Azerbaijan–Uzbekistan Trade Push: Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan held another round of political consultations in Baku, with both sides stressing expanded cooperation in trade, energy, transport and logistics, and implementation of prior agreements. Bilateral Trade Roadmap: Uzbekistan’s Investment, Industry and Trade Minister met Azerbaijan’s ambassador to review trade and investment dynamics and back a roadmap to lift bilateral trade to $1B by 2030, with the 4th interregional forum due in Tashkent on Aug. 22. Caspian Tech Cooperation: Chinese and Azerbaijani technicians jointly deployed seismic instruments in the Caspian Sea aboard a joint venture vessel, underscoring growing cross-border oil-and-gas services. Transit Economy (Food & Fuel): Russia sent another wheat shipment to Armenia via Azerbaijan rail, adding to tens of thousands of tons of grain and other commodities already moving through Azerbaijani territory. Manat Watch: The Economist’s Big Mac Index points to the manat still trading below purchasing-power parity, with the gap narrowing but remaining sizable. Tech Sector Pivot: Azerbaijan is pushing to develop its tech sector and create a more investor-friendly framework for startups and venture funding. Agrifood Recognition: FAO selected Azerbaijani rural women leader Gulbaniz Ganbarova as a “FAO 100 Women Heroes” participant, highlighting agrifood and rural development impact. Legal/Business Climate: Prosecutors sought a suspended sentence for activist Galib Bayramov in a case involving NGO-related charges. Cross-border Compliance & Security: Azerbaijan detained a head of a foreign-operated online casino network in Georgia and brought suspects to Azerbaijan as part of cybercrime operations. Regional Trade Signals: Georgia’s trade with Azerbaijan rose in Jan–July, with Azerbaijan among Georgia’s top import and export partners.