Iran has increased its state wheat purchases by 70% since early April, signaling a strong start to the harvest season. Officials expect higher production this year, supported by favorable rainfall and expanded procurement efforts.
Integration of banking and postal services in Turkmenistan could expand financial inclusion and strengthen digital infrastructure by connecting financial and public service systems, Colvir said.
Kermanshah Province in Iran is set to expand its fish farming sector, with plans for increased production, the development of sturgeon farming, and new investments in aquaculture infrastructure.
In March 2026, the Georgian lari showed mixed performance against major currencies, while international reserves declined slightly, maintaining a strong buffer for imports despite the decrease.
Azerbaijan's Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic saw an increase in loans directed to the economy in 2025. Consumer loans held the largest share, with significant growth in both business and agricultural loans.
Turkmenabat International Airport has announced an international price quotation tender for the supply of storage batteries, inviting interested companies to submit applications and participate in the procurement process.
Uzbekistan’s inflation is expected to remain elevated in the near term before gradually returning to target, as external pressures and domestic policy measures shape the disinflation path.
Turkmenabat International Airport has launched an international price quotation tender for the supply of foam fire suppressant and dry chemical extinguishing agents, inviting companies to submit applications and participate in the bidding process.
Uzbekistan’s coffee imports fell sharply in early 2026, despite continued diversification of supplier countries. The decline reflects lower overall demand compared to the previous year.
Remote and mobile banking solutions are emerging as key growth drivers in Turkmenistan’s financial sector, supporting customer expansion, fee income, and the broader shift toward digital services, Colvir said.
Inflation in Georgia eased slightly in March 2026 but remained high, as reported by the World Bank. Consumer prices rose month-on-month, leading to a small decrease in annual inflation. The report highlighted transport and food prices as the main drivers.
The IMF reports that economic growth prospects for the South Caucasus, Central Asia, and parts of the Middle East have been revised downward due to regional instability and rising external pressures.
Uzbekistan’s trade with France saw strong growth in early 2026, driven mainly by rising exports, as bilateral economic ties continued to expand.
The IMF warns that the ongoing Middle East conflict presents significant risks to global economic growth and inflation reduction, with emerging markets and developing economies particularly vulnerable.
Exports from Iran’s South Khorasan province have recorded strong growth, highlighting expanding trade flows in the region.
Azerbaijan's banking sector shows an increase in non-performing loans, while maintaining robust reserves to absorb potential credit risks.
Azerbaijan's banking sector experienced significant debt write-offs, primarily in the consumer loan portfolio, amid a rise in non-performing loans across various sectors.
The OSCE Centre in Ashgabat has opened a request for proposals for catering services for its official events over a one-year period.
Azerbaijan’s non-bank credit sector remains relatively small within the overall financial system, despite a noticeable expansion in assets and lending activity.
In late 2025, Azerbaijan's banking sector saw a decrease in concentration across its assets, deposits, and loan portfolios. The Central Bank of Azerbaijan reported a reduction in concentration levels, signaling a more diversified banking landscape.
Iran is expecting a strong tea harvest this year, with production set to increase. Tea prices have also risen significantly, reflecting higher production costs. The country has secured agreements with factories to purchase tea leaves directly from farmers.
Uzbekistan’s trade with Germany showed a slight decline at the start of 2026, though longer-term dynamics point to continued growth and stable economic engagement between the two countries.
Rising pork prices and higher energy costs linked to developments in the Middle East are also anticipated to contribute positively to the normalization of price levels.
Retail trade in Azerbaijan saw growth from January to March 2026. Consumer spending in the retail sector showed a steady increase, with notable rises in both food and non-food goods. The retail turnover demonstrated a solid expansion in real terms, reflecting positive market trends.
The ADB highlights that sustained investment in emerging industries and the ongoing modernization of manufacturing supply chains will play a crucial role in maintaining economic momentum.
Azerbaijan's fixed capital saw a 14.9% increase in investments during the first quarter of 2026, with growth in both the overall capital and the oil and gas sector.
Cargo handling at Qeshm ports saw substantial activity in the past year, with notable growth in non-oil product shipments and significant export and transit volumes, reflecting the region's key role in Iran's trade and maritime operations.
State-backed agricultural lending is being positioned as a key policy tool to modernize farming capacity, address structural constraints like water scarcity and climate pressures, and strengthen long-term food security.
Exports through customs in Iran’s Kermanshah Province recorded solid performance over the past year. Several key border points played a significant role in facilitating trade flows. A diverse range of industrial and agricultural goods contributed to the province’s export activity.
Trade activity through Bushehr customs reflects a significant role in Iran’s export-driven economy, with exports far outweighing imports.
Azerbaijan’s reinsurance market contracted in 2025, with a notable decline in premiums ceded to reinsurers, particularly in the life insurance segment.
Azerbaijan saw a notable drop in restructured loans in 2025, with the total portfolio falling —driven largely by a sharp contraction in business lending, signaling a shift in credit dynamics, according to the Central Bank.
Uzbekistan’s coal production remained stable in early 2026, as broader industrial output continued to be driven primarily by manufacturing, reflecting steady momentum across key sectors of the economy.
Lebap region overfulfilled its budget revenue plan in the first quarter, while continuing infrastructure and housing construction under a national program.
The project aims to enhance the monitoring of atmospheric processes in these areas.
The "Azerterminalcomplex" Union of the State Customs Committee of Azerbaijan is inviting tenders for database auditing and consulting services in electronic computing systems. Proposals must be submitted by 18:00 (GMT+4) on May 1, 2026, with the opening of tender packages scheduled for the same time.
The Ministry of Finance is launching a procurement process to support consultancy services and the development of digital audit software to strengthen state financial control systems.
According to the OECD, continued policy adjustments could further strengthen T
A tender has been announced for the construction of a community club center in a settlement in Jabrayil district as part of a planned residential development for internally displaced families.
A tender has been announced for the comprehensive renovation and reconstruction of the Shusha College building, which operates under Karabakh University.
Uzbekistan continues to deepen its economic engagement with India, with bilateral trade showing steady growth at the start of 2026 and a notable expansion compared to previous years, despite a largely import-driven structure.
Transactions on the Iran Energy Exchange (IRENEX) saw a significant increase last week compared to the previous week. Hydrocarbon and electricity sales saw substantial growth, contributing to a major boost in overall transaction value.
The Asian Development Bank expects steady economic expansion in Turkmenistan in the coming years, supported by gas exports and infrastructure investment, while warning of potential pressure on household incomes.
A major international energy operator has opened a competitive tender in Turkmenistan for technical services in geology and field development support.
ADB expects inflation in Uzbekistan to decline gradually through 2027 amid tight monetary policy, though some price pressures may persist.
The Asian Development Bank projects moderated economic growth for Georgia and the broader South Caucasus region, citing factors such as global demand pressures and regional slowdowns, but anticipates a recovery in 2027 driven by increased domestic spending and construction development.
In early 2026, Azerbaijan's Mortgage and Credit Guarantee Fund supported entrepreneurs with significant loan disbursements. This aligns with the country's focus on developing the non-oil sector and improving financial access.
Azerbaijan’s debt market declined last year, mainly due to a reduction in government bond volumes. Despite this, other segments showed growth, indicating continued diversification. Overall market activity remained stable with sustained investor participation.
Uzbekistan’s fiscal outlook remains stable as ongoing reforms support consolidation and macroeconomic resilience, though external and fiscal risks continue to persist.
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has released its inflation forecast for Georgia for 2026-2027.
Azerbaijan's insurance sector maintains a strong capital position but experiences a decline in profitability and an increase in loss ratios across several insurance segments in 2025.
Azerbaijan’s inflation rate remained stable over the reporting period, with price growth patterns showing a consistent but uneven structure across different consumer categories.
Azerbaijan’s housing market began to stabilize in 2025 after strong growth. Prices continued to rise, but at a more balanced pace across segments. The trend points to easing pressure despite costs still outpacing incomes.
Azerbaijan's population saw an increase in nominal revenues during the first quarter of this year. The rise in income reflects positive economic trends, with notable growth in both overall revenues and average wages.
The capital position of investment companies in Azerbaijan remains stable and well within a comfortable range. The sector continues to demonstrate resilience, supported by a strong capital buffer. However, profitability has come under pressure due to rising operational costs.
Despite a positive dynamic in disposable incomes, the share of household debt in relation to these incomes has increased in Azerbaijan, according to the Central Bank.
The performance of El Plast highlights strengthening industrial output in Kyrgyzstan, supported by infrastructure demand and increasing domestic production capacity.
A balanced dynamic was observed in Azerbaijan's repo market in 2025, with sustained demand for liquidity. Although repo transaction volumes decreased from the high levels of late 2024, market activity remained robust.
Azerbaijan's stock market saw growth in trading volume and continued dominance of the financial sector last year. Secondary market trading led activity in 2025, especially after the first IPO in 2024.
According to the OECD, such policy steps could help further enhance labor market efficiency and support sustainable economic growth.
The OECD noted that continued policy efforts in this direction could contribute to stronger and more sustainable economic growth.
Rising capital expenditures and supplementary funding from central sources signal a sustained focus on infrastructure-led regional growth, with Osh remaining a key recipient of public investment.
Retail trade turnover in Turkmenistan’s Lebap region increased in the first quarter, while industrial production showed marginal growth.
Turkmenistan saw a sharp increase in vegetable production in the Lebap region in the first quarter, alongside growth in flour, fruit, and dairy output.
The increase in Osh’s budget alongside substantial central government transfers highlights a continued reliance on fiscal redistribution to support regional development and infrastructure investment.
The International Bank of Azerbaijan held the largest authorized capital among banks in the country, while the Bank of Baku recorded the smallest.
The number of fully electric vehicles imported into Azerbaijan during the first quarter of the year has been disclosed.
The total revenues of banks in Azerbaijan for Q1 2026 have been revealed. Kapital Bank leads the rankings, followed by the International Bank of Azerbaijan and PASHA Bank. Bank Melli Iran recorded the lowest revenue among local banks.
Uzbekistan is expected to remain resilient under a potential decline in global gold prices, supported by its ability to adjust export volumes and sustain export revenues, according to ING analysts.
Georgia experienced a mixed performance in its agricultural sector in 2025, with significant growth in barley and vegetable production despite declines in wheat and maize.
Uzbekistan recorded strong growth in inbound tourism in the first quarter of 2026, driven mainly by arrivals from neighboring countries, according to official statistics.
Azerbaijan has outlined its forecast for consolidated budget expenditures over the medium term.
Investments in fixed capital directed to Azerbaijan’s agriculture, forestry, and fisheries sector reached new highs in the first quarter.
Azerbaijan’s trade turnover with Russia declined sharply, with both exports and imports showing a significant decrease compared to the previous year.
Azerbaijan's rail freight transport saw a significant decline in early 2026, accounting for a smaller share of the total cargo volume compared to the previous year.