Serhat Koksal: BSTDB ready to support projects that will strengthen Azerbaijan's strategic role

The Black Sea Trade and Development Bank (BSTDB) intends to prioritize projects that may reinforce Azerbaijan’s role as a strategic transport hub of Eurasia, BSTDB President Serhat Koksal said in an interview with Report.

According to him, the Middle Corridor is a very important trade route that connects Asia and Europe. It strengthens the economic ties and cooperation among the countries involved and contributes to their economic development.

Koksal noted that, along with the Middle Corridor, the North-South Corridor and the Great Silk Road are also among the priority projects.

BSTDB President also mentioned that as a matter of fact, it is among the bank’s mandates to support such cross-border projects that contribute to the economic development of its member countries and foster cooperation among them.

“These are large projects and require the cooperation of several parties, like the government, co-financiers, and sponsors. BSTDB has the potential to play an active role in supporting such projects.”

Koksal said that the ongoing infrastructure investments in this corridor offer significant opportunities for a regional development bank like BSTDB.

The official further stated that the transport sector is also a priority for the bank, given the strategic importance of this sector for Azerbaijan.

“In 2023, a PPP unit was established under the Ministry of Economy. Currently, this unit develops various projects to be implemented under a PPP scheme. These projects are large-scale projects in various sectors, including transport. BSTDB plans to cooperate closely with the PPP unit to participate in financing these projects in the coming years,” he said.

Read the full interview here.