Oil, and recently gas, remain the core assets for Azerbaijan's survival. However, they also leave many aspects of what in other countries is considered a normal, stable society out of reach of a vast majority of the population. Slow economic reforms, along with an unsolved geopolitical conflict with Armenia, are the main obstacles to be addressed if Azerbaijan wants to join the EU.To succeed, Azerbaijan must invest its oil wealth in the infrastructure required to support otherwise neglected industries. Without water, energy and an efficient distribution network those industries are unlikely to attract the international investment that they need. The Azeris cannot hope for prosperity outside the oil and oil service industries, mostly based in Baku, unless money is committed to other, less immediately lucrative but long-term viable business prospects.
World of Information Business Intelligence Reports allow access to concise, clear coverage of current political and economic developments in over 100 countries. Alongside contributions from journalists and regional experts from around the world, they contain a wide variety of sectoral analysis and background information. Each Report contains an introductory overview commissioned from one of World of Information's network of contributors, an extensive list of key facts and features of the country, including macroeconomic indicators and details regarding national population, labour market and public services. The economy section focuses on monetary, fiscal and trade conditions before analysing sectoral, infrastructure and regulatory developments. Natural resources including agriculture and minerals, industry and service sectors are covered. A five-year table of key indicators invaluable for research into economic trends accompanies the report.
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