The Executive Director of CAERC, Vusal Gasimli, represented Azerbaijan at the international conference Skills for the Future: Managing the Transition held in Turin, Italy. The event was organized by the European Training Foundation (ETF) and focused on how developing and transition economies respond to the challenges of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, particularly in terms of workforce skills and global trends.

During his presentation, Gasimli provided a detailed overview of recent economic reforms in Azerbaijan. Addressing representatives from over 50 countries, he highlighted the importance of the Strategic Roadmap approved by President Ilham Aliyev, emphasizing that human capital development and its effective utilization are key priorities for ensuring sustainable national growth.

He also briefed participants on the 2019–2030 Employment Strategy of the Republic of Azerbaijan, approved in October, noting that the strategy creates opportunities for human capital development, expanded employment and entrepreneurship prospects, inclusive labor markets, and decent work conditions. Gasimli shared Azerbaijan’s successful experience in implementing self-employment programs over the past three years, explaining that in 2018, the state planned to provide assets free of charge to approximately 7,000 unemployed and job-seeking citizens to help them establish businesses, with the program currently underway and expansion planned for 2019.

Gasimli also introduced the www.enterpriseazerbaijan.com portal, describing it as a unique platform for promoting youth entrepreneurship, supporting startups, expanding access to venture capital, increasing financial accessibility, and broadening the coverage of self-employment programs. The portal also provides information on alternative financing projects and new investment opportunities in Azerbaijan, serving as a convenient platform for both domestic and foreign investors.

The conference concluded with an extensive discussion of the projects presented and their potential impact.