Baku: Operating in Azerbaijan grants companies access to a broader regional market, Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov emphasized at the Azerbaijan-Slovakia Business Forum. The Minister outlined the country's strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing the economic landscape and fostering business growth.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, Minister Jabbarov highlighted the state's commitment to increasing knowledge, experience, skills, and technologies, thereby enabling the production of new competitive products within Azerbaijan. To achieve this, the government employs various instruments and a risk-sharing approach. Notably, the Business Development Fund of Azerbaijan plays a crucial role as a financial investor, assuming risks, including equity participation risks, and functioning as a minority shareholder-investor while providing soft loans.

The Minister further stated that existing joint investment funds, with investment mandates covering both Azerbaijan and the broader region, are expanding. These funds, established with countries such as Kazakhstan, the United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan, present a valuable ecosystem for businesses identifying opportunities across sectors.