AIIB Hosting Push: Azerbaijan will host the AIIB 12th Annual Meeting in Baku on July 14–15, 2027, after the Board of Governors’ decision in Doha; AIIB President Zou Jiayi praised Baku’s role and Azerbaijan’s Economy Minister Mikayil Jabbarov said the event will boost regional connectivity and sustainable infrastructure. Free Zone Manufacturing: UFlex Limited (via Flex Middle East FZE) and ABDF will build a $117.7m packaging plant in the Alat Free Economic Zone, with 60,000 tons annual capacity on a 4.7-hectare site. World Bank Agriculture Deal: Azerbaijan’s Agriculture Ministry discussed the CRAIS project with World Bank reps, focusing on financing and the Agricultural Credit and Development Agency to improve irrigation and farm competitiveness. Iran Transport Corridor Talks: Deputy PM Shahin Mustafayev met Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian in Tehran, with both sides stressing expanded land, air and rail links to deepen trade and regional corridors. Absheron Gas FID: TotalEnergies, SOCAR and XRG approved full-field development of Absheron, targeting 2029 start-up and lifting gas output from 1.5bn to 6bn cubic metres/year. Energy Price Caps in Italy: SOCAR’s fuel price stability in Italy was cited as part of broader pump-price cap moves by SOCAR and Eni, as Italy seeks relief from energy costs. Russia Cash Curbs: Putin signed new rules limiting individuals’ cash ruble exports to 1m rubles for Azerbaijan and other nearby states, with tighter enforcement and exceptions. ADEX Defence Cooperation: Slovakia will present a joint automated mortar system with Azerbaijan at ADEX 2026 (Oct 30–2), marking first defence-sector output from the partnership.