Nakhchivan has always been more than a geographically separated part of Azerbaijan. Located between Turkiye, Iran and Armenia, the autonomous republic has historically stood at the intersection of important commercial and cultural routes connecting different parts of the region. Today, that geographical position is gaining a new meaning. With major investments in infrastructure, energy, transportation and industry, Nakhchivan is entering a period in which its location could become one of its greatest economic advantages.

The attention given to Nakhchivan by the national leadership has deep historical roots. Heydar Aliyev played a particularly important role in shaping the republic's modern political and economic trajectory. During his years in Nakhchivan, he attached particular importance to strengthening the region's position within Azerbaijan and preserving its economic and strategic significance at a difficult period in the country's history. His approach to Nakhchivan was based not only on protecting its immediate interests, but also on understanding the autonomous republic's broader historical and geopolitical importance.

That legacy has continued under President Ilham Aliyev. Nakhchivan's development has remained a consistent element of state policy, reflected in repeated presidential visits, infrastructure projects and programmes aimed at strengthening the republic's economic potential. President Ilham Aliyev has visited Nakhchivan 16 times and, during these visits, participated in the opening of numerous social, economic and infrastructure facilities while setting priorities for the region's future development.

The scale of the recent transformation is becoming increasingly visible. The 2023–2027 State Programme for the socio-economic development of Nakhchivan established 11 priority areas, covering economic growth, social development and the deeper integration of the autonomous republic into Azerbaijan's economy. Since 2023, hundreds of production and service facilities have been created, while preferential financing has supported hundreds of entrepreneurial projects.

The economic figures also point to a changing environment. Between 2023 and 2025, Nakhchivan's real GDP increased by 7.6 percent, industrial production rose by 4.6........

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