Interview with the Secretary-General of the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation, Ambassador Isiaka Abdulqadir Imam

– How do you assess Azerbaijan’s role in expanding the influence of the D-8 organization, considering its strategic location and economic potential?

– Azerbaijan can play a significant role in advancing the goals of the D-8 organization thanks to its strategic geographic position and economic capabilities. Its location at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East makes it a vital link for regional connectivity. Azerbaijan is already functioning as a key transit hub along the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route and the Middle Corridor, creating major opportunities for trade expansion and economic integration among D-8 member states.

Energy remains an important area as well. Pipelines such as Baku–Tbilisi–Ceyhan and the Southern Gas Corridor are crucial for delivering energy resources to global markets, including D-8 countries, thereby strengthening energy security and mutual interdependence.

Azerbaijan is also investing heavily in transport infrastructure, including railway and port projects, directly supporting the D-8’s goals of reducing trade barriers and improving logistics. Importantly, the country’s economic potential is not limited to raw materials. Azerbaijan is actively developing non-oil sectors — from agriculture to logistics and digital technologies — aligning closely with D-8's aspirations for economic diversification.

Cultural and historical ties between Azerbaijan and several D-8 member states, such as Turkey, Iran, and Pakistan, provide a strong foundation for deepening cooperation and mutual understanding.

Moreover, Azerbaijan already has considerable experience in multilateral formats such as the Economic Cooperation Organization and the Organization of Turkic States. This experience can be effectively leveraged to enhance coordination and promote joint initiatives within the D-8 framework.

– What conceptual and structural differences distinguish the D-8 from other international economic organizations?

– The D-8 organization has a number of distinctive features that give it a comparative advantage over other economic unions. At its core, the D-8 is an intergovernmental structure focused on economic cooperation and development. Its uniqueness lies in the combination of a sustainable development focus, shared cultural values, and an emphasis on cooperation among Global South countries. These elements differentiate it from traditional financial and economic organizations.

Founded in 1997, the D-8 brings together eight developing countries: Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Turkey. Its main objectives include increasing mutual trade, fostering technological and industrial cooperation, and promoting sustainable growth. Unlike global structures like the WTO or OECD, the D-8 focuses on interaction between countries with shared cultural, religious, and socio-economic contexts.

One of the unique characteristics of the D-8 is that economic development is tied to cultural and traditional identity. This fosters a high level of trust among members and facilitates cooperation, particularly in areas such as halal trade, Islamic finance, and socially-oriented development. The organization also addresses issues that are particularly relevant to developing countries, including food security, energy sustainability, and equitable industrial development.

Another distinguishing feature of the D-8 is that its membership is not confined to regional boundaries—it's a structure that spans Asia, Africa, and Europe, focused on global cooperation within the Global South. This is a key difference from unions like the EU or NAFTA.

-What is the strategic significance of Azerbaijan’s participation in the D-8, and what unique opportunities can this organization offer in terms of the country's geoeconomic priorities?

-Membership in the D-8 offers Azerbaijan several important opportunities. It is not only a step towards greater economic diversification but also a way to strengthen regional connectivity and deepen partnerships with a group of rapidly developing countries. Shared cultural values and similar development priorities make the D-8 an especially attractive platform for Azerbaijan to expand its international economic influence.

For Baku, the D-8 holds particular interest both in terms of cultural and religious synergy — Azerbaijan has close ties with key members like Turkey, Iran, and Pakistan — and from a strategic economic perspective. Azerbaijan is focused on diversifying its economy beyond the oil and gas sector, and the D-8’s goals — promoting trade, industrialization, and sustainable development — align perfectly with the country’s national priorities.

Positioned as an important transit hub within the Middle Corridor and equipped with advanced infrastructure, notably the Baku International Sea Trade Port, Azerbaijan can play a key role in expanding trade routes for D-8 countries. Additionally, Azerbaijan’s energy potential can contribute to building sustainable energy partnerships, particularly with countries like Turkey, Pakistan, and Malaysia.

Moreover, participation in the D-8 can enhance Azerbaijan’s soft power within the Muslim world, strengthen its ties with influential states, and broaden its presence in larger multilateral formats — including the Organization of Turkic States and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

-Which areas of Azerbaijan’s economic development could gain the greatest strategic advantages through multilateral cooperation with the D-8 Organization, and what mechanisms could facilitate such collaboration?

-Azerbaijan’s participation in the D-8 opens wide prospects for several key sectors of its economy. Primarily, these include energy, agriculture, transport and logistics, tourism, manufacturing, information and communication technologies (ICT), and Islamic finance. Thanks to its advantageous geographical location, economic potential, and cultural affinity with many D-8 member states, Azerbaijan can use this cooperation to diversify its economy, modernize key sectors, and expand its influence in emerging markets.

In the energy sector, Azerbaijan has already established itself as a reliable supplier of oil and natural gas. Cooperation with D-8 countries — many of which are experiencing growing energy demand — can strengthen Azerbaijan’s role in regional energy security. Moreover, considering D-8's emphasis on sustainable development, Azerbaijan can develop partnerships in renewable energy, particularly in solar and wind projects, aligning with its goals to reduce dependence on hydrocarbons.

Agriculture is another priority area. Azerbaijan is actively modernizing its agricultural sector, and the experience of countries like Turkey and Malaysia could be valuable for adopting high-efficiency technologies and farming methods. Development of halal-certified products, which meet the religious and cultural standards of D-8 markets, also presents significant export opportunities for Azerbaijani goods such as cotton, fruits, nuts, and tea.

Given Azerbaijan’s strategic location between Europe and Asia, transport and logistics become crucial for regional integration. The country's developed infrastructure — including the Baku–Tbilisi–Kars railway and the Baku International Sea Trade Port — can be instrumental in establishing new logistical routes between D-8 countries.

Tourism is another promising field for cooperation. Azerbaijan’s rich Islamic heritage, cultural diversity, and natural landscapes make it an attractive destination for tourists from D-8 nations. Joint initiatives could help boost tourist flows, attract investments into tourism infrastructure, and create new tourism routes.

The industrial sector, especially light and textile industries, can also benefit from cooperation. Countries like Bangladesh, Turkey, and Egypt have strong industrial bases, and establishing joint ventures — particularly in cotton processing, petrochemicals, and building materials — looks highly promising.

In the sphere of ICT, there is significant overlap of interests between Azerbaijan and the D-8. The transition to a digital economy, development of e-commerce, sharing expertise in cybersecurity, and advancement of e-government practices could all become important areas of joint action.

Finally, in the financial sector, particularly Islamic finance, Azerbaijan could greatly benefit from the experience of D-8 members like Malaysia and Turkey. Introducing Islamic financial instruments would not only help attract investment but also expand access to financial services, promoting broader financial inclusion.

-What steps should Azerbaijan take to strengthen its position within the D-8 Organization and effectively leverage the benefits of this cooperation?

-To fully realize the potential of its membership in the D-8 Organization, Azerbaijan needs a comprehensive and strategically balanced approach. It is important not only to formally join key agreements within the organization but also to actively engage in its institutions and deepen economic, cultural, and technological cooperation with other members.

First, Azerbaijan should become a party to the D-8’s legal mechanisms. This includes the Preferential Trade Agreement, the Agreement on Customs Cooperation, the visa facilitation agreement for the business community, and the Memorandum of Understanding on SME cooperation. Joining these frameworks would allow Azerbaijan to not just participate but actively influence processes within the organization, benefit from preferences, and expand economic opportunities.

Moreover, active participation in the affiliated bodies of D-8 is essential. These include the D-8 Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Network of Research and Innovation Centers, the D-8 International University, the Agricultural and Food Security Research Center, the Technology Transfer and Exchange Network, and the Health and Social Protection Program. Engaging in these initiatives will enable Azerbaijan to both share its experience and adopt best practices from others.

Strengthening trade and economic ties with D-8 member states is also crucial. Azerbaijan can offer effective logistical solutions through the Middle Corridor, facilitating faster and more cost-effective goods movement between Europe, Asia, and Africa. Hosting specialized trade fairs and exhibitions — particularly focused on halal products, agricultural goods, and energy resources — can also significantly enhance cooperation.

In the energy sector, Azerbaijan already possesses the necessary infrastructure for energy supply, notably through the Southern Gas Corridor. Additionally, there are new opportunities for partnerships in renewable energy — particularly solar and wind power — which align with both D-8’s environmental agenda and Azerbaijan’s own sustainable development goals.

Cultural and diplomatic engagement must not be overlooked. Participating in D-8’s educational and cultural programs will strengthen Azerbaijan’s soft power, foster long-term relationships, and promote greater mutual understanding among peoples. Expanding diplomatic presence and enhancing bilateral ties with all D-8 countries can create a solid foundation for political and economic synergy.

Finally, special attention should be paid to industrial cooperation and technological interaction. Attracting investments from D-8 companies into Azerbaijan’s industrial zones and creating joint ventures in petrochemicals, textiles, and mechanical engineering could serve as a strong engine for future economic growth and deeper integration within the organization.

-How can Azerbaijan contribute to strengthening economic cooperation among D-8 member states?

-Azerbaijan can play an important role in deepening economic interaction among D-8 member states by leveraging its strategic advantages — favorable geographic location, energy resources, and growing economic potential. By acting as a trade hub, developing energy and agricultural partnerships, promoting cultural exchange, and supporting sustainable development, Azerbaijan can make a significant contribution to achieving the goals of the D-8 and fostering closer economic integration among its members.

-What role can Azerbaijan play in the development of trade and investment within the D-8 framework?

-Azerbaijan has significant potential to assume a key position in advancing trade and attracting investment within the D-8 framework. Its strategic geographic location, abundant natural resources, and dynamically developing economic sectors enable the country to serve as an important trade hub, a reliable supplier of energy resources, and an attractive destination for investments. By promoting regional connectivity, Azerbaijan can help create favorable conditions for deeper economic integration and sustainable growth among D-8 member states, playing an active and constructive role in this process.

-How do you assess Azerbaijan’s accession to D-8 from a geopolitical perspective?

-Azerbaijan’s accession to the D-8 Organization holds significant geopolitical importance both for the country and for the organization as a whole. Thanks to its strategic location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Azerbaijan can greatly enhance the regional connectivity of D-8. Furthermore, given Azerbaijan’s key role as a global energy producer, its participation can provide additional momentum for energy cooperation, particularly in the areas of energy security, sustainability, and the development of renewable energy sources.

The expansion of D-8’s membership also automatically broadens the organization’s geopolitical reach. While D-8 primarily operates in the economic sphere, Azerbaijan’s entry will lend the organization greater weight in international affairs and strengthen its ability to influence regional and global economic agendas. It will also enable D-8 to play a more active role in shaping a more balanced system of international relations based on multilateralism and mutually beneficial cooperation.

Thus, Azerbaijan’s membership in D-8 carries strategic value by promoting regional integration, enhancing energy collaboration, and expanding the organization's influence into the South Caucasus. For Azerbaijan, this move opens up new opportunities to diversify its economy, strengthen its international image, and deepen cooperation with key countries of the Muslim world. It represents an important component of Azerbaijan’s balanced and multi-vector foreign economic strategy.