BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 21. The Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) is ready to support the access of Azerbaijani startups to international markets, Chief of Council Affairs & Strategic Relations, DCO, Omar AlNemer, told Trend in an exclusive interview.
He noted that Azerbaijan’s signing of the DCO Charter is an important step toward full membership and the deepening of international digital cooperation. This process creates new opportunities for collaboration in areas such as digital trade, artificial intelligence (AI), digital government infrastructure, and access to international markets for Azerbaijani technology companies.
“Azerbaijan’s signing of the DCO Charter on 5 October 2026 marks an important step toward full membership and deeper international digital cooperation. We see three immediate opportunities: strengthening digital trade and cross-border connectivity; advancing cooperation in artificial intelligence and digital public infrastructure; and connecting Azerbaijani startups and technology companies with international markets and investors,” he said.
AlNemer said that Azerbaijan’s strategic position between the South Caucasus and Central Asia gives it significant potential to serve as a regional digital bridge. According to him, the priority is to build on this milestone through practical initiatives that create measurable economic value and strengthen cooperation across DCO markets.
DCO can support attraction of investments into Azerbaijan's digital economy
Touching on the potential of closer cooperation with DCO in terms of attracting investments to Azerbaijan's digital economy, AlNemer said that the organization can contribute to increasing the country's investment attractiveness by connecting national digital priorities with international investors, markets and policy frameworks.
“Azerbaijan has demonstrated ambition in AI, cybersecurity, digital infrastructure and innovation. DCO’s Digital Economy Navigator can help identify investment opportunities and gaps, while our work on digital-economy policy can support greater regulatory predictability,” he stressed.
According to him, through initiatives such as STRIDE and DCO InvestConnect, we can explore opportunities to connect Azerbaijani technology companies with international investors and strategic partners.
“Building on the recent Charter signing, our objective is to support Azerbaijan’s ambitions to become not only a market for digital technologies, but also a regional hub where innovative solutions are developed, financed and exported,” the DCO representative explained.
Cross-border digital connections and trade
AlNemer said that along with physical connectivity, strengthening Azerbaijan’s role as a digital bridge between South Caucasus and Central Asia also requires interoperable digital systems, trusted data flows and regulatory frameworks that enable businesses and services to operate across borders.
He noted that the discussions between Azerbaijan’s leadership and the DCO Secretary-General highlighted opportunities for cooperation in regional connectivity, digital transformation and innovation.
“Through frameworks such as the Model Digital Economy Agreement (MDEA), DCO can support dialogue on regulatory interoperability, digital trade and trusted cross-border data exchange,” AlNemer pointed out.
According to him, exploring opportunities for cooperation in digital identification, electronic signatures, paperless trade, and cross-border services could help transform Azerbaijan’s geographical advantage into broader economic integration and digital opportunities.
Access of Azerbaijan’s digital solutions to international markets
The DCO representative noted that Azerbaijan’s experience in the field of digital public services also creates opportunities for international cooperation.
AlNemer pointed out that expertise regarding platforms such as "mygov," "Digital Login," "Digital Bridge," and SIMA could be shared with member states, technical knowledge could be exchanged, and potential partnerships as well as pilot projects could be explored.
“Beyond government cooperation, these platforms can create opportunities for Azerbaijani technology companies to reach new customers and markets through DCO’s wider network,” he clarified.
According to him, the objective is to help countries move beyond sharing best practices toward scaling proven digital solutions that deliver measurable economic and social value.
Skills and security essential in implementation of AI
Talking about the effects of artificial intelligence on the economy and the labor market, AlNemer said that its successful implementation is based on three main factors: the creation of appropriate opportunities, the application of technology and the provision of trust.
“Countries must invest in digital infrastructure, high-quality data and AI skills, while accelerating practical adoption across government, businesses and key economic sectors. At the same time, cybersecurity, privacy and responsible AI governance must be integrated from the outset,” he emphasized.
The DCO representative emphasized the critical importance of workforce preparation. According to him, governments and business entities must expand digital skills, support continuous reskilling programs, and enable employees to adapt to the economic shifts driven by artificial intelligence.
AlNemer added that it is essential for Azerbaijan to align the development of artificial intelligence with its priorities in economic policy, skills enhancement, and cybersecurity.
“DCO can support this through policy exchange, AI governance tools, capacity building and international cooperation.
Responsible AI and innovation must advance together to ensure sustainable economic growth,” he pointed out.
Access of Azerbaijani startups to international markets
According to AlNemer, one of the DCO’s priorities is to expand digital opportunities for startups and businesses, and to transform international cooperation into concrete avenues for accessing new markets, investments, customers, and strategic partnerships.
He noted that the Charter signing provides an opportunity to explore stronger connections between Azerbaijan’s innovation ecosystem and DCO initiatives such as STRIDE, Startup Nexus and DCO InvestConnect.
“These programmes can provide potential pathways to entrepreneurship networks, investors, accelerators and commercial partners across DCO markets, subject to appropriate arrangements,” he noted.
The DCO representative stressed that the organization is ready to evaluate opportunities to identify promising Azerbaijani companies, assess their international expansion potential and connect them with relevant partners.
According to him, the goal is to create sustainable pathways for Azerbaijani startups to scale internationally, while positioning Azerbaijan as an attractive destination for innovation and digital investment.
Results of cooperation should be measured by concrete indicators
AlNemer said that the success of Azerbaijan’s cooperation with the DCO should be evaluated not merely by signed agreements and statements issued, but by the concrete results achieved.
“The Charter signing on 5 October 2026 is an important milestone, but the real measure will be what follows: Azerbaijani startups entering new markets, investment opportunities created, joint digital projects implemented and greater adoption of Azerbaijani technology solutions internationally,” he said.
According to the DCO representative, progress in digital skills, AI adoption, cybersecurity readiness and broader digital-economy development should also be evaluated.
He pointed out that DCO’s Digital Economy Navigator can help establish an evidence-based understanding of progress, while a potential joint results framework could track specific cooperation outcomes.
“Ultimately, success means Azerbaijan becoming an active contributor to international digital cooperation, connecting regional markets and creating measurable economic opportunities for businesses and communities,” AlNemer concluded.
