The Center for Analysis of Economic Reforms and Communication (CAERC), in collaboration with the World Bank, organized a knowledge exhibition on “Rural Development and Agriculture.” The event was opened by CAERC’s department head Ramil Huseyn and the World Bank’s Country Manager for Azerbaijan, Navid Hasan Naqvi.

During the discussions, World Bank experts presented the results of diagnostic studies conducted in this area. It was noted that systematic economic reforms in recent years have led to significant changes in Azerbaijan’s agricultural sector. The importance of continuing programs on food security, regional development, and rural development in the future was also emphasized.

Ramil Huseyn highlighted the work carried out in rural development and the state’s attention to agriculture, recalling institutional reforms, major transformations in the agricultural sector, and key policy documents adopted to support sector growth. He noted that in the last two years, based on Presidential decrees, a Strategic Roadmap for Agricultural Production and Processing and several sectoral state programs have been approved. Huseyn stressed that while agriculture’s primary function is the production of food and raw materials, it also plays an essential role in ensuring ecological balance, improving the socio-economic conditions in rural areas, and preserving traditional rural lifestyles.

He added that updating rural development policies based on international best practices is essential for the country’s socio-economic development: “Implementation of the measures outlined in the Strategic Roadmap will strengthen the potential of rural development, support alternative economic activities, and encourage local communities’ initiatives. These actions will also enhance the participation of local self-governance bodies and rural communities, promote income-generating sectors at the community level, and increase the active involvement of women and youth in rural socio-economic life. In the near future, a new state program covering comprehensive rural socio-economic development will also be prepared, emphasizing the use of innovation and modern technologies in rural development.”

Navid Hasan Naqvi, the World Bank representative in Azerbaijan, added that agriculture is a vital part of the Azerbaijani economy and provides employment for a significant portion of the population: “The World Bank considers it appropriate to work on several fronts to enhance the productivity and competitiveness of Azerbaijan’s agriculture. These include linking farmers to markets, applying ‘smart’ agricultural methods, and strengthening food security systems. Reforms in these and other areas will significantly contribute to the modernization of agriculture.”

As part of the exhibition, World Bank representatives Culian Lampietti, Vilfred Handertmark, and Tara Sharafudhin delivered presentations on “Transforming Agriculture in Azerbaijan.”

It should be noted that CAERC, in collaboration with the World Bank, has organized three knowledge exhibitions to date, with participation from government agencies, private sector representatives, and the academic community.