Employees of the Center for Analysis of Economic Reforms and Communication (CAERC) visited the economic regions of Karabakh and East Zangazur as part of the monitoring and evaluation of the implementation of the “First State Program on the Great Return to the Liberated Territories of the Republic of Azerbaijan.”

The CAERC delegation conducted on-site inspections of construction, reconstruction, and restoration works, as well as communication, infrastructure, and other facilities in Aghdam city, Khidirli village of Aghdam district, Tazabina and Khanyurdu villages of Khojaly district, Karkijahan settlement of Khankendi city, Hasanriz and Vangli villages of Aghdara district, Kalbajar city, Lachin city, Sus and Beylik villages of Lachin district, Mahruzlu and Zilanli villages of Gubadli district, Zangilan city, and Agali, Jahangirbeyli, and Mammadbeyli villages of Zangilan district.

The delegation also became familiar with the progress at Aghdam Industrial Park, “Araz Valley Economic Zone” Industrial Park, the “Gozlukorpu” and “Chaykend” hydropower plants, the “Tekegaya” and “Agchay” small hydropower plants, the “Shafag” solar power plant, and the Nursery and Training-Education Center in Jabrayil district.

Under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, large-scale restoration and reconstruction works are being carried out in the liberated territories. Within the framework of the State Program, the construction of modern infrastructure and new settlements to ensure the return and resettlement of former internally displaced persons continues at an accelerated pace. By the first half of 2025, more than 15,000 people have been resettled to their native lands. In total, the population currently residing in the liberated areas is close to 50,000 people.

During the visit, discussions were held with representatives from the Ministry of Economy, Ministry of Digital Development and Transport, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Science and Education, Ministry of Health, relevant restoration, construction, and management services, as well as other implementing agencies, regarding the inspected settlements and associated projects.

As of the first half of 2025, a number of significant projects have been implemented under the State Program. One higher education institution, 14 general education schools, and 6 preschool institutions have been commissioned. Additionally, 19 healthcare facilities—including 2 hospitals, 6 family health centers, 5 medical stations, 4 modular hospitals, and 1 polyclinic—have begun operating. More than 300 km of new highways have also been completed.

According to Presidential Decree No. 3587 dated November 16, 2022, the monitoring and evaluation of the implementation of the activities outlined in the State Program are carried out by the Center for Analysis of Economic Reforms and Communication, commissioned by the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan.