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.
