Azerbaijan's First Deputy Minister of Economy Elanur Aliyev spoke at the ministerial round table on entrepreneurship on the topic "Investing in the creators of the future" as part of the 9th World Investment Forum in Doha, the capital of Qatar. Organized by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the event discussed prospects for building entrepreneurial ecosystems, opportunities created by artificial intelligence and digitalization, innovation, inclusion and sustainable economic development.
The speech provided information on the steps Azerbaijan has taken to diversify its economy and increase its competitiveness. It was emphasized that international investments attracted to the energy sector in our country contribute to infrastructure development, as well as professional skills, experience and international partnerships. It was noted that alongside economic diversification, the main priorities include expanding opportunities to export non-oil and gas products, increasing the competitiveness of local enterprises and supporting their entry into international markets. To improve the economic efficiency of the Middle Corridor, projects in the fields of renewable energy and digital infrastructure, the participation of local companies in them, the use of new technologies and the development of professional skills of personnel are important. It was also noted that institutional reforms carried out in the field of small business development, investment attraction and export promotion are aimed at expanding the entrepreneurs' abilities for their activities and export opportunities. Through cooperation with UNCTAD and other partners, it was proposed to implement targeted initiatives to adapt small businesses to international standards, connect them with large buyers and support their entry into foreign markets.