A conference titled “Economic Reforms: Achieved Results and Recommendations” was held, jointly organized by the Center for Analysis of Economic Reforms and Communication and the American Chamber of Commerce in Azerbaijan (AmCham).

The conference opened with keynote addresses by the First Deputy Prime Minister Yaqub Eyyubov, the Executive Director of the Center for Analysis of Economic Reforms and Communication Vusal Gasimli, and the President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Azerbaijan Nuran Karimov. The speakers provided insights into the key directions of economic reforms and the priorities and challenges ahead.

It was noted that sustained dialogue and cooperation between the public and private sectors create favorable opportunities to strengthen the role of the private sector in ensuring sustainable economic growth. Particular emphasis was placed on the Strategic Road Maps for the National Economy and Key Economic Sectors, which demonstrate that the reforms implemented in Azerbaijan under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev are comprehensively designed and aimed not only at short-term outcomes but also at medium- and long-term objectives.

During the conference, remarks were delivered by the Minister of Economy Shahin Mustafayev, the Chairman of the Board of the Central Bank Elman Rustamov, the Chairman of the Financial Market Supervisory Authority Rufat Aslanli, the Chairman of the State Customs Committee Aydin Aliyev, the Chairman of the State Committee on Property Issues Kerem Hasanov, and the First Deputy Minister of Taxes Sahir Mammadkhanov.

Heads of state institutions emphasized that comprehensive economic reforms carried out under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev have ensured macroeconomic stability in the country—particularly the stability of the national currency, the manat—curbed inflation to manageable levels, and led to increased growth rates and export volumes in the non-oil sector. It was noted that the improved business environment provides a solid foundation for expanding the activities of local and foreign entrepreneurs and for attracting investment into the Azerbaijani economy. Reforms in tax, customs, fiscal, and monetary policies have enhanced business satisfaction while creating broader opportunities for transparency, accountability, and efficiency.

Representatives of international organizations and the private sector also shared their perspectives on the issues discussed. Speakers included International Finance Corporation Country Representative in Azerbaijan Aliya Azimova, Head of the Baku Office of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development Ivane Duarte, Country Director of FINCA Azerbaijan Timothy Tarrant, Managing Director of SAP Azerbaijan Rufat HajiAliyev, General Director of Azerbaijan Coca-Cola Bottlers Erdinc Guzel, and Deputy General Director of Veysəloğlu Group Ilgar Nuri.

It was particularly highlighted that the ongoing economic reforms align with the interests of the private sector. The gradual reduction in the number of procedures required for business operations, lower resource requirements, and the widespread introduction of digitalization and online services significantly enhance Azerbaijan’s investment attractiveness. Representatives of international organizations and the private sector stressed the importance of direct dialogue with the government in the continuous improvement of the business environment and presented recommendations aimed at strengthening the economy’s resilience to external shocks, further improving business conditions, and increasing the country’s attractiveness and competitiveness for foreign direct investment.

In conclusion, it was stated that the primary objective of such events is to increase awareness of the ongoing economic reforms, ensure active participation of the private sector in the reform process, and contribute to enhancing the inclusiveness and effectiveness of economic reforms overall. In line with its charter, the Center for Analysis of Economic Reforms and Communication will continue, together with AmCham and other partner organizations, to engage broad segments of society in discussions on the outcomes of economic reforms.