ZANGILAN, Azerbaijan,
August 2. The Great Return process underway in
Eastern Zangezur is not limited to the return of former internally
displaced persons to their native lands, Azerbaijan's Presidential
Special Representative for Jabrayil, Gubadli, and Zangilan
districts Vahid Hajiyev said, Trend's correspondent reports from the event.


Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Seventh Summer Camp for
Diaspora Youth in Zangilan, Hajiyev said that it is also bringing
businesses, education, services, and new opportunities back to the
region.


According to him, the Azerbaijani diaspora plays a vital role in
promoting the country internationally, defending its national
interests, conveying the truth about Azerbaijan to the global
community, and preserving its cultural heritage. He noted that
diaspora youth bear a significant responsibility in fulfilling this
mission.


The presidential envoy said the results of the first phase of
the Great Return State Program, launched on the instructions of
President Ilham Aliyev, are already becoming visible.


According to Hajiyev, resettlement has already taken place in
the cities of Jabrayil and Zangilan, as well as in the villages of
Aghali, Mammadbayli, Shukurbayli, Gorovlu, and several other
settlements. Large-scale reconstruction and development projects
are continuing in the city of Gubadli and other communities across
the district.


He noted that the government is supporting entrepreneurship in
the region through tax and customs incentives, dedicated financial
mechanisms, and comprehensive assistance for investors. As a
result, new opportunities are emerging in agriculture, logistics,
services, tourism, and culture.


Hajiyev added that more than 19 resident companies are already
operating in the Araz Valley Economic Zone established in Jabrayil,
with ongoing projects contributing to job creation across the
region.


He described Eastern Zangezur's agricultural potential as one of
its greatest strengths. The Araz, Hakari, Bargushad, Basit, and
Okhchu rivers, together with modern pivot irrigation systems and
the commissioning of a 12,000-hectare irrigation network, provide
significant opportunities for agricultural development.







According to Hajiyev, traditional horticulture is also being
revived, with agricultural products supplied not only to the
domestic market but also exported abroad.


He also highlighted the rapid implementation of renewable energy
projects under the Green Energy Zone concept initiated by President
Ilham Aliyev.


Hajiyev said bp is constructing a 240-megawatt solar power plant
in Jabrayil, while other investors are also developing solar energy
projects in the region. Solar panels are already being used in
residential areas and administrative buildings, and four hydropower
plants are currently operating in the Zangilan district.


The presidential envoy also pointed to the region's rapidly
expanding transport and logistics infrastructure.


"The construction of the Khudafarin–Aghband highway is nearing
completion, the railway line is ready to be commissioned, and
Zangilan International Airport is significantly enhancing the
region's logistics capacity. These developments are increasing
investor interest and creating favorable conditions for the
establishment of logistics hubs," he said.


Concluding his remarks, Hajiyev said the primary mission of
Azerbaijani youth living abroad is to provide the international
community with objective information about Azerbaijan's historic
victory, the reconstruction of the territories liberated from
occupation, and the country's ongoing development, while further
strengthening the solidarity of Azerbaijanis worldwide and
contributing to the achievement of the country's strategic
goals.