value. International architects can
elevate the architectural and design quality of a project by
bringing global expertise and new approaches. Hospitality
operators, meanwhile, can influence various stages of a project —
from developing the concept and defining service standards to
shaping amenities and services, management practices, and the
overall user experience. At the same time, international investment
partners can provide not only financing, but also institutional
expertise, management standards, international networks, and access
to new markets.
During his speech, it was also emphasized that Azerbaijan’s role
as a host of major international events has increased the country’s
global visibility in terms of its urban development and investment
potential. Events such as COP29 and the World Urban Forum were
highlighted as contributing to Baku’s emergence as a focal point
for international discussions on cities, sustainability, and urban
development.
“As a local developer, our role is to connect these two worlds.
International partners bring global knowledge and standards. We
bring local expertise, execution capabilities, construction
experience, and a deep understanding of the market. When these two
sides are combined effectively, you are no longer simply developing
a project in Baku. You are creating a project from Baku that can
compete on the global stage,” Ali Huseynov concluded.
