Baku: Consistent reforms implemented in recent years have strengthened investment protection, simplified procedures, expanded access to state support, and promoted public-private partnerships, Mikayil Jabbarov, Azerbaijan's Minister of Economy, said at the 'Azerbaijan Investment Outlook Forum' held as part of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Annual Meetings in Baku, APA-Economics reports.

According to Azeri-Press news agency, particular attention has been paid to a strong SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) sector, access to finance, export-oriented development, and industrial infrastructure. Mikayil Jabbarov emphasized that current measures support non-oil exports by covering logistics and transportation costs, increasing the competitiveness of local products, and facilitating access to new export markets.

These measures are complemented by more effective credit guarantee and interest subsidy mechanisms, making manufacturing, logistics, agriculture, services, renewable energy, and digital technologies more attractive to investors. The minister further noted that Azerbaijan seeks to make maximum use of its natural geographical advantages, advanced connectivity capabilities, and open trade relations with its neighbors to provide platforms where projects can be implemented quickly and efficiently.