https://innews.media/uploads/news/2026-02/_innews_2a259ede425ac62cd9b3b47f8_o.jpg
Mastercard recently participated in the meeting hosted by President Ilham Aliyev with the delegation of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. During the meeting, Mastercard shared its perspectives on accelerating digital payments and inclusive digital growth, reinforcing its commitment to supporting Azerbaijan’s long-term economic vision.
The meeting formed part of a broader business mission to Azerbaijan, within the scope of which meetings were held with key state institutions, including the Office of the President, the Ministry of Economy, the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport, and the Central Bank of Azerbaijan.
Strengthening Strategic Engagement with the Government of Azerbaijan
Building on this high-level program, Mastercard recognizes the significant economic reforms implemented in Azerbaijan in recent years, which have positively accelerated digitalization and contributed to the development of a resilient financial ecosystem. The company values the constructive dialogue between the public and private sectors that supports sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
During meetings with government counterparts, Mastercard emphasized that it values the strategy and priorities set by the President and the Government of Azerbaijan and reiterated its willingness to collaborate on areas such as digitalization, artificial intelligence, and supporting the development of small and medium-sized enterprises.
Collaboration with the Central Bank and Key State Institutions
Mastercard maintains close and productive cooperation with the Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBAR), advancing joint initiatives in digital payments, financial inclusion, SME enablement, cybersecurity, and modern payment infrastructure. Building on the recent joint whitepaper, “The New Wave of Digitization in Azerbaijan”, Mastercard is committed to bringing the study’s insights and strategic recommendations to other government institutions as well—helping translate this shared vision focused on SMEs into broader national impact and supporting the country’s overall economic development.
In addition to its ongoing engagements with the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport and the Ministry of Economy, Mastercard recently held a constructive meeting with the Governor of the Central Bank, Taleh Kazimov, who reaffirmed CBAR’s openness to deeper cooperation across the government’s strategic agenda and highlighted the importance of continued collaboration in advancing innovation, digitalization, and financial inclusion.
High-Level Leadership Engagement in Baku
The company’s long-term commitment to Azerbaijan was recently reinforced through a high-level leadership visit by Jon Huntsman. During the visit, Mastercard held meetings with senior government stakeholders, including the Governor of the Central Bank of Azerbaijan, Taleh Kazimov, and the Minister of Digital Development and Transport, Rashad Nabiyev. The discussions focused on financial inclusion, digitalization, innovation, cybersecurity, and broader digital transformation. The visit also included a high-level roundtable hosted by AmCham Azerbaijan with financial-sector leaders, reinforcing Mastercard’s commitment to co-creating a modern, trusted, and innovative digital economy in Azerbaijan.
A Long-Term Commitment to Azerbaijan’s Digital Growth
Through its global network, advanced technologies, and international expertise, Mastercard supports the expansion of access to secure digital payment systems, advances financial literacy and financial inclusion, and helps extend innovative financial products and services to rural and underserved communities.
Mastercard values its strong institutional partnership with Azerbaijan’s state institutions and remains committed to sharing global expertise, scalable technologies, and international best practices in support of the country’s long-term digital transformation and economic priorities.
About Mastercard
Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we’re building a sustainable economy where everyone can prosper. We support a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions secure, simple, smart and accessible. Our technology and innovation, partnerships and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses and governments realize their greatest potential.
www.mastercard.com
