Through the Azexport portal of the Center for Analysis of Economic Reforms and Communication (CAERC), 60 tons of sheep wool were exported to Russia. The export was carried out by entrepreneur Alihuseyn Shirinli from Zaqatala. Official figures indicate that no wool has been exported from Azerbaijan to Russia in the past 10 years.

Shirinli, who is classified as a Group I disabled person, began collaborating with the Azexport.az portal in August of this year. During this period, he received information on potential orders, technical barriers in the export market, and all procedures required for exports from Azerbaijan. After sending his first shipment to Russia, Shirinli stated that he will continue cooperating with the portal and plans to further increase export volumes. According to him, the revenue from exports will be used to expand his current production facilities and create new jobs.

Although wool production in Azerbaijan has increased in recent years, certain challenges remain regarding its export. The Azexport.az portal contributes to both expanding the volume of wool exports and broadening the export geography from Azerbaijan.

Zaur Qardashov, head of the Azexport portal, added that the business environment in Azerbaijan today allows anyone with initiative, intention, and diligence to secure a high-income source—even people with physical disabilities. In other words, the Azexport portal creates equal opportunities for all. As a digital platform, Azexport not only helps entrepreneurs access foreign markets but also supports them with export permits, logistics, marketing, and other related issues. While entering the market is relatively easy for large businesses, the portal’s main focus is to facilitate foreign market access for small and medium-sized enterprises, which is one of Azexport’s key objectives today.

The Azexport.az portal of CAERC was established based on the Decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan dated September 21, 2016, “On the Creation of a Unified Database of Goods Produced in the Republic of Azerbaijan.” The portal provides entrepreneurs with opportunities to promote goods produced in Azerbaijan to traditional and new markets through international e-commerce platforms.