SMB

We believe Azerbaijan’s socio-economic development is closely linked with entrepreneurship and its future development!

The Promotional Exhibition of Local Companies is Commencing Meeting was held with Entreprenuers engaed in import and export 8th Plenary Session of the CICA Business Council and the 10th Business Forum Held in Baku Attention to SMEs Wishing to Showcase Their Products and Services at the “2nd Turkic Trade Fair”! Young Entrepreneurs from Azerbaijan and Turkiye Discuss Prospects for Cooperation With Government Support, Nearly 10 Entrepreneurs Participate in “Caspian Agro” and “InterFood Azerbaijan” Exhibitions Another Training Held for Entrepreneurs Engaged in Export Activities Four More Entrepreneurs Exempted from Profit Tax on Innovation Activities Azerbaijan–Vietnam Business Council to Be Established Attention to SMEs Interested in Collaborating with Oil and Gas Companies!

8th Plenary Session of the CICA Business Council and the 10th Business Forum Held in Baku 20.05.25

The events brought together stakeholders from the member states of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) to deliberate on key areas of industrial cooperation, the participation of SMEs in global value chains, digital transformation, the advancement of women’s entrepreneurship, the green transition for SMEs, cross-border trade and e-commerce, institutional frameworks supporting SME investments, as well as the broader challenges and opportunities within the business environment.

In accordance with the resolution of the CICA Ministerial Council, Azerbaijan holds the chairmanship of the Conference for the period 2024–2026. Within the framework of its chairmanship, the Republic of Azerbaijan, through the Small and Medium Business Development Agency (KOBIA), also presides over the CICA Business Council.

On May 20, the 8th Plenary Session of the CICA Business Council and the 10th Business Forum were held in Baku, jointly organized by KOBIA and the CICA Secretariat.

The events, conducted in a hybrid format, were attended by over 250 officials and business representatives from CICA member states. The primary objective of the gatherings was to enhance entrepreneurial cooperation among member states, foster the development of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), establish cross-border partnerships, and promote sustainable, innovative, and inclusive economic growth across the region.

The Plenary Session of the CICA Business Council featured in-depth discussions among representatives of member states on topics critical to SME development, including digitalization, industrial collaboration, the empowerment of women entrepreneurs, smart city initiatives, and green transformation.

The session was addressed by the CICA Secretary General, Ambassador Kairat Sarybay, and the Chairman of the CICA Business Council and Chairman of KOBIA's Board of Directors, Mr. Orkhan Mammadov. They shared insights on the organization’s strategic vision, Azerbaijan’s chairmanship priorities, the role of the Business Council, and prospects for enhancing economic cooperation and connectivity among member states.

Subsequently, representatives from the chambers of commerce and industry, investment promotion agencies, and entrepreneurship-related institutions of member states — including Kazakhstan, Russia, Thailand, Türkiye, China, India, Kyrgyzstan, Palestine, and Uzbekistan — delivered presentations on topics such as industrial cooperation, the integration of SMEs into global value chains, digital transformation, the advancement of women’s entrepreneurship among CICA member states, the green transition for SMEs, cross-border trade and e-commerce, and institutional frameworks that support SME investment.

The session also featured an exchange of views regarding the upcoming initiatives and activities to be implemented within the CICA framework, as well as preliminary discussions on the 9th Plenary Session of the CICA Business Council, scheduled to take place in 2026.

The 10th CICA Business Forum, which convened senior officials and business leaders from across CICA member states, focused on the challenges and opportunities within the business landscape, the establishment of new partnerships, and the promotion of investment opportunities. Thematic addresses and discussions were delivered by CICA Secretary General Ambassador Kairat Sarybay, Chairman of the CICA Business Council and Chairman of KOBIA’s Board of Directors Orkhan Mammadov, President of the National Confederation of Entrepreneurs (Employers) Organizations of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mammad Musayev, and Executive Director of the Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion Agency (AZPROMO), Yusif Abdullayev.

The Business Forum featured two panel discussions: “Enhancing the Competitiveness of SMEs in the CICA Region” and “Resilience and the Role of Women in the SME Sector.” A Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation was signed between the Azerbaijan Association of Women Entrepreneurs and Kazakhstan’s Public Union “Association of Business, Society, and Government Relations.”

In addition, the Forum hosted the presentation of the E-Book on SME Development in the CICA Region, a joint initiative coordinated by the CICA Secretariat. It was noted that the project aims to foster the exchange of knowledge and best practices among member states.

Moreover, a small exhibition showcasing food and non-food products manufactured by Azerbaijani SMEs was organized as part of the Forum's program.