Azerbaijan Entrepreneurs Confederation presented its proposals to Government

The National Entrepreneurs (Employers) Confederation of the Republic of Azerbaijan worked directly with entrepreneurs and relevant government agencies during the holidays to determine negative impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on the Azerbaijani economy, employment and business entities in the country.

It is known that by the Order of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mr. Ilham Aliyev dated March 19, 2020, 4 Working Groups were established to address negative impact of the pandemic on the Azerbaijani economy, employment problems and social problems in the country (https://president.az/articles/36228 ).

Working Groups will develop proposals for investigation of real situation and provision of appropriate state support to economic entities and citizens directly or indirectly affected by restrictions imposed to prevent spread of infection. The ASK, social partner of the state, in turn presented to relevant Working Groups package of proposals developed in consultation with entrepreneurs as the largest platform for private sector entrepreneurs.

It should be noted that work of 14 sectorial commissions operating within the ASK has been further strengthened and collected proposals have been included in legal framework. Responses to written inquiries sent to entrepreneurs were analyzed, and suggestions were collected from them through online meetings. In addition, more than 40 representatives of the ASK operating in the regions of Azerbaijan were involved in these processes and comprehensive information on economic situation in the country as a whole was collected.

Proposals were discussed at the meetings of Working Groups, which were represented by the President of the Azerbaijan Entrepreneurs Confederation, Mammad Musayev and other leaders of the Confederation.

It should be noted that package of proposals put forward by the ASK is wide and covers all affected businesses. Package of proposals includes wide range of tax incentives, reduction of customs duties on imports of some products, non-accrual of bank interest on loans to entrepreneurs for certain period, delays in repayment of principal, full or partial subsidies for rent, social protection, water, electricity, gas and application of discounts and deferrals on other utility payments, the provision of state support to employers and employees, etc. suggestions.

It should be noted that Working Groups should prepare final package of proposals based on the results of these discussions.