Two-day CSR Workshop was held in Shamakhi

On November 27-28, 2022, two-day CSR Workshop jointly organized by AmCham Azerbaijan and the U.S. Embassy in Azerbaijan titled the “Business Benefit of Effective Corporate Social Impact Strategy” was held in Shamakhi.  The workshop was aimed to strengthen members' capacity and build shared language to promote collaboration, advance CSR, and build ties of cooperation between private and public sectors. The invited guest speaker was Mais Abbas Abousy, Attorney-Advisor with the Commercial Law Development Program (CLDP) in the Office of the General Counsel of the U.S. Department of Commerce. The workshop was moderated by Alisa Oyler, skilled facilitator, trainer, and curriculum designer with experience working in over 20 countries.The first day of the workshop featured comprehensive presentation on “Business case for CSR/ESG” by Mais Abbas Abousy and group discussion on how to identify business-based social purpose and the people that could benefit.  Afterwards, to explore examples of CSR strategy in Azerbaijan, the panel discussion was held with the participation of:  Blake Dawgert, Economic and Commercial Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Azerbaijan, Fidan Tofidi, Corporate Stakeholders Engagement Division Head at Pasha Bank, and Rena Tahirova, Sustainable Development and Communication Manager at Holcim Azerbaijan. The first day of the event was followed by an interactive session on partnership and knowledge-sharing models where participants shared their views from different perspectives. The second day of the workshop started with the brief presentations of the participants from government sectors on CSR/ESG: what they have done and what are their future plans. Kamran Abbaszada, Leading Specialist in Sustainable Development and Social Policy department at the Ministry of Economy in Azerbaijan, Haji Aliyev, Head of the International Relations and Project Management department at the State Employment Agency and Javanshir Maharramov, SME agency regional representative for Shirvan region shared their agency’s experiences and plans with all participants. During the final session, participants created individual strategies to advance CSR/ESG and involved in group work with peer coaching.The workshop was concluded by overview of the next steps/actions and awarding certificates to the participants for their active contributions.

AmCham Members’ November Luncheon with Minister Mr. Anar Karimov

On November 25, 2022, the American Chamber of Commerce in Azerbaijan (AmCham Azerbaijan) organized its Members’ November Luncheon with honorable guest speaker Mr. Anar Karimov, Minister of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Around 180 people participated in the Luncheon including high-ranking government officials, representatives of diplomatic corps, senior executives from business community, member companies and media representatives.Opening the event, Executive Director of AmCham Azerbaijan, Ms. Gulnara Aslanbayli welcomed the participants of the Luncheon. Ms. Aslanbayli briefly touched upon the projects implemented by the Chamber, as well as informed the participants on the upcoming plans and events. Information on Large-scale Education research project with ADA University, Black & White Ball 2022 and AmCham GALA concert were delivered to the audience. During the speech, Ms. Aslanbayli also announced newly joined members of the Chamber: Azerbaijan Supermarket LLC; Grand Logistics Center LLC; HRC Engineering & Resources Ltd and AzSmart LLC.President of AmCham Azerbaijan, Ms. Nargiz Nasrullayeva-Muduroglu introduced the honorable guest speaker minister Mr. Anar Karimov and expressed her gratitude for his participation at the Luncheon. Ms. Nasrullayeva-Muduroglu 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. Mr. Anar Karimov welcomed and expressed his gratitude to all AmCham members and guests. Mr. Karimov delivered a comprehensive presentation on the strategic view of the Ministry of Culture, its main goals and objectives, public-private sector partnership, future reforms and current activities. Mr. Minister gave an informative speech on the cultural heritage, located in the territory of Azerbaijan, reflected on the cultural diversity of our country and expressed the importance of protecting and restoring all cultural and religious monuments, regardless of their origin, within the framework of the restoration process in the territories freed from occupation. Afterwards, Mr. Elnar Mammadli, Head of the Foreign Relations Department of AzTV announced the premier of the teaser of the first season called “Atabeys: Shamseddin Eldeniz” of the historical multi-series to be broadses on AzTV soon. The teaser of the movie was prepared in partnership with the Ministry of Culture, "Azerbaijan Television and Radio Broadcasting" CJSC, the History Institute of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, the Azerbaijan Institute of Theology and the "IMZA" Social Development Support Public Union. Later, Chairwoman of the AmCham Marketing, Communications and Business Development Committee, Ms. Aysel Suleymanova briefed the Committee’s upcoming plans and activities. Thereafter, member presentations on portfolio and activity direction of the company were delivered by FINADCO.At the end of the Luncheon, Mr. Alibala Maharramzade, Founder of "Shahdag film shortly spoke about the work being done with incredible and professional team in preparation of the historical multi-series and urged private sector representatives to further contribute to the project. The event was concluded by closing remarks of Ms. Gulnara Aslanbayli. 

AmCham established its Marketing, Communications and Business Development Working Group

On November 16, 2022, AmCham Azerbaijan held the first meeting of its Marketing, Communications, and Business Development (MCBD) Working Group. Honorable guest speaker of the meeting was Ms. Nigar Arpadarai, the Member of the Parliament of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The strategy of the working group is based on a demand-driven transformation approach focused on mega-trends, relevance and value proposition for the marketers and their key stakeholders. Newly established MCBD WG will aim to improve the efficiency of Marketing, Communications and BD function in Azerbaijan and address the expectations of its members by building a platform for networking and practice sharing, as well as supporting with upskilling training, workshops, seminars and legislative frameworks. The meeting was opened by a welcome speech of AmCham Executive Director Ms. Gulnara Aslanbayli. Ms. Aysel Suleymanova, newly appointed Chairwoman of AmCham MCBD WG announced the opening of the working group and welcomed all the participants. Afterwards, she presented key findings of the survey conducted by the working group among members of the chamber.Thereafter, invited guest speaker Ms. Nigar Arpadarai shared her knowledge and experience in marketing and communication area with the audience. The event was followed by the discussions of Ms. Suleymanova and Ms. Arpadarai on strategic MCBD transformation in private and public sectors through real case examples, the role of marketing and communications as the key enabler of business, as well as MCBD function performance in Azerbaijan and many more.The discussion was concluded by an interactive Q&A session, as well as exchange of views and best practices. At the end, short tour to SENSUM by Amapola unique laboratory and raffle prizes were organized for the participants of the meeting. 

Women’s National Business Agenda(WNBA) were presented to the public

On November 3, 2022, Executive Director of AmCham Azerbaijan Ms. Gulnara Aslanbayli attended the official Launch of the Women's National Business Agenda (WNBA) for Women's Economic Empowerment organized by BAKU - The United States Agency for International Development (USAID).  Representing AmCham Azerbaijan as one of the significant contributors in preparation of the WNBA document, Ms. Aslanbayli participated in a panel discussion and shared perspectives on how the Chamber has influenced the work toward women's economic empowerment and the contributions to the building of the WNBA.During the event, the WNBA white paper which offers concrete recommendations and policy solutions to create a favourable business environment for women and remove barriers they face in the workplace was presented to the public. The survey findings on women's entrepreneurship in Azerbaijan were also shared with the participants of the event. During the panel discussion, Ms. Gulnara Aslanbayli informed the audience on the “Declaration of Support for Women’s Economic Empowerment” signed by the Chamber in order to implement comprehensive and sustainable policies, procedures, and activities to promote gender equality and diversity in line with defined commitments.  She also highlighted that in the framework of women’s economic empowerment strategic direction, AmCham will continue its active involvement in relevant meetings, roundtables and events to enhance diversity, equity and inclusion in trade and commerce. It was also emphasized that AmCham policy papers are being planned to be prepared based on the WNBA aimed to spread the best practices and ideas advancing women’s economic empowerment and entrepreneurship in Azerbaijan.The event was attended by more than 80 participants, including representatives from the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Population, the Entrepreneurship Development Fund, the State Employment Agency, the State Committee for Family, Women and Children's Affairs, the Small and Medium Business Development Agency as well as the US organization "Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE)" and its Center for Women's Economic Empowerment, international organizations, business associations and women entrepreneurs. 

The public and private sectors are considering a modern model of packaging waste management

The "Extended Producer Responsibility" model based on modern experience in the management of packaging waste is being considered to implement in Azerbaijan.The topic has been discussed during the meetings held between the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the representatives of the "FMCG” (Daily Consumer Goods) Committee under the American Chamber of Commerce in Azerbaijan. According to European best practices in packaging waste management, the sorting and recycling of packaging waste are taken as a priority, and as a result, the total volume of waste is reduced. This system is managed by an independent association of producers.Though previously, producers were only responsible for the quality and safety of the products they provided to consumers, after the adoption of the relevant directive by European Union in 2008, according to the principles of EPR, producers bear responsibility for the post-consumer life cycle of the packaging as well.In the last meeting held between the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources and the private sector, the importance of preparing the appropriate legislation for the application of EPR practice in waste management of our country was highlighted.For this purpose, a Road Map covering the next steps of the implementation of the EPR model in Azerbaijan will be prepared by the FMCG Committee. In order to ensure the implementation of these measures envisaged in the Road Map, producers will create a relevant association.In the near future, detailed information about the Road Map and the EPR draft law will be presented to manufacturers. Furthermore, it is also planned to sign a memorandum of understanding between the government and the industry reflecting the intention of cooperation by the end of the year. 

AmCham Digital Technology and Innovations Committee’s Meeting

      On October 25, 2022, AmCham Digital Technology and Innovations Committee held the internal meeting. The main purpose of this meeting was to bring AmCham Members together and have broader discussions on current status and further activities of DT&I Committee.       DT&I Committee Chairperson Mr. Babek H. Aghayev welcomed all participants and announced the start of the roundtable discussion.       During the meeting, the participants highlighted major directions and fields of activities they would like the Committee to be engaged in, as well as  touched upon main concerns and challenges in the field of digitalization, innovation and hi-tech. In addition, AmCham members were encouraged to discuss their expectations from the Government in this field, and raise further questions and issues of their interest.        At the end of the meeting, Mr. Babek H. Aghayev thanked everyone for their valuable contributions and mentioned that based on taken notes, all raised issues will be evaluated and relevant actions will be taken by the committee. 

AmCham Members’ October Luncheon with Minister Jeyhun Bayramov

On October 21, 2022, the American Chamber of Commerce in Azerbaijan (AmCham Azerbaijan) organized its Members’ October Luncheon with honorable guest speaker Mr. Jeyhun Bayramov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Over 180 people participated in the luncheon including high-ranking government officials, ambassadors, representatives of diplomatic corps, senior executives from business community and member companies.Opening the event, Executive Director of AmCham Azerbaijan, Ms. Gulnara Aslanbayli welcomed the participants of the Luncheon. Ms. Aslanbayli briefly touched upon the projects implemented within the strategic goals of the Chamber for 2022, as well as informed the participants on the upcoming plans and events. Such projects as Women Empowerment, “Factors affecting Education-Labour market mismatch in Azerbaijan: finding sustainable solutions for employers”, “Best managed company” were brought to the attention of the audience. Later, Chairperson of the AmCham Digital Technology & Innovations Committee, Mr. Babek Aghayev briefed the Committee’s upcoming plans and activities. Afterwards, Ms. Aslanbayli passed the floor to the newly appointed Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Baku Mr. Hugo Guevara. Deputy Chief of Mission to Azerbaijan Mr.Hugo Guevara 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. He 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.Thereafter, member presentations on portfolio and activity direction of the companies were delivered by  Deloitte, Cubics Technology LLC, Triterra Baku Triathlon club and International SOS LTD. Nargiz Nasrullayeva-Muduroglu introduced the honorable guest speaker minister Mr. Jeyhun Bayramov and expressed her gratitude for his participation at the Luncheon. Ms. President 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. Nasrullayeva-Muduroglu noted that the Chamber attaches significant value to the collaboration with the ministry and is ready to continue their strong cooperation in strengthening of bilateral economic and trade relations with the United States. Minister Jeyhun Bayramov delivered a very informative speech on multi-vector foreign policy activities carried out under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, based on the national interests of our state, including priorities and new challenges, the development of bilateral and multilateral relations. Mr. Bayramov provided wide information about the active foreign policy pursued by Azerbaijan, the development of cooperation relations with all states by organizing priorities with neighboring states, initiatives put forward on a global scale, and Azerbaijan’s active participation in international organizations and other issues.Particular attention was paid to the new realities and geopolitical situation in the region after the victory in the 44-days Patriotic War. It was highlighted that the implementation of the trilateral statements dated November 10, 2020, and January 11, 2021, serves peace, security, and progress in the region. The significance of the activities of our diplomatic missions in the field of consistent and effective communication of the Azerbaijani realities, as well as the situation in the region to the world community, was noted.The speech was followed by an open and interactive Q&A session, where all questions were addressed by minister Bayramov. At the end of the meeting, it was agreed to continue future extensive cooperation between the Chamber and the Ministry. Click for highlights from the luncheon 

AmCham Members met with representatives of the Supreme Court of the Republic of Azerbaijan

On October 18, 2022 a meeting was held between the American Chamber of Commerce in Azerbaijan (AmCham Azerbaijan) and the Supreme Court of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The honorable speaker of the meeting was Vice-President of the Supreme Court of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mr. Chingiz Asgarov. The meeting was dedicated to the "Reforms of the judiciary in Azerbaijan: mid-term results and further steps". Opening the event, Chairperson of Legal & Compliance Committee Mr. Kamil Valiyev, introduced the guest speaker and gave a brief foreword to the agenda of the meeting. Afterwards, President of AmCham Azerbaijan Ms. Nargiz Nasrullayeva-Muduroglu highlighted the importance of such events in continuing contributions to the projects implemented within the framework of judicial reforms and is ready to provide organizational support to the reforms to be carried out in the future. She 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 judicial institutions in this direction. Ms. Nasrullayeva-Muduroglu 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, 2018 and 2021 -years. It was also noted that AmCham White Paper regularly has covered recommendations regarding the judicial system of our country, and some of them were reflected and implemented in relevant Decree of Mr. President Ilham Aliyev "On Deepening Reforms in the Judicial-Legal System" as well as government legislation. Vice-President of the Supreme Court of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mr. Chingiz Asgarov gave an informative speech on Azerbaijan judicial system and the legislative and structural reforms implemented in recent years related to the resolution of the issues arising from the Decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan "On deepening reforms in the judicial and legal system" of April 3, 2019.Mr. Asgarov highlighted that the activity of the Supreme Court in the direction of the formation of uniform judicial practice entrusted to the Supreme Court by decree, especially the decisions of the Plenum of the Supreme Court and the decisions of the panels of the Supreme Court that ensure the uniformity of the judicial practice, as well as the monitoring of the judicial activity conducted by the Supreme Court, have given positive results.In addition, Vice-President of the Supreme Court gave detailed information about the modern information technology and innovations applied in the activities of the Supreme Court within the framework of the structural reforms, and it was stated that the use of the mentioned technologies gives impetus to the more effective implementation of the reforms.At the same time, it was noted that the above-mentioned reforms and innovations led to reducing the workload of the courts, including the Supreme Court, ensuring the right of individuals to judicial protection, and increasing the efficiency of justice. Ms. Asgarov also informed the participants about the difficulties and future prospects that arose during the reforms of the judicial and legal system and emphasized that the reforms carried out under the leadership of the President of the country, Mr. Ilham Aliyev, are still under undergoing. The meeting was followed by an interactive Q&A session, where all the questions of the participants were addressed by Mr. Chingiz Asgarov, as well as President of the Civil Chamber of the Supreme Court Mr. Sanan Hajiyev and President of the Commercial Chamber of the Supreme Court Ms. Kamala Abiyeva. During the fruitful Q&A session, exchange of ideas and useful discussions were held regarding the provision of human rights and the tasks facing the courts in this field. At the end of the meeting, the parties agreed for future extensive cooperation.   

AmCham SD&CI Committee September Meeting

On September 29, 2022, American Chamber of Commerce in Azerbaijan organized a meeting of its Sustainable Development and Corporate Impact (SD&CI) Committee and invited various non-profit organizations to present project ideas covering different aspects of sustainability, environment friendliness as well as ESGs and SDGs related topics.The committee meeting has been organized to raise awareness of corporates and non-profits, to be informed and take effective decisions, to build bridges between the stakeholders and to motivate all the actors to become deeply committed to building sustainable future of Azerbaijan.The meeting was opened with the welcome speech of Mrs. Rena Tahirova, Chairperson of SDCI Committee, who introduced the guest speakers to all participants and announced the agenda of the committee meeting.The first presenter, Mr. Rufat Tabasaranskiy from LU-MUN holding shared with the participants the experience of the holding in implementation of various environmental projects and activities. The second presenter, Mrs. Nigar Jamshidi from GİD CSR Consulting delivered the speech on the «Powerful and Elegant» project.The third presenter, Mr. Gursel Agayev from EkoKonullu NGO, talked comprehensively about the project on Community Climate Change Adaptation Plan and called AmCham business community to join the project.The committee meeting was followed by the panel discussion with the meeting participants and interesting Q&A session. At the end, Mrs. Rena Tahirova delivered closing remarks on the further actions of the Committee.   

New appointment for FMCG Committee

AmCham Azerbaijan is pleased to announce the new appointment of Mr. Aykhan Shikhlinskiy, Corporate Affairs & Communication Manager at JTI (Japan Tobacco International), as a Deputy Chairperson of FMCG Committee.Mr. Aykhan Shikhlinskiy born in Baku, 1986. He graduated from Baku State University – International Law & Relations – BA.He started his career in “Ayna-Zerkalo” Newspaper as a journalist then editor. Mr. Shikhlinskiy had multiple assignments in Central Bank of Azerbaijan and Bakcell in PR, Marcom and Corporate Communication directions. Acted as manager and communication director for Azintelecom, Avrora, ATB (Azerbaijan Tourism Board) and Yelo Bank. Currently holding position of Corporate Affairs and Communication Manager at JTI (Japan Tobacco International). Have more than 12 years of extensive experience in Communication and PR with broad network in Telecom, Banking, Government and Media. AmCham Azerbaijan congratulates Mr. Shikhlinskiy with the accomplishment and wishes him best of luck in his new role as a Deputy Chairperson of AmCham FMCG Committee.