Baku: Humanitarian demining has emerged as a critical focus in Azerbaijan's state policy, as highlighted by Deputy Minister of Economy Anar Akhundov at the 4th International Conference on Mine Action in Baku. The conference, titled 'Humanitarian Demining for Urban Recovery: Setting Standards of Excellence for Safe Settlements,' underscored the importance of mine clearance in the country's development efforts.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the Deputy Minister announced the completion of the inventory of real estate and infrastructure facilities in the liberated districts. This step is seen as pivotal for the economic reintegration of these territories. Akhundov emphasized the significance of fostering a conducive business and investment environment, pointing out that individuals and legal entities registered for tax purposes in the Karabakh and East Zangezur economic regions are exempt from VAT and customs duties until January 5, 2033.
Furthermore, the production and sale of equipment and technical means for demining in liberated and other war-affected areas are exempt from certain taxes. Enterprises in these regions have already benefited from tax and customs incentives amounting to 17.5 million Azerbaijani manats for importing crucial machinery, technological equipment, and raw materials.
The Deputy Minister reported that approximately 1,000 taxpayers are currently operating at over 1,300 business facilities in the Karabakh and East Zangezur economic regions. Goods worth about 2.5 billion Azerbaijani manats have been produced by residents of these parks, with exports exceeding 100 million manats.
Anar Akhundov highlighted that enhanced security infrastructure and an attractive investment climate are drawing international investors to the liberated territories. Projects are being implemented by investors from countries including Turkey, Uzbekistan, Lithuania, Switzerland, Russia, Pakistan, and Belarus across various sectors.
The Deputy Minister also mentioned Azerbaijan's efforts in executing large-scale road and railway infrastructure projects in Karabakh and East Zangezur. These initiatives aim to enhance connectivity within the liberated territories and integrate them into national and international transport networks. The development of the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) is seen as a potential catalyst for boosting the region's transit, logistics, and investment prospects.
Looking ahead, the 2nd Azerbaijan International Investment Forum, scheduled for September 25-26, 2026, in Baku, is expected to showcase Azerbaijan's investment opportunities to a global business audience, further strengthening its economic ties and development goals.