In a recent interview with the Azerbaijan State News Agency (AZERTAC), a major news and information agency of Azerbaijan, Anatoly Motkin, President of StrategEast shared his views on Azerbaijan’s growing role in the regional digital landscape.
Mr. Motkin noted that Azerbaijan’s young, skilled, and globally connected population gives the country a unique advantage. “Azerbaijan has all the prerequisites to become an economic bridge between East and West,” he said, emphasizing that international collaboration and foreign investment will be key to unlocking its full potential.
Commenting on the country’s progress in digital transformation, Anatoly Motkin highlighted the importance of expanding cooperation with global IT leaders. “Azerbaijan has already created several world-class digital products, but to build a competitive digital economy, it is vital to attract development centers of major international IT companies,” he stated. StrategEast President welcomed the upcoming opening of an EPAM Systems office in Baku, describing it as “a strong signal for other major technology players.”
Discussing StrategEast’s educational initiatives, Mr. Motkin emphasized ongoing cooperation with Azerbaijani universities and international partners. “Through the StrategEast IT HUB Azerbaijan program, hundreds of students have gained vital skills for the global market, earning certificates from leading tech companies,” he explained. Programs have been implemented with support from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the Ministry of Economy of Azerbaijan, Oracle, and IDDA, focusing on developing IT talent in regional centers.
Mr. Motkin also underlined Azerbaijan’s potential to lead regional innovation efforts, noting growing cooperation among technology hubs in Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. “Azerbaijan can become a regional Singapore for the technology ecosystem of the Caucasus and Central Asia,” he said, envisioning closer regional integration.
Reflecting on StrategEast’s successful collaborations in other countries, Anatoly Motkin cited Georgia’s example, where partnerships with the Georgia’s Innovations and Technology Agency and the Ministry of Economy helped establish a thriving IT export industry now generating over $1.2 billion annually.
Looking ahead, StrategEast President expressed confidence that Azerbaijan is on the right path toward building a sustainable, knowledge-driven economy.
The full interview is available here (in Russian).
