World Bank funds regional connectivity project in Azerbaijan
A new $65 million loan to Azerbaijan to finance the Regional Connectivity and Development Project has been approved by the World Bank.
The project will provide safe, efficient and climate resilient transport connectivity and improve market accessibility along the Salyan-Bilasuvar road in the south of the country. About 250,000 people living along this route will benefit from upgraded road infrastructure, as well as improved economic opportunities and easier access to essential service facilities.
The project will finance three key areas. First, investments in roads and ancillary agricultural and logistics infrastructure will contribute to supporting connectivity and market accessibility, with a view to maximizing the socio-economic development impact of upgraded roads.
Second, the project will support financial sustainability and efficiency within the road sector, through technical assistance for developing road network management systems and study options for introduction of user charges and prevention of vehicle overloading.
Third, the project will support the design and arrangement of roadside logistics and market facilities, and provision of skills training to local entrepreneurs, to improve income-generating opportunities for local communities.
