Panel Session on “Industrial Platforms and Free Economic Zones: Azerbaijan as a Regional Manufacturing Hub” Held

September 25, 2026 16:05

As part of the Second Azerbaijan International Investment Forum, the role of industrial platforms and free economic zones in attracting investment, expanding production and exports, and integrating Azerbaijan into regional value chains was discussed.

A panel session titled “Industrial Platforms and Free Economic Zones: Azerbaijan as a Regional Manufacturing Hub” was held as part of the Second Azerbaijan International Investment Forum, convened under the patronage of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, H.E. Ilham Aliyev. The panel was moderated by Guy Shone, Global Chief Editor of AnewZ.

Speaking at the session, Deputy Minister of Economy Samad Bashirli emphasized that Azerbaijan’s favorable geographical location, developing industrial ecosystem and expanding transport and logistics infrastructure contribute to strengthening the country’s position as a regional manufacturing and export hub. He provided information on the opportunities created by the country’s industrial zones for attracting investment and diversifying the economy, as well as the incentive mechanisms applied in these zones. The advantages arising from Azerbaijan’s location along international and regional transport corridors, together with industrial opportunities linked to the Baku International Sea Trade Port and other logistics infrastructure, were highlighted as important factors facilitating manufacturers’ integration into regional supply chains and access to foreign markets. It was also noted that new mechanisms aimed at promoting exports and supporting logistics costs would further expand access for locally produced goods to international markets.

Elnur Baghirov, Chairman of the State Agency for Antimonopoly and Consumer Market Control under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, noted that a competitive environment is one of the key prerequisites for economic development and investment activity. Measures aimed at ensuring equal competitive conditions and increasing transparency in consumer markets were highlighted.
The discussions featured Valeh Alasgarov, Chairman of the Board of the Alat Free Economic Zone Authority; Polat Şen, President of the Durable Goods Group at Koç Holding; Christian Wulff Soendergaard, Vice President of Corporate Affairs at Carlsberg, Denmark; Marco Politi, Vice President of Sales and Business Development at DBA Group, Italy; Nataly Mouravidze, Country Manager for Azerbaijan at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD); and Dmytro Shlapachenko, UN Resident Coordinator in Azerbaijan.

The panel session provided information on the special legal and regulatory framework applied in the Alat Free Economic Zone, the incentives available to investors, and opportunities for export-oriented production. The strategic geographical location of the Free Economic Zone and its ready infrastructure were highlighted as key advantages for attracting innovative, export-oriented projects that generate high added value.

The panelists also exchanged views on opportunities for international companies to operate and cooperate in Azerbaijan, the role of institutional and financial support in private sector development, as well as prospects for sustainable economic growth and expanded regional cooperation.