BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 20. Azerbaijan
International Investment Forum is planned to be held in September,
Executive Director of the Export and Investment Promotion Agency
(AZPROMO) Yusif Abdullayev said at an event entitled "Delivering
Smart and Sustainable Urban Projects in Azerbaijan within the
framework of the 13th session of the World Forum of Cities (WUF13)
in Baku, Trend
reports.
According to him, smart and sustainable urban development in
Azerbaijan not only creates a better-quality living environment,
but also creates new opportunities for investment, trade,
innovation, and regional connectivity.
He noted that AZPROMO operates under the Ministry of Economy and
its main goal is to attract foreign direct investment to the
country, as well as support local exporters in accessing foreign
markets.
"Our main priority is the promotion of non-oil and gas exports.
In this direction, we have implemented a number of support
mechanisms under the "Made in Azerbaijan" brand," he
emphasized.
Abdullayev pointed out that new support mechanisms are planned
to be introduced starting this year.
"One of the main mechanisms is a logistics subsidy. We plan to
support up to 75% of exporters' logistics costs when sending their
products abroad," he shared.
The head of AZPROMO also said that competitive suppliers, modern
construction solutions, logistics capabilities, and active
participation of the private sector are essential for the formation
of sustainable cities.
"By supporting our companies' access to international markets,
we are also strengthening the ecosystem that supports urban
transformation within the country," he explained.
Abdullayev recalled that AZPROMO is also actively working on
organizing international business platforms and promoting
investment opportunities, citing the Business, Investment and
Philanthropy Climate Platform organized within the framework of
COP29 as an example.
"That platform brought together more than 1,000 participants
from more than 70 countries and created an important basis for
climate-oriented investment partnerships," he clarified.
He further said that WUF13 is also an important platform for the
development of this dialogue.
Abdullayev noted that AZPROMO has recently organized the "From
Cities to Borderless Trade: Export and Logistics Forum" as part of
the Baku Urban Week.
"The forum provided an opportunity to discuss the role of
cities, which have become the main driving force of export,
logistics, and economic connections," he said.
The chief of AZPROMO stressed that modern urban projects are no
longer considered separately from the economy.
"These projects form value chains, open new trade routes,
attract investments, and create new opportunities for business
communities," he noted.
Abdullayev added that the first Azerbaijan International
Investment Forum was organized in September last year, and the
second edition of this platform is planned to be held on September
25-26 of this year.
"This platform is already becoming a global initiative that
attracts influential international participants to Azerbaijan," he
underscored.
He also said that smart and sustainable urban development is a
shared responsibility.
"Governments form a strategic vision and an appropriate
environment, investors bring capital and experience, and businesses
provide solutions. International platforms bring all these parties
together," Abdullayev concluded.
Today marks the fourth day of WUF13 in Baku.
The first day included a ministerial meeting dedicated to the
New Urban Agenda, a ministerial roundtable, assemblies for women
and civil society, business sessions, and discussions on urban
prosperity. An official ceremony marking the raising of the UN and
Azerbaijani flags also took place.
The second day stood out for the inaugural Leaders' Summit,
featuring high-level discussions on the global housing crisis,
urbanization policy, and urban resilience. Concurrently, the
opening of the Mexico City pavilion took place, serving as a
significant platform for expanding cooperation with the Latin
American region and preparing for WUF14.
The third day of WUF13 featured a comprehensive program of
events covering the global housing crisis, the formation of safe
and inclusive cities, climate resilience, artificial intelligence
and urban governance, green urbanization, social equity, and
sustainable transport.
WUF13, which has attracted more than 40,000 registered
participants from 182 countries, will continue until May 22. Held
under the theme “Housing the world: Safe and resilient cities and
communities,” the forum brings together governments, international
organizations, experts, and representatives of civil society to
strengthen global cooperation in the field of sustainable urban
development.
