Baku: The first meeting of the Commission tasked with preparing Azerbaijan’s ‘2027-2030 Socio-Economic Development Strategy’ and the ‘Second State Program on the Great Return’ was convened under the leadership of Prime Minister Ali Asadov, according to the Cabinet of Ministers. The session, held on June 23, marked a significant step towards shaping the country’s future development plans, with Deputy Prime Ministers, government officials, and representatives from relevant agencies in attendance.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Prime Minister Asadov highlighted that post-war and pandemic conditions necessitated new strategic goals for Azerbaijan, spanning from 2021 to 2030. These objectives align with five National Priorities established by Presidential Decree. To advance these priorities, the 2022-2026 Socio-Economic Development Strategy and the First State Program on the Great Return were implemented, with AZN 7 billion allocated from the state budget, achieving a 78% task completion rate.
The Great Return Program, with an implementation rate of approximately 79%, has seen AZN 21.6 billion earmarked for restoring liberated territories by 2025. The initial phase has completed the construction of 15 settlements, facilitating residential reintegration and economic activity. Presently, 27 additional settlements are under construction, 25 are being renovated, and foundations for 21 have been laid.
At the meeting, the Commission’s operational framework was established, and future tasks were deliberated. Emphasis was placed on efficiency, quality, and timeliness in executing Presidential Decrees, with sub-working group meetings scheduled monthly to monitor progress. A specific timeline for drafting and finalizing the Strategy and State Program was adopted.
Prime Minister Asadov stressed the importance of considering current financial capacities and ensuring that proposed actions are based on realistic, measurable indicators. Existing documents and projects from the First State Program should be utilized. Moreover, conceptual discussions and final drafts will be reviewed in phases by the Economic Council.
It was noted that by Presidential Decree No. 611, dated May 30, 2025, the Cabinet of Ministers was instructed to prepare the 2027-2030 Socio-Economic Development Strategy and the Second State Program on the Great Return within nine months. Consequently, a resolution was passed on June 18, 2025, forming a Commission, chaired by the Prime Minister, to oversee the process. Two working groups, led by Deputy Prime Ministers Shahin Mustafayev and Samir Sharifov, were established alongside nine sub-working groups for the Strategy and four for the Great Return Program.
In alignment with ‘Azerbaijan 2030: National Priorities for Socio-Economic Development,’ it is crucial to define policies that support recent socio-economic gains, attract foreign direct investment, enhance the business climate, boost the economy’s knowledge and technology capacity, and ensure the sustainability of the Great Return to liberated areas.