A meeting was held between the American Chamber of Commerce in Azerbaijan and the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of Azerbaijan Republic

On January 11, 2022, a meeting was held between the American Chamber of Commerce in Azerbaijan (AmCham Azerbaijan) and the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Population of Azerbaijan Republic.Minister of Labour and Social Protection of the Population of Azerbaijan Republic Mr. Sahil Babayev noted the state’s support to the development of entrepreneurship in all areas, and the growing role of the private sector in the country's economy. The Minister stressed the importance of social partnership with business structures, cooperation in the field of labour and employment based on social dialogue with entrepreneurs.Mr. Babayev highlighted that special attention was paid to the participation of employers, including representatives of the private sector, in the process of preparing proposals to improve the labour legislation in accordance with the new challenges in the labour market and modern requirements. The minister also mentioned that a positive experience of cooperation in this area has been formed, and regular meetings and discussions are held between the members of the Chamber and the ministry.President of AmCham Azerbaijan, Mr. Nuran Karimov emphasized that the Chamber is closely following the reforms in the field of labor, employment, social protection and social security. Mr. Kerimov also stressed the importance of such meetings in creating opportunity for AmCham private sector representatives to exchange views and information on labor market reforms and present their proposals and recommendations. The meeting featured a number of proposals brought forward by the Chamber within the recent White Paper, including amendments to the legislation on the performance of labour functions at home and remote work, and legal regulation of labour relations in this form of work.With regards to the mentioned proposal, it was stated that the new draft law on amendments to the Labor Code provides for "remote work" on the basis of electronic, software-technical, telecommunication means of labor functions in other places located outside the employer's workplaces, such as at home, in a hotel, etc. the form of implementation is envisaged.The project also reflects a proposal to define additional conditions of working conditions in the employment contract by mutual consent of the parties in connection with the performance of labor functions in the form of remote work. In addition, discussions on the formulation of legal regulations in labour relations related to remote work, improvement of the rules of sending employees on business trips, and etc. proposed by the Chamber were held. Furthermore, during the meeting, it was agreed to establish a working group between the parties to discuss and implement changes in the labor legislation in the near future, including the relevant recommendations submitted within the framework of the White Paper.

AmCham Members met with the Representatives of the Ministry of Economy of Azerbaijan Republic

On December 9, 2021, a meeting was held between the American Chamber of Commerce in Azerbaijan (AmCham) and the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The honorable speaker of the meeting was Deputy Minister of Economy of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mr. Elnur Aliyev. The meeting featured presentation of AmCham's key policy document - “White Paper” 2021 edition containing recommendations and suggestions for improving the business and investment climate in Azerbaijan. The event was attended by representatives of the public and private sectors who exchanged views on issues and proposals reflected in the document, supporting the development of the business environment and sustainable reforms in the country.Opening the event, Executive Director of AmCham Azerbaijan Ms. Gulnara Aslanbeyli welcomed the participants and emphasized sustained activity of the Chamber on improving business environment in Azerbaijan, as well as significance of the established fruitful dialogue and successful cooperation with government institutions in this direction. She also noted that discussion of the recent recommendations proposed in White Paper will be held during the meeting. Afterwards, President of AmCham Azerbaijan Mr. Nuran Kerimov highlighted the importance of such events in terms of continuing the dialogue between the public and private sectors. Mr. Kerimov noted that the White Paper, as one of AmCham's key policy documents, is developed and submitted to the Azerbaijani government to support various sectors of the local economy. Previous White Papers prepared by AmCham were submitted to the government of Azerbaijan in 2005, 2008, 2011, 2014, 2016 and 2018 -years. The last edition of the White Paper was prepared in 2021 and submitted to the relevant authorities. "We highly commend the economic reforms carried out in the country in recent years, especially in the direction of the fight against the shadow economy aimed to create a competitive and sustainable non-oil sector. We are witnessing positive results in this area, including the decline in informal employment, and supporting these steps by the government.” - Mr. Kerimov said.Welcoming the participants, Deputy Minister of Economy Mr. Elnur Aliyev noted that such meetings create a beneficial platform for the exchange of views on the prospects of cooperation between the government and business representatives and expressed his gratitude to AmCham Azerbaijan for this opportunity. Deputy Minister of Economy Mr. Elnur Aliyev informed the participants about the measures taken to support the business and investment climate in Azerbaijan during the pandemic and the positive impact of these measures on macroeconomic indicators. It was noted that as a result of the measures taken, the sustainability of business activities and economic growth in 2021 was ensured. Thus, in the first 10 months of this year, real GDP increased by 4.9% to $ 42 million, non-oil GDP increased by 5.9%. During this period, foreign trade turnover increased by 24.7%, exports by 37.7% and non-oil exports by 42%.Moreover, Mr. Aliyev stressed the importance of developing competitive human capital within the National Socio-Economic Priorities of Azerbaijan, inclusive society and social justice, application of modern technologies, "green" economy and economic revival of our liberated territories in terms of sustainable economic development, and spoke about the work done in this direction. The participants were also informed about the investment opportunities created by the Electronic Credit Platform for Entrepreneurs, Azerbaijan Investment Holding, Alat Free Economic Zone, to further improve the business and investment climate and increase investment attraction.Furthermore, Vice President of AmCham Nargiz Nasrullayeva-Muduroglu delivered a comprehensive presentation on the recommendations covered in the 2021 edition of the White Paper. She noted that the White Paper and other position documents of AmCham aim to contribute to the development of the economy by reflecting the collective opinion of the members of the Chamber on changes that will further strengthen the business environment in Azerbaijan and the country.Afterwards, Mr. Jeyhun Mammadov, Chairman of AmCham Tax and Customs Committee, and Mr. Zaur Allahverdizadeh, Chairman of AmCham Legal and Compliance Committee, made comprehensive presentations on recommendations and suggestions on the relevant sectors reflected in the White Paper.The Deputy Minister said that the recommendations and suggestions proposed in the "White Paper" will be evaluated by the Ministry of Economy.At the end of the meeting, discussions were held on the issues reflected in the document, opinions and proposals were heard and questions of interest of the business circles were addressed by Deputy Minister of Economy Mr. Elnur Aliyev, Chief of the State Tax Service Mr. Orkhan Nazarli, Deputy Chief of the State Tax Service Ms. Samira Musayeva, Deputy Chief of the State Antimonopoly and Consumer Market Control Service Mr.  Mammad Abbasbayli and Executive Director of the Center for Analysis and Coordination of the Fourth Industrial Revolution Mr. Tamerlan Taghiyev.

AmCham Azerbaijan organized 3rd Conference on “Ethics and Compliance in Azerbaijan”

On November 30, 2021, the American Chamber of Commerce in Azerbaijan (AmCham Azerbaijan) organized 3rd AmCham Conference on “Ethics and Compliance in Azerbaijan”. The event was held with the support of the Gold Sponsors - BP, NEQSOL Holding and Equinor Apsheron A.S, and Bronze Sponsor - Baker Hughes.Mr. Nuran Kerimov, President of AmCham Azerbaijan and Ms. Gulnara Aslanbayli, Executive Director of AmCham Azerbaijan, delivered opening speeches and welcomed the participants. The significance of such conferences for ensuring compliance of businesses in Azerbaijan with relevant laws, regulations and ethical principles, as well as developing a culture of integrity within the business community of the country was emphasized.Thereafter, the floor was passed to Mr. Ramin Valizada, Executive Secretary of the Commission on Combating Corruption of the Republic of Azerbaijan.Mr. Ramin Valizada greeted the Conference participants and acknowledged the sustainable work of the Chamber in improvement of the business climate in the country. In his speech, Mr. Valizada touched upon the strategies, programs and reforms carried out in combatting corruption in the country. He also highlighted the systematic and targeted activities of the Anti-Corruption Commission in this direction and emphasized key role of the State Program on Combating Corruption on the results achieved.The Conference highlighted three panel discussions. The topic of the first panel was “Managing Third party related Compliance Risk”. Moderator of the first panel was Deputy Chairperson of AmCham Legal and Compliance Committee Mr. Kamil Valiyev, Partner at Dentons. The panel featured the speeches by Ms. Marianne Ibrahim, Global Compliance Director at Baker Hughes, Mr. Vagif Ahmadov, AGT Region E&C Manager at BP, Mr. James Hogan, Managing Partner at Dentons and Ms. Gultakin Aliyeva, Ethics and Compliance Manager at Equinor.The second panel was dedicated to the “Pandemic and its Impact on Compliance”. Moderator of the panel was Deputy Chairperson of AmCham Legal and Compliance Committee Mr. Toghrul Ahmadov, Chief Legal Officer at NEQSOL Holding. Speakers of the second panel were Ms. Shirin Aliyeva, Legal, Ethics & Compliance Executive at Azercell, Mr. Tural Hajiyev, Director of the Consulting services at Deloitte, Ms. Clare Farley, Head of E&C for Eastern Hemisphere at BP, Mr. Alexey Yakimov, Head of Compliance at Vodafone Ukraine and Mr. Vuqar Sadiq, CEO Advisor at Kapital Bank.The third panel featured discussions on “Compliance related Investigations and Corrective Actions”. The panel was moderated by the Chairperson of AmCham Legal and Compliance Committee Chairperson Mr. Zaur Allahverdizade, Russia-CIS region Compliance Director at Baker Hughes. The panel highlighted the speeches by Mr. Ruslan Gurbanov, Investigations Manager at BP, Ms. Sharaf Asgarova, Legal Manager at Ekvita, Mr. Vugar Novruzov, Compliance Manager at Caspian Marine Services, Ms. Judith Aron, Partner and Co-Head of Europe Compliance at Dentons and Mr. Orkhan Huseynzade, Deputy Chief of the State Labor Inspection Service.The panel discussions were followed by interactive Q&A session, as well as exchange of views and best practices.More than 100 people participated in the conference, including high-ranking government officials, senior executives from business community, member companies and representatives of diplomatic corps.

AmCham Members’ November Luncheon

On November 29, 2021, the American Chamber of Commerce in Azerbaijan (AmCham Azerbaijan) organized its monthly members’ Luncheon. The Honorable Guest Speaker of this month was Mr. Mukhtar Babayev, Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Opening the event, Executive Director of AmCham Azerbaijan, Ms. Gulnara Aslanbayli welcomed the participants of the Luncheon. During her speech, she emphasized sustained activity of AmCham Azerbaijan on continuing supporting and promoting the interests of foreign and local businesses in Azerbaijan, as well as significance of the established fruitful dialogue and successful cooperation with government institutions in this direction. She also welcomed 12 recently joined members of the Chamber.Afterwards, Ms. Aslanbayli passed the floor to member presentations by SUEZ International, Sustainera Research & Consulting Services and Bioropean LLC, who gave the information on portfolio and activity direction of their companies. Then, Ms. Gulnara Aslanbayli introduced the honorable guest speaker Mr. Mukhtar Babayev. The Minister welcomed and expressed his gratitude to all AmCham members and guests. Mr. Mukhtar Babayev delivered a comprehensive presentation on “The state of environment and rehabilitation plans in Eastern Zangazur and Karabakh Economic Zones of Azerbaijan”. Mr. Babayev started his presentation by highlighting serious environmental damage on the nature, biodiversity, and whole ecosystem of the region caused as a result of the occupation, as well as its consequences such as degradation of environment, ecological disbalance and ruthless exploitation and transportation of natural resources. Afterwards, the Minister emphasized restoration and rehabilitation projects and plans in the liberated territories such as declaration of a "net-zero emission" zone by 2050, establishment of "green energy zone", use of renewable (water, wind, solar, thermal) energy sources, establishment of “Smart City" / "Smart Village" concept, application of "green agriculture“ concept, sustainable management of transboundary water resources, increase of forest massifs and greenery and others. Furthermore, it was also mentioned that, within the framework of rehabilitation plans in Eastern Zangazur and Karabakh Economic Zones of Azerbaijan, Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijani Republic and Karabakh Revival Fund. Within the MoU, activities in the direction of rehabilitation of ecosystems and infrastructure, as well as hydrometeorological observation systems, establishment of environmental monitoring stations, planting of new greenery, reforestation measures, assessment of water sources for the efficient use of water resources and others have been carrying out in the liberated territories. In conclusion, all the questions and comments of the participants were addressed by Mr. Mukhtar Babayev.At the end of the luncheon, Ms. Aslanbayli thanked the Minister and all the participants for their involvement in the event. AmCham Azerbaijan Members’ Luncheons are organized monthly by the Chamber and feature participation of high ranked government officials, member companies and representatives of diplomatic corps.

The workshop on "Career guidance and introduction to business world" for the war-wounded and children of martyrs was held

On November 19, 2021, within the framework of the second stage of "Professional Development and Career Planning" project, a workshop on "Career guidance and introduction to business world" for the war-wounded, children of veterans and martyrs of the 44-day Patriotic War was organized. The workshop covered informative presentations and interactive assignments delivered by JA Azerbaijan, as well as mentoring session with AmCham member companies’ experienced professionals and senior executives from across different industries.The mentor guest speakers of the workshop were Mr. Ilgar Mehti, Founder and Director of EKVITA LLC, Mr. Movlan Pashayev, Country Managing Partner of PWC Azerbaijan, Mr. Bakhtiyar Akhundov, Country Manager at MOL Azerbaijan, Mr. Nariman Topchibashev, Chairman of PMD Projects LLC, and Ms. Fazila Asgarova, HR Manager at SOCAR Midstream. The workshop was opened by welcome speeches of Ms. Gulnara Aslanbayli, Executive Director of AmCham Azerbaijan and Ms. Sevinj Mamedova, Executive Director of Junior Achievement Azerbaijan (JAA), who welcomed young project participants and gave brief foreword to the workshop.During the first part of workshop, project participants actively participated in teamwork, soft skills development tasks, as well as interactive assignments on professional development and career planning.Afterwards, the mentorship session with participation of AmCham member companies’ experienced professionals and senior executives from across different industries took place. During the session, guest speakers shared their professional career building stories and provided mentorship to support young participants’ development of professional, business and employability skills, advise on career direction and goals, as well as cultivate the future business leaders.In the end, participants expressed their gratitude to the project organizers and mentor guest speakers.It should be noted that "Professional Development and Career Planning" project has been jointly launched by the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the American Chamber of Commerce in Azerbaijan (AmCham Azerbaijan), Junior Achievement Azerbaijan (JA Azerbaijan) and “Azercell Telecom” LLC.The purpose of the project is development of personal skills of war-wounded, children of veterans and martyrs of the 44-day Patriotic War, their introduction to the business world, as well as guidance in selection of appropriate career path by identifying their main interests.On the first stage of the project, participants were involved in English and Computer courses conducted by the Celt Colleges training center and JA Azerbaijan professionals via the ZOOM platform. To support the online organization of the trainings, all project participants were provided with computers by AmCham members. As a digital partner of the social initiative Azercell provided participants wit high-speed mobile internet services throughout the project. Therefore, distribution of the data card and mobile internet package is provided by the leading mobile operator within 6 months. In total, 25 young people over the age of 16 from Baku, Sumgayit cities and Goranboy region are participating in the project.Furthermore, participants successfully completing the project will also have an opportunity to do an internship program in AmCham member companies.

AmCham Supports UN Women’s Equity and Empowerment Agenda

The American Chamber of Commerce in Azerbaijan (AmCham Azerbaijan) is pleased to announce its support for the UN global women’s equity and empowerment agenda.  This agenda supports the UN’s sustainable development goal to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.  AmCham is a strong advocate for the equal rights of women in all aspects of society, including in economic affairs.  In keeping with this goal, we commit ourselves to: helping end all forms of gender-based violence; supporting an increase in the number of women serving in leadership roles in business;ensure we include women’s voices and leadership in all AmCham efforts; and strengthening opportunities for women’s economic empowerment.   “AmCham has and will continue to promote women’s inclusion and economic empowerment the activities of Chamber’s committees. As we design future programs to support these commitments, AmCham will continue to seek opportunities to partner with and support our member companies and other local businesses committed to improving the lives of all women and girls,” AmCham Executive Director Gulnara Aslanbayli said.In supporting these goals, we reiterate our belief that women’s inclusion will significantly contribute to long-term economic growth and sustainability that will improve livelihoods across Azerbaijan.

AmCham Members’ October Luncheon

On October 14, 2021, the American Chamber of Commerce in Azerbaijan (AmCham Azerbaijan) organized its monthly members’ Luncheon. The Honorable Guest Speaker of this month was Mr. Emin Amrullayev, Minister of Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan.Opening the event, Executive Director of AmCham Azerbaijan, Ms. Gulnara Aslanbayli welcomed the participants of the Luncheon. During her speech, she emphasized the significance of such events for the exchange of views on the cooperation opportunities between government and business representatives. Then, Ms. Aslanbayli passed the floor to member presentations by LANDAU School and ROOF Academic Training, who gave the information on portfolio and the activity direction of their companies. Afterwards, Mr. Nuran Kerimov, President of AmCham Azerbaijan, welcomed the audience and introduced the honorable guest speaker Mr. Emin Amrullayev. The Minister welcomed and expressed his gratitude to all AmCham members and guests. Mr. Amrullayev delivered comprehensive presentation on educational reforms implemented in the last 7 years. He highlighted the significant transformation achieved in the local education system, as well as shared statistical results on a wide range of educational indicators and their analysis and comparison with key international assessments.In conclusion, all the questions and comments of the participants were addressed by Mr. Emin Amrullayev.At the end of the luncheon, Mr. Kerimov thanked the Minister and all the participants for their involvement in the event.  AmCham Azerbaijan Members’ Luncheons are organized monthly by the Chamber and feature participation of high ranked government officials, member companies and representatives of diplomatic corps.

AmCham Azerbaijan Supports Implementation of Green Recovery Programs for Sustainable Development of the Country

“Preparation of sustainable programs for the development of "green" energy in Azerbaijan will contribute to the growth of investments in this sector” Ms. Gulnara Aslanbayli, Executive Director of American Chamber of Commerce in Azerbaijan said at the event on “Financing Sustainable Development: Sustainable and Green Recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic” held on October 6, 2021 in Baku.“The possibilities of "green" energy have not yet been fully explored at the global level and that is one of the main risks in the green growth investment. The main role of the state here is to act as a regulator and take the necessary steps to stimulate such investments. I am sure that the state programs supporting creation of Green Energy zones in the liberated territories, including the Smart City and Smart Village concepts facilitate the growth of investments aimed at the sustainable development of green energy in the country” Ms. Aslanbayli said. An event on "Financing Sustainable Development: Sustainable and Green Recovery from the COVID-19 Pandemic" was held on October 6, 2021 with the organizational support of the National Coordinating Council for Sustainable Development, the Ministry of Economy and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Azerbaijan.The event focused on the discussion of the issues of financing sustainable development, new challenges for the implementation of development priorities in Azerbaijan in the post-pandemic period, opportunities to promote an environment that ensures the sustainability and quality of the economy through "green" resources, ways to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).Mr. Mikayil Jabbarov, Minister of Economy, Deputy Chairman of the National Coordinating Council for Sustainable Development provided information on support mechanisms.UNDP Resident Representative in Azerbaijan, Mr. Alessandro Fracassetti said that the projects implemented as a result of successful cooperation between the Government of Azerbaijan and the UN Development Program are an important step towards sustainable development and is confident that this cooperation will continue in the upcoming years.The event continued with a panel session. Executive Director of the American Chamber of Commerce in Azerbaijan, Ms. Gulnara Aslanbeyli, Deputy Minister of Energy, Mr. Elnur Soltanov, Deputy Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, Mr. Vugar Karimov, Deputy Chairman of the Chamber of Accounts, Mr. Nasir Sadigov, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Azerbaijan, Ms. Charu Bist took part in the panel session moderated by Huseyn Huseynov and expressed their views on the topic of discussion.

AmCham Members’ September Luncheon

On September 28, 2021, the American Chamber of Commerce in Azerbaijan (AmCham Azerbaijan) hosted its monthly members’ luncheon. The honorable Guest Speaker of this month was United States Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Mr. Lee Litzenberger.In the opening remarks, Executive Director of AmCham Azerbaijan, Ms. Gulnara Aslanbayli expressed her gratitude to the U.S. Ambassador for dedicated service in Azerbaijan. She emphasized that Ambassador Litzenberger has made great contributions to the activities of the Chamber and has been a responsive and committed diplomat.The event proceeded with the member presentations by Deloitte Academy and Mazarina Trade Company.Afterwards, Mr. Nuran Kerimov, President of AmCham Azerbaijan, introduced the Ambassador to the audience and passed the floor to him. Ambassador Litzenberger highlighted the Embassy’s works with the American Chamber of Commerce in Azerbaijan to promote opportunities for U.S. businesses. Ambassador Litzenberger also covered topics such as women’s economic empowerment, the importance of a clear and transparent business environment, and IPR protection.The Ambassador wished success to all the participants and thanked AmCham Azerbaijan for organization of such event that provides opportunities to discuss prospects for future cooperation. In conclusion, all the questions and comments of the participants were addressed by Ambassador Litzenberger. At the end of the luncheon, Mr. Kerimov thanked the Ambassador for his efforts and contributions to improve every aspect of the U.S. relationship with Azerbaijan.AmCham Azerbaijan Members’ Luncheons are organized monthly by the Chamber and feature participation of high ranked government officials, member companies and representatives of diplomatic corps.

First AmCham Azerbaijan Trip to Aghdam

On September 25, 2021 AmCham Azerbaijan jointly with Karabakh Revival Fund organized a trip to Aghdam city for a group of member companies. The purpose of the trip was close acquaintance with Aghdam city, as well as establishment of opportunities to explore possible contributions by member companies in economic development of the region. Firstly, AmCham leadership and member companies paid a visit to Monument complex of Karabakh khans and Imarat cemetery, Bread Museum, Aghdam State Drama Theater, Juma Mosque, Giyasli Mosque and Shahbulag complex of Aghdam city.Welcoming participants of the trip, Mr. Emin Huseynov, Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the liberated part of Aghdam, presented the New General Plan of Aghdam city. He noted that amid the plan, the creation of basic infrastructure, as well as the construction works have been actively in progress.Afterwards, Mr. Rahman Haji, Chairman of the Executive Board of Karabakh Revival Fund, informed participants on the shared goals and objectives set behind the Fund by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Mr. Hajiyev talked about the variety of projects implement by the Fund, including those aimed to enhance investment attractiveness of the region, restoration of Karabakh assets, as well as development of human capital in the region.Furthermore, on behalf of AmCham Azerbaijan, Mr. Nuran Kerimov thanked Mr. Emin Huseynov, Mr. Rahman Haji and their incredible team for their dedicated work and opportunity provided, as well as expressed the readiness to cooperate and contribute in the restoration of the region.At the end of the visit, a memorial picture was taken.Aghdam region is located in the center of Karabakh - in the north-eastern foothills of the Karabakh mountain range and west of the Kur-Araz lowland which is one of the ancient and charming lands of Azerbaijan.Prior to the Armenian occupation, Aghdam had great economic potential, including in industry, agriculture, tourism and other areas. At the same time, Aghdam was of great importance in terms of its cultural and historical monuments. Undoubtedly, after the liberation, a new era is beginning for Aghdam. There are great opportunities for the reconstruction of its potential, the establishment of high-tech plants, scientific centres and new agricultural enterprises which will ultimately make a special contribution to the Azerbaijani economy.