The recent presidential decree to establish the Western Industrial Park marks a decisive step in Azerbaijan’s industrial transformation. By focusing on the expansion of iron ore processing and deepening the metallurgical value chain, the country is signaling its intent to move beyond raw material exports and toward a more diversified, resilient economy. This initiative is not simply about building factories; it is about reshaping Azerbaijan’s economic identity in a global context where metals are becoming increasingly strategic.

For decades, Azerbaijan’s economic narrative has been dominated by oil and gas. While these resources have provided immense revenue, they have also created a dependency that leaves the economy vulnerable to global energy price fluctuations. The Western Industrial Park represents a conscious pivot: instead of exporting iron ore as a raw commodity, Azerbaijan aims to process it domestically, producing steel and other metallurgical products with higher added value. This shift is crucial because it transforms the country from a supplier of raw materials into a producer of industrial goods, capturing more of the value chain and strengthening its trade balance.

The decree highlights the modernization of........

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