Baku hosts Agribusiness Development Forum

Baku is hosting the Agribusiness Development Forum, co-organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Economy and supported by the World Bank. The event is attended by senior officials of the Ministries of Agriculture and Economy, representatives of both ministries, the FAO Office in Azerbaijan, the World Bank Office in Azerbaijan, the Central Bank, the Azerbaijan Entrepreneurs Confederation, the Azerbaijan Banks Association and other international organizations.

The purpose of the two-day forum is to bring together stakeholders in the development of agribusiness in the country, to discuss international and local experience, the current situation, opportunities, financial support for agribusiness and the steps needed to benefit more farmers.

Making a speech at the event, Minister of Agriculture Inam Karimov said that the development of the agricultural sector was declared one of the priorities by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev. As a result of consistent measures, sustainable development of the agricultural sector has been ensured. In January-November, the total volume of agricultural production increased by 3.8 percent compared to the same period last year, while exports increased by 13 percent.

Speaking at the event, President of the Confederation of Entrepreneurs of Azerbaijan Mammad Musayev said that the “Organic Food” forum will be held in Azerbaijan in May next year with the support of the Islamic Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture. At the same time, he spoke about the proposals on public-private partnership, especially in rural areas, access to finance in business and agriculture.