SMB

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A conference was held regarding the presentation of unified platform and the national standard for ESG A national standard on Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance (ESG) has been adopted "KOB FEST" exhibition-sale fair held in Khachmaz A business plan – the key to successful and sustainable business "From Us to Business" startup competition is underway Meetings with entrepreneurs were held in Jalilabad and Goychay This year, entrepreneurs and individuals seeking to start business for the development of 220 business plans were supported A meeting with entrepreneurs was held in Quba "SMB FEST" exhibition-sale fair is underway in Khachmaz What should green business be like?

First Meeting of the Permanent Coordination Group under KOBİA 13.08.24

To secure a rather prompt organization of the activities of the Permanent Coordination Group operating under the Small and Medium Business Development Agency (KOBİA), the establishment of operational discussion platforms and thematic working groups is envisaged.

The meeting discussed the creation of operational discussion platforms and thematic working groups to organize the Coordination Group’s activities more efficiently.

Mr. Elnur Aliyev, the chairman of the Coordination Group, first deputy minister of economy, shared information on initiatives aimed at fostering entrepreneurship, continuously enhancing the business and investment climate, and advancing legislation in this area. It was noted that SMBs which make up more than 99% of the active businesses, play a significant role in achieving the goals for the upcoming medium-term period.Key objectives include enhancing the resilience of the SMB sector, boosting productivity, supporting the growth of SMBs, promptly addressing their challenges, adapting legal and regulatory frameworks to new realities, accelerating the adoption of digital and green approaches, and increasing the number of SMBs in high value-added sectors.

Joint efforts of relevant state agencies are essential for supporting SMB development more broadly and addressing current issues in a flexible manner. The Coordination Group is expected to provide a favorable platform for these efforts. Orhan Mammadov, Chairman of the Management Board of KOBİA, provided details on the organization of the Coordination Group’s activities. It has been mentioned that KOBİA supports SMBs through bilateral and multilateral projects, sectoral meetings, and public discussion platforms to involve stakeholders closely in sector processes. The establishment of the Coordination Group represents a new, advanced strategic phase in coordination and participation in terms of content and quality. In the upcoming period, the goal is to establish operational discussion platforms or thematic working groups involving representatives from various organizations to facilitate a more agile organization of the Group's activities. Given the potential of these efforts to further enhance the business environment in our country and strengthen international rankings, issues and initiatives discussed by the Coordination Group will also be presented to the Commission on Business Environment and International Rankings of the Republic of Azerbaijan.The meeting covered presentations and discussions of the current situation and targets related to the financial liabilities on businesses, the efficient organization of G2B services at SMB houses, and coordination with government agencies for newly established SMB houses as well as government proposals were also heard.

Members of the Coordination Group were also introduced to the facilities created for G2B and B2B services for entrepreneurs at the "Baku SMB House." It is worth noting that the establishment of the Coordination Group to coordinate activities in the field of micro, small, and medium enterprise development was formalized by the Law on "Micro, Small, and Medium Entrepreneurship" dated December 2, 2022. In accordance with the Decision of the Cabinet of Ministers dated January 13, 2024, the permanent Coordination Group was established under KOBİA and approved its charter. The Coordination Group is a collegial body operating on a permanent basis on a community basis, consisting of representatives of state agencies established under the Agency for the purpose of coordinating activities related to the development of SMBs, ensuring effective coordination and responsiveness between the state agencies represented in the Coordination Group and the Small and Medium Business Development Agency (KOBİA) at SMB houses. The Coordination Group is represented by 30 public entities.