An event dedicated to the development of industry and entrepreneurship was held
On December 28, the National Confederation of Entrepreneurs (Employers) Organizations of the Republic of Azerbaijan (ASK) and the Ministry of Economy organized the event “Development of industry and entrepreneurship in Azerbaijan – 2018”.
Minister of Economy Shahin Mustafayev said at the event with the participation of officials, relevant government agencies and entrepreneurs that Azerbaijan’s economic potential has increased as a result of continuing systematic and consistent reforms under the leadership of the head of state in 2018, this year`s successfulness for the country’s economy, positive results in the economy, improvement of business and investment climate and non-oil production and export stimulation and other measures.
Noting the importance of non-oil sector, production and export potential of the industry, transit potential of the country and the importance of the implementation of these tasks by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mr. Ilham Aliyev, the Minister of Economy gave detailed information on the measures taken in this direction. It was stressed that the reforms carried out under the leadership of the head of state, the sustainable socio-economic development of our country and the further improvement of the social welfare of the population will further strengthen the economic power of our country and increase its influence in the international community.
Industrial parks and neighborhoods have been established in Azerbaijan to provide innovative and high-tech development of the non-oil sector, increase employment of the population in the field of production and more effectively use the industrial potential of the regions. There are already several enterprises in our country with modern technologies and standards shows. More than AZN 5 billion investment has been invested by industrial parks and more than 70 residents of the neighborhoods. Within the framework of the investment promotion mechanism implemented in Azerbaijan since 2016, 330 investment projects have already been submitted for investment projects, with investment of up to $ 2.8 billion and opening to 22,000 new jobs.
Minister of Economy Shahin Mustafayev underlined that the development of entrepreneurship and the support of the private sector, which is the leading force of the economy, are one of the priorities of the successful socio-economic policy led by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan. According to this strategic line of the Head of State, important measures are being taken in the development of entrepreneurship, continuous improvement of business and investment environment, development of state-entrepreneurship relations, creation of new support mechanisms for business and other areas.
Systematic and consistent reforms are underway to develop the private sector small and medium-sized businesses and expand the scope and geography of state support to entrepreneurship, in line with the package of economic reforms that the President calls the global challenges of the modern era. Implementation of entrepreneurial investment projects on preferential terms, establishment of industrial parks and neighborhoods, agroparks, business incubators, suspension of entrepreneurship inspections until 2021, improvement of licensing and permits system, introduction of investment and export promotion, tax and customs reforms, organization of missions and other measures are important in ensuring the sustainable development of entrepreneurship, increasing the role of the private sector in the economy. Speaking about export support mechanisms, the Minister of Economy said that 11 export missions to 10 countries were organized this year and 10 international exhibitions were attended by local companies with a single country stand, trade and wine houses were opened.
It was noted that the measures taken are also reflected in international reports. It is no coincidence that our country has ranked 25th among 190 countries in the World Bank’s Doing Business 2019 report, improving its position by 32 points and included in the 10 list of reformers in the world.
Undoubtedly, the steps taken to support state-level entrepreneurship, non-oil production and exports serve to further increase economic opportunities in Azerbaijan, the development of the private sector, and the continuous improvement of the living standards of the citizens. Shahin Mustafayev thanked the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan for his great attention and care for the development of entrepreneurship.
Minister of Economy Shahin Mustafayev, Minister of Taxes Mikayil Jabbarov, Minister of Labor and Social Protection Sahil Babayev, Minister of Transport, Communications and High Technologies Ramin Guluzade, Minister of Agriculture Inam Karimov, Chairman of the State Customs Committee Safar Mehdiyev said that the business environment 24 persons awarded medals and honorary titles for their contribution to economic development and improvement of their positions in international rankings, as well as prizes awarded by 22 nominees selected by the Ministry of Economy.
From left to right: Minister of Labor and Social Protection Sahil Babayev and Vice-president of the National Confederation of Entrepreneurs (Employers) Organizations of the Republic of Azerbaijan Zakir Nuriyev
From left to right: Chairman of the State Customs Committee Safar Mehdiyev and the Association of Women Entrepreneurs of Azerbaijan (AQSİA), Director of Baku Textile Factory Sakina Babayeva