Currently, Azerbaijan is vigorously implementing the Great
Return Program, a comprehensive initiative aimed at restoring all
territories liberated from occupation. Significant efforts are
underway to rebuild Garabagh and Eastern Zangazur, where new
villages, towns, modern trade and logistics centres, and economic
zones are being established.
In parallel, against the backdrop of extensive construction
activities in formerly occupied regions, Azerbaijan is swiftly
advancing large-scale restoration and reconstruction projects.
These efforts are complemented by rapid economic reintegration
measures in Garabagh and Eastern Zangazur, designed to ensure
sustainable settlement and economic activity for forcibly displaced
populations.
Recently, from June 27-28, the Ministry of Economy organised the
“New Opportunities for Entrepreneurs: Let’s Build Garabagh
Together” event in Shusha, serving as a pivotal continuation of
these endeavours. The event aimed to present investment
opportunities and business prospects in the Garabagh and Eastern
Zangazur economic regions, fostering discussions on public-private
sector partnerships.
Against the backdrop of Azerbaijan’s ongoing efforts to rebuild
and develop its recently liberated territories, the “New
Opportunities for Entrepreneurs: Let’s Build Garabagh Together”
event in Shusha, organized by the Ministry of Economy, serves as a
pivotal continuation of these initiatives. The event’s primary
objective is to highlight the burgeoning investment opportunities
and business prospects within the economic regions of Garabagh and
Eastern Zangazur. It also aims to facilitate discussions on
effective public-private sector collaboration models.
Azerbaijan’s Great Return Program, currently underway, focuses
on the comprehensive restoration of territories liberated from
occupation. This includes rebuilding infrastructure, establishing
new settlements, and developing modern trade and logistics centres
along with economic zones in Garabagh and Eastern Zangazur.
During the event, panel discussions were held to address various
aspects of entrepreneurial activities in these regions. Topics
covered included incentives for businesses, state support measures,
and the pivotal role of entrepreneurs in the economic
revitalization and integration of these newly regained
territories.
As part of the program, a delegation of business representatives
visited Aghdam Industrial Park, the country’s second-largest after
Sumgayit Chemical Industrial Park. This park has attracted
significant investment, with 25 business entities investing over
216 million manats, leading to the creation of more than 2,000
jobs. Notably, these investments are supported by favorable
conditions such as residency status for investors and exemptions
from certain taxes and duties.
Seymur Adigozalov, Chairman of the Economic Zones Development
Agency under the Ministry of Economy, provided insights into the
“Araz Valley Economic Zone” Industrial Park during his address at
the event. Currently hosting 10 resident businesses and 2
non-resident entities, this park is projected to receive
investments exceeding 83.4 million manats, resulting in the
creation of 700 jobs. The park has already seen investments of over
14 million manats, leading to the establishment of more than 20
jobs.
The development plans for these industrial parks include the
creation of logistics centres, warehouses, wholesale and retail
facilities, as well as service areas like vehicle repair and cold
storage. These initiatives are aimed at enhancing local production
capacities and promoting economic diversification in the
region.
Looking ahead, several investment projects are being considered
for implementation in Azerbaijan’s liberated territories,
reflecting the government’s commitment to fostering sustainable
economic growth and development in these areas.
In addition to industrial activities, plans are underway for the
production of personal sanitary products using local raw materials
within Aghdam Industrial Park. This initiative aims to meet
domestic demand while reducing reliance on imports, thereby
supporting local industries and employment opportunities.
Currently, Azerbaijan hosts seven industrial parks across
various districts, including the prominent “Araz Valley Economic
Zone” in Sumgayit Kimya, along with parks in Garadag, Pirallahi,
Mingachevir, Balakhani, Aghdam, and Jabrayil. Additionally, the
country features five industrial districts situated in Hajigabul,
Masalli, Neftchala, Sabirabad, and Sharur.
Of particular note, the Agdam Industrial Park spans 190 hectares
and was established by presidential decree on May 28, 2021.
Similarly, the “Araz Valley Economic Zone,” covering 200 hectares,
was established by decree on October 4, 2021. Both parks have
undergone extensive demining operations, ensuring the safety and
accessibility necessary for development. Mobile settlements have
been strategically placed to accommodate residents comfortably
within these industrial zones.
Overall, these initiatives underscore Azerbaijan’s proactive
approach towards rebuilding and revitalising its liberated
territories, laying the groundwork for long-term economic
prosperity and regional stability.
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