At the initiative of the Center for Analysis of Economic Reforms and Communication (CAERC) of the Republic of Azerbaijan, another regional public discussion on the topic “Economic Reforms in Azerbaijan: Achievements and Prospects” was held in Sumgait.

During the discussion, Executive Director of CAERC Vusal Qasimli, Sector Head of the Service of the Assistant to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan for Economic Policy and Industry Issues Elkhan Mikayilov, First Deputy Head of the Sumgait City Executive Authority Faiq Karimov, and Member of Parliament Tahir Mirkishili delivered speeches.

They noted that the significant development of the Absheron economic region is evident against the background of ongoing economic reforms in the country. Sumgait’s industrial potential plays an important role in increasing non-oil exports and creating jobs. In particular, the production of polymers, large-diameter polyethylene pipes, steel pipes and glass panels at the Chemical Industrial Park serves not only the development of the non-oil industry but also the diversification and sustainable growth of the overall economy.

Sumgait Technologies Park was highlighted as a clear example of the country’s economic modernization policy. The Absheron economic region also has considerable potential for the development of tourism and agriculture. Economic reforms carried out under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev have created favorable conditions for the development of entrepreneurship in the Absheron economic region. It is no coincidence that companies from this region receive orders for non-oil sector products through the Azexport.az portal.

During the public discussions, Head of Department of CAERC Ayaz Chaparli and Sector Head of the Ministry of Economy Fariz Ahmadov delivered presentations on economic reforms. Head of the No. 2 Regional Tax Department of the Ministry of Taxes Abbas Ismayilov and regional representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture also participated in the event.

Following the speeches, questions of interest to entrepreneurs, municipal representatives and members of the public were answered.

Concluding the discussion, Executive Director of CAERC Vusal Qasimli stated that economic reforms create broad opportunities for more efficient utilization of the Absheron economic region’s potential in industry, tourism, transport and agriculture. In this regard, ensuring public awareness and participation enables better understanding of the benefits brought by reforms. At the same time, feedback from regional communities is taken into account in the implementation of new reforms.

It was noted that CAERC has so far conducted similar discussions with more than 1,000 representatives of the public in Aghdam, Sheki, Guba, Ismayilli and Ganja.