An awarding event for entrepreneurs was held with the support of the Ministry of Economy and the organization of the Small and Medium Business Development Agency (KOBIA).
The event started with the national anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan and a minute's silence in memory of our martyrs who died for our territorial integrity.
Assistant to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Head of the Department of Economic Issues and Innovative Development Policy of the Administration of the President Mr. Shahmar Movsumov making a speech at the event, noted the special role of the private sector in the development of the country's economy, and that the development of entrepreneurship is one of the priority areas of the socio-economic development strategy implemented under the leadership of the head of state. It was stated that entrepreneurs who contribute to the country's economy are highly valued by the state.
Minister of the Economy Mr. Mikayil Jabbarov congratulated the employees of the Agency and entrepreneurs on the 5th anniversary of KOBIA. It was emphasized that this is a wonderful initiative that KOBIA has dedicated its fifth anniversary to presenting the "Dayag" award for small and medium-sized businesses. The attention and care shown by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mr. Ilham Aliyev to the development of entrepreneurship, especially small and medium businesses, is also reflected in the support tools used. It was stated that SMEs provide flexibility and stability in the country's economy, employment, and make a significant contribution to the diversification of the economy. Regarding the active participation of entrepreneurs in economic development, especially in the reintegration of our territories liberated from occupation, the minister drew attention to the fact that entrepreneurs are successfully operating in Karabakh. An example of this is the efficient operation of industrial parks and other enterprises established in Aghdam and Jabrayil. Besides business interests, entrepreneurs show patriotism and social responsibility in these processes, and it is very commendable that they have a vision focused on a successful future. In 2023, many new projects will be implemented in our territories liberated from occupation, which will ensure large-scale settlement of Karabakh.
The Minister noted that the Law "On Public-Private Partnership" will stimulate the continuous development of various sectors of the economy, and the proposals and initiatives in this area are important and constructive. It was pointed out that the new economy requires modern approaches and next year, the activities of the Azerbaijan Business Development Fund will expand access to finance for SMEs.
Minister of the Economy Mr, Mikayil Jabbarov stressed that together with the Presidential Plenipotentiary representative in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, targeted measures will be implemented to effectively use the economic opportunities of Nakhchivan, human potential and business development. The minister said that in order to develop economic relations with fraternal Turkey, effective negotiations should be held between the relevant state bodies of Azerbaijan and entrepreneurs.
Chairman of the Board of Directors of KOBIA, Mr. Orkhan Mammadov, informed about the support and services of the Agency, innovations planned for entrepreneurs in 2023. Emphasizing the role of the joint and coordinated activities of stakeholders in the development of the SME sector, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of KOBIA thanked the relevant institutions for their support and close cooperation in the work of the Agency over the past 5 years. It was noted that the "Dayag" award has a symbolic meaning and is an indicator of the constant state support and support for entrepreneurs.
Later, "Progress" medals were presented to those who were honored by the Decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan dated April 25, 2022, for their contribution to the economic development of our country and effective activities in the field of entrepreneurship.
At the event, successful entrepreneurs in 2022 were honored by nominations of "Dayag" award - "Successful manufacturer", “Successful startup”, “Successful activity in the field of sports and health”, “Successful farmer”, “Implementation of modern security technologies in Karabakh”, “On guard of health”, “Clean environment and green growth”, "Rehabilitation and reconstruction activities in liberated areas ", “A bank supporting SMEs”, " Active exporter company ", “Tourism”, “Active foreign company”, “Successful female entrepreneur”, “Support for SME networking” and "Young entrepreneur".
The "Dayag" award was presented to entrepreneurs by the Minister of Economy Mr. Mikayil Jabbarov, Minister of Youth and Sports Mr. Farid Gayibov, Minister of Agriculture Mr. Inam Karimov, Minister of Health Mr. Teymur Musayev, Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Mr. Mukhtar Babayev, the special representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the liberated territories included in the Karabakh economic region Mr. Emin Huseynov, Chairman of the State Agency for Service to Citizens and Social Innovations under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mr. Ulvi Mehdiyev, Chairman of the State Agency for Compulsory Medical Insurance Mr. Zaur Aliyev, Minister of Labor and Social Protection of the Population Mr. Sahil Babayev, Chairman of the Central Bank Mr. Taleh Kazimov, acting chairman of the State Customs Committee Mr. Shahin Baghirov, Chairman of the State Tourism Agency Mr. Fuad Naghiyev, Ambassador of Turkey to Azerbaijan Mr. Jahit Bagchi, Chairman of the State Committee on Family, Women and Children's Problems Mrs. Bahar Muradova, President of the National Confederation of Entrepreneurs (Employers) Organizations of Azerbaijan Mr. Mammad Musayev and Chairman of the Board of Directors of KOBIA Mr. Orkhan Mammadov.
It should be noted that the "Dayag" award is presented to entrepreneurs for the first time this year. The purpose of the award is to stimulate companies that stand out with their activities throughout the year, apply innovative and modern business approaches and produce export-oriented products and services.
Films dedicated to the establishment of entrepreneurial activity in the liberated territories and the 5-year activity of KOBIA were also demonstrated at the event.
The general sponsor of the event is Kapital Bank, the sponsors are Embawood and Improtex Group.