AIIF 2026 discusses role of critical raw materials in global economic security

A session titled "Critical Raw Materials and Global Economic Security" was held as part of the 2nd Azerbaijan International Investment Forum (AIIF 2026), held under the patronage of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.

According to Report, the Azerbaijani Ministry of Economy said the session focused on the role of critical raw materials in ensuring economic security, industrial resilience and technological development, as well as building reliable supply chains and exploring investment opportunities.

Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Rashad Ismayilov delivered remarks on the topic.

The event was also attended by Zakir Ibrahimov, Chairman of the Management Board of AzerGold CJSC; Sunniya Durrani-Jamal, ADB Country Director for Azerbaijan; Marco Villa, Chief Commercial Officer of Italian company Technip Energies; Marco Castagnini, CEO of Kazakhstan"s Green Spark; Birol Ergüven, representative of Türkiye"s Limak Holding; and Tatiana Rybalko, Head of the Commercial Department at Kazakhstan Insulator Plant.

The session addressed the role of critical raw materials in ensuring economic security, industrial resilience and technological sovereignty, as well as developing reliable supply chains for clean energy, advanced manufacturing and digital infrastructure.

The discussions highlighted the potential of Azerbaijan and the region to develop the extraction and processing of strategic minerals and create added-value activities. The participants exchanged views on critical raw material extraction, the development of industrial partnerships and the application of investment models, as well as on expanding international cooperation in this area.