New appointment for AmCham Digital Technology and Innovations committee

AmCham Azerbaijan is pleased to announce the new appointment of Mr. Babek Aghayev, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Co-founder of the PROSOL CJSC, as a Deputy Chairperson of Digital Technology and Innovations Committee.Since November 2021, Mr. Babek Aghayev is a Chairman of the BoD and Co-founder of the PROSOL CJSC, First cybersecurity powerhouse of Azerbaijan. In 2007, he started his career at Azerbaijan National NGO Forum, where worked as an International and Public Relations Coordinator. Mr. Aghayev, collaborated with the international and transnational NGOs on international projects, participating in the process of project development and implementation, coordinating PR, etc.Since February 2008, Mr. Babek Aghayev was a Head of International Relations Department in Alliance Systems Ltd., where he worked with international companies in the framework of international projects being implemented in Russia, Ukraine, Gabon and Algeria; negotiating projects with relevant governments; building the necessary coordination between relevant companies and government structures/officials, etc.From November 2011 till November 2021, Mr. Aghyev worked at Office of the Milli Majlis (Parliament) of the Republic of Azerbaijan.AmCham Azerbaijan congratulates Mr. Aghayev with the accomplishment and wishes him best of luck in his new role as a Deputy Chairperson of AmCham Digital Technology and Innovations Committee.

AmCham CEO Cocktail Reception on Celebration of Azerbaijan and US Independence Days

On July 5, 2022, on the occasion of Azerbaijan and US Independence Days, as well as 30 years of partnership between the two countries, AmCham Azerbaijan organized CEO Cocktail Reception in a very unusual setting and exclusive format. The Cocktail was held on MIRVARI SHIP at the Caspian Pier of Baku Boulevard and brought together over 100 CEOs/Partners/Shareholders of the leading companies, as well as Ambassadors, representatives of diplomatic corps, AmCham Committee Chairpersons and government officials. The official opening started with welcome speech of the Executive Director of AmCham Azerbaijan Ms. Gulnara Aslanbayli who gave a brief foreword of the event and expressed her gratitude to the sponsors for their valuable contribution in the organization of the reception. Greeting the guests, President of AmCham Azerbaijan Ms. Nargiz Nasrullayeva-Muduroglu congratulated everyone on the occasions of Independence Days of both countries. Ms. President emphasized sustained activity of AmCham Azerbaijan on continuing supporting and promoting the interests of foreign and local businesses in Azerbaijan and expressed her gratitude to the government of Azerbaijan for their continuous support to the activities of the Chamber. Ms. President also thanked Mr. Ambassador Litzenberger and US Embassy for the great contributions to the work of AmCham.US Ambassador to Azerbaijan Mr. Lee Litzenberger highlighted that over the past 30 years, relations between Azerbaijan and the United States have covered various areas, including the rule of law, economy, energy and security, and that the two countries have established partnerships in these areas. Ambassador Litzenberger noted that United States will continue to be a reliable partner in promoting economic diversification, maintaining stability and prosperity in Azerbaijan. It was also emphasized that Embassy has been closely working with the American Chamber of Commerce in Azerbaijan to promote opportunities for U.S. businesses. Bakhtiyar Aslanbayli, Vice President at BP, the gold sponsor of the Cocktail Reception, extended his warmest wishes to the people of both countries and pointed out the long-term fruitful cooperation between BP and AmCham Azerbaijan, expressing the willingness to commit to this partnership for the years ahead. The speeches were followed by Azerbaijan and U.S. National Anthems. Later, during the short cruise vocation on the Caspian Sea, the guests enjoyed Live music and DJ, delicious food and specialties, refreshing drinks, and Breath-taking panoramic view of Baku Nights.The highlight of the event was cate cutting ceremony by the President Ms. Nargiz Nasrullayeva-Muduroglu and Ambassador Mr. Lee Litzenberger to celebrate this remarkable day. The Cocktail Reception also featured distribution of very special and exclusive prizes from member companies to the participants during the Raffle drawing. The closing of the Cocktail Reception was culminated by a spectacular firework show that created an unforgettable sight over the Caspian Sea and spread to the whole city.The event was held with the generosity and support of Gold Sponsor- BP, Silver Sponsors - Procter & Gamble and Nobel Energy, Bronze Sponsor - Turkish Airlines, and Other sponsors - Carlsberg Azerbaijan LLC, Coca-Cola, PMD Hospitality, JW Marriott Absheron Baku, Courtyard by Marriott Baku, Four Seasons Hotel Baku, Hilton Hotel, Hyatt Regency Baku, Push30, Bloom Group, AZE Service, Aqualink, WorldTelecom, Business Communication Platform.Click for highlights from the CEO Cocktail Reception 

AmCham Azerbaijan and USAID hold a joint Conference on Women’s Economic Empowerment through the Development of a Women’s National Business Agenda in Azerbaijan

On June 24, 2024, American Chamber of Commerce in Azerbaijan (AmCham Azerbaijan) jointly with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) co-hosted a joint conference on “Women’s Economic Empowerment through the development of a Women’s National Business Agenda (WNBA) in Azerbaijan.” During the conference, President of AmCham Azerbaijan Ms. Nargiz Nasrullayeva-Muduroglu virtually signed a historical “Declaration of Support for Women’s Economic Empowerment” aimed to implement comprehensive and sustainable policies, procedures, and activities to promote gender equality and diversity in line with defined commitments. It should be noted that over 45 AmCham’s all over the world have also joined the declaration. The event was attended by over 150 people including senior government officials, senior executives from business community, member companies and representatives of diplomatic corps. The conference featured discussions with public and private sector attendees on how to build a better business environment in order to strengthen the role of women in the country's economy.  AmCham and USAID’s Private Sector Activity also revealed the results of surveys conducted on the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs and proposed remedies to address them.  Azerbaijani Government officials from the Small and Medium Business Development Agency, the State Committee for Family, Women and Children’s Issues, the Small and Medium Business Development Agency (KOBIA), and the Agrarian Development Finance Agency (AKIA) also delivered remarks during the event.“This Agenda advocates for a more enabling environment for women in the economy and the workplace,” noted Michael Dickerson, Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S Embassy in Azerbaijan.  “We believe women entrepreneurs are an important driver of the national economy, and represent the greatest growth potential leading to Azerbaijan’s continued sustainable and inclusive development.  We will continue to support this process in any way possible, because the United States wants to help Azerbaijan become more prosperous and economically diverse.”Gulnara Aslanbayli, Executive Director of AmCham Azerbaijan, explained, “there is an increasing recognition that economically empowering women is essential both to realize women’s rights and to achieve broader development goals such as economic growth, education, welfare.” “Realizing that economically empowering women is a win-win that can benefit not only women, but society more broadly, we decided to commit one of AmCham’s strategic activity directions aimed to improve business environment in the country to the goal of women’s economic empowerment.”The event concluded with group discussions on the priorities identified as a result of survey, focus group discussions and key informant interviews.

AmCham Members' June Luncheon

On June 20, 2022, the American Chamber of Commerce in Azerbaijan (AmCham Azerbaijan) held its monthly members’ Luncheon with honorable guest speaker Mr. Rashad Nabiyev, Minister of Digital Development and Transport 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. Afterwards, Ms. Aslanbayli passed the floor to member presentations by Push30, Formag-Baku LLC, CIMTAS STEEL METAL KONSTRUKSIYA, Angel Investors Club who gave the information on portfolio and activity direction of their companies.Introducing honorable guest speaker Mr. Rashad Nabiyev to the audience, President of AmCham Azerbaijan Ms. Nargiz Nasrullayeva-Muduroglu highlighted that the Chamber attaches significant value to the collaboration with the ministry. Ms. Nasrullayeva-Muduroglu also introduced Chamber’s new initiation of a quite important project aimed to “collect used computers” in order to support acquisition of digital knowledge and skills in the regions. Ms. President expressed her gratitude to the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport for their whole support in this initiative and called all AmCham members to participate in the respective project. Mr. Rashad Nabiyev gave a very informative speech on the current activities and future plans of the ministry in the field of digital transformation that is on the agenda of the Azerbaijani government. The minister discussed factors essential for successful digital transformation and highlighted corresponding impending projects by the ministry in the fields of the use of digital technologies and products, building of stable fixed communication and high-speed & affordable Internet services throughout the country, as well as creation of "digital society" capable of using open data. The speech was followed by an interactive Q&A session, where all questions were addressed by minister Nabiyev.Over 170 people participated in the luncheon including high-ranking government officials, senior executives from business community, member companies and representatives of diplomatic corps.Click for highlights from the luncheon 

Executive Director of AmCham Azerbaijan Ms. Gulnara Aslanbayli attended FINTEX SUMMIT 2022

Executive Director of AmCham Azerbaijan Ms. Gulnara Aslanbayli attended FINTEX SUMMIT 2022 (FINANCE AND TECHNOLOGIES EXPO) on subject “New Trends in Banking and Finance Ecosystem: Innovative Solutions, FinTech and Security”.Two-day event supported by Azerbaijan Banks Association, Azerbaijan Fintech Association, Central Bank, Ministry of Digital Development and Transport, Center for Analysis of Economic Reforms and Communication is one of the most famous finance and banking events i the region. The summit brought together senior management of regulators, banks, fintech, associations, representatives of international financial institutions, local Embassies, academician, well known companies, decisionmakers and influencers.The Summit has the purpose of being the platform for exchanging ideas and experiences in the field of new and upcoming trends in financial technologies, digitalization, payment ecosystems. It’s a place for discussing opportunities provided by new financial and banking products, innovative payments solutions, digital currencies, possibilities of co-existence and co-operation of banks with fintech, and security issues arising with the onrush of such technologies. Its where best practices in establishment of the legal framework for such new services and products are considered, and impact of all these processes on strengthening financial sustainability, financial inclusiveness and best customer experience are learned.

A meeting was held between the leadership of AmCham Azerbaijan and the Small and Medium Business (SMB) Development Agency

On June 8, 2022, leadership of the American Chamber of Commerce in Azerbaijan (“AmCham”) met with the Chairman of the Board of the Small and Medium Business (SMB) Development Agency Mr. Orkhan Mammadov.During the meeting, the sides exchanged views on steps to be taken in joint cooperation, including support for the development of projects and startups based on innovative initiatives, implementation of joint promotional measures on business ethics, corporate governance and social responsibility. Moreover, the promotion of corporate standards among micro, small and medium entrepreneurs, the organization of joint events with relevant associations on "Green energy" were discussed.Furthermore, it was agreed to establish a committee between the parties, as well as working closely within the framework of the White Paper on recommendations and suggestions for improving the business and investment climate in Azerbaijan.

Shusha hosted a special session within Baku Energy Week

On June 4, 2022, Shusha hosted a special session as part of the Baku Energy Week dedicated to "The Path to Zero Emissions: Potential and Opportunities of Green Energy in Karabakh Region".The final session was attended by more than 100 foreign and local representatives. The Minister of Energy of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mr. Parviz Shahbazov, First Vice-President and Acting President of the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) Mr. Rovshan Najaf, bp’s Regional President for Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkiye Mr. Gary Jones, Managing Director and Country Chair at TotalEnergies Mr. Regis Agut, Acting Executive Director of Masdar Clean Energy Mr. Fawaz Al Muharrami also attended the final session in Shusha city.The session was moderated by the President of AmCham Azerbaijan, Ms. Nargiz Nasrullayeva-Muduroglu.It should be noted that on June 1-4, 2022 the 27th Caspian Sea Oil and Gas International Exhibition, the 10th Anniversary Caspian Energy and Renewable Energy Sources International Exhibition and the 27th Energy Forum were organized as part of the Baku Energy Week.

Roundtable discussion on “Competition in Azerbaijan – Institutional Reforms and Transformation Projects” with Mr. Mammad A. Abbasbeyli, Head of the State Service for Antimonopoly and Consumer Market Control

On June 2, 2022, a meeting was held between the American Chamber of Commerce in Azerbaijan (AmCham Azerbaijan) and the State Service for Antimonopoly and Consumer Market Control under the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The meeting was organized within the framework of AmCham FMCG Committee and was dedicated to the “Competition in Azerbaijan – Institutional Reforms and Transformation Projects”.The honorable speaker of the meeting was Mr. Mammad A. Abbasbeyli, Head of the State Service for Antimonopoly and Consumer Market Control under the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Opening the event, Ms. Gulnara Aslanbayli, Executive Director of AmCham Azerbaijan, welcomed the participants of the meeting and expressed her gratitude to the guest speaker and other senior representatives of the State Service for their partnership and openness to dialogue with the business community. Afterwards, President of AmCham Azerbaijan Ms. Nargiz Nasrullayeva-Muduroglu highlighted the importance of such events in strengthening relations between the public and private sectors for improving the business climate, as well as informing the business community on ongoing activities of the State Service for Antimonopoly and Consumer Market Control.Moderator of the event Mr. Elshad Farzaliyev, Chairperson of AmCham FMCG Committee gave a brief foreword to the agenda and introduced invited representatives from the State Service.Mr. Mammad Abbasbeyli welcomed all AmCham members and guests. Mr. Abbasbeyli delivered a comprehensive presentation on “Competition in Azerbaijan – Institutional Reforms and Transformation Projects” and stressed the future vision, main goals and mission, functional focus, as well as changes in institutional reforms and optimization of antimonopoly legalization. Mr. Mammad Abbasbeyli also shared the information on the strategic direction of the improvement projects related to consumer rights and consumer market control and provided relevant statistical data. At the end of the presentation, Mr. Abbasbeyli urged businesses to to be actively involved in putting forward their feedbacks and suggestions. The meeting was followed by an interactive Q&A session, where participants were actively involved in an open dialogue, sharing their concerns and exchanging best practices. All the questions of the audience were comprehensively addressed by Mr. Abbasbeyli and other representatives of State Service for Antimonopoly and Consumer Market Control.At the end, Mr. Elshad Farzaliyev, Chairperson of AmCham FMCG Committee, thanked the guest speakers and all the participants for their involvement in the event. It was agreed to continue close partnership between AmCham Azerbaijan and the State Service for Antimonopoly and Consumer Market Control and further organize separate meeting with all subordinate institutions of the State Service. Click for highlights from the luncheon 

AmCham Members’ May Luncheon

On May 31, 2022, the American Chamber of Commerce in Azerbaijan (AmCham Azerbaijan) held its monthly members’ Luncheon. The honorable guest speaker of this month was Mr. Safar Mehdiyev, Chairman of the State Customs Committee 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. Ms. Aslanbayli also announced newly joined members of the Chamber: Aqualink LLC, PASHA Capital Investment Company CJSC, SOFTGILE LLC, “Xalq Bank” OJSC, Farchitects LLC, BHB Media, Kulane LLC, Citibank A.S., Push30, and Cubics Technology LLC.Ms. Aslanbayli passed the floor to the presentation of the sponsor of the event, PASHA Property Management. Chief Commercial Officer of PASHA Property Management, Mr. Elchin Gadimov provided comprehensive information on the main goals and values, as well as current activities and impending projects of the company.Introducing the honorable guest speaker Mr. Safar Mehdiyev to the audience, President of AmCham Azerbaijan Ms. Nargiz Nasrullayeva-Muduroglu  highlighted that cooperation between AmCham and the Committee has a remarkable history, and that AmCham attaches significant value to this collaboration and further strengthening of ties among customs authorities. Mr. Safar Mehdiyev gave an informative speech on the importance of the reforms carried out in the customs system in recent years. He discussed issues of strengthening customs and business relations, simplifying customs procedures and trade, and studying proposals from business representatives. He also noted that one of the utmost goals of the reforms is to facilitate customs procedures and simplify trade. At the end of his speech, Mr. Mehdiyev mentioned that the State Customs Committee is always open for discussion meetings with business, and that the opinions expressed at meetings and conferences play an important role in the organization of customs work.The speech was followed by an interactive Q&A session, where all questions were addressed by Mr. Safar Mehdiyev.More than 100 people participated in the luncheon including high-ranking government officials, senior executives from business community, member companies and representatives of diplomatic corps.AmCham Azerbaijan would like to express its sincere gratitude to PASHA Property Management for their sponsorship in organization of this event. Interested parties can get more information by contacting Chief Commercial Officer of PASHA Property Management. Mr. Elchin Gadimov: Elchin.gadimov@pashaproperty.az ; or Ms. Kamila Rahimova, Apartment Sales Head: kamila.rahimova@pashaproperty.az / 994502080035.Click for highlights from the luncheon 

AmCham Members Met with the Delegation of U.S. Congressional Staff

On May 30, 2022, within the framework of U.S. Congress MECEA Trip to the Republic of Azerbaijan, AmCham Board members and senior business representatives met with the delegation of U.S. Congressional staff. The delegation consisted of 9 assistants to the members of Congress and representative of the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in U.S.During the dinner in a relaxed atmosphere, the delegation got acquainted with the activities of AmCham Azerbaijan directed to the improvement of U.S.-Azerbaijan economic and trade relations. Moreover, parties discussed business plans for the upcoming year, possible co-operation in the future aimed to strengthen business relations between the countries, increase the effectiveness of cooperation and advance our national interests in U.S. Congress.