A meeting was held at the State Advertising Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan with the delegation of the Trade Networks Development Public Union.

The meeting was attended by Chair of the Union Mr Araz Imanov, representatives of member companies, Adviser to the Chairman of the Board of the Agency Mr Elmar Abasov, and heads of relevant structural divisions.

During the discussions, the parties exchanged views on the reforms being implemented in the regulation of outdoor advertising in the country, newly introduced technological solutions in this field, measures aimed at increasing transparency, and issues related to aligning advertising infrastructure with modern standards. In particular, information was provided on the digital registration of outdoor advertising assets, technical control mechanisms, and ongoing efforts to improve the aesthetic appearance of the urban environment.

Representatives of the Trade Networks Development Public Union raised practical issues faced by major retail chains in the course of advertising activities, including placement procedures, technical requirements, operational efficiency, the importance of a unified approach, and the establishment of more flexible mechanisms for businesses.

The Union noted that its members represent a retail sector covering thousands of commercial outlets nationwide, providing employment to nearly 100,000 people and serving millions of consumers every day. In this regard, effective and predictable regulation in the outdoor advertising sector is of particular importance as a key element of economic activity, consumer awareness, and a fair competitive environment.

The meeting also highlighted the importance of strengthening public-private sector cooperation, maintaining institutional dialogue, and developing practical mechanisms for continued engagement. The parties expressed their intention to continue contacts and further expand cooperation in the future.

On 18 March, the Retail Networks Development Union (RNDU) attended a reception hosted by H.E. Mr Fergus Auld OBE, His Britannic Majesty’s Ambassador to Azerbaijan.

The event brought together retail sector representatives and entrepreneurs to discuss current developments and opportunities for cooperation. Chairman of the RNDU, Mr Araz Imanov, held discussions with the Ambassador and Embassy officials, focusing on sector development and collaboration with British partners, including engagement with theBritish Retail Consortium.

The RNDU also exchanged views with business representatives on key challenges and potential areas for joint initiatives.

The main topic of the discussions was the development of cashless payments in the retail sector. The meeting was attended by corporate representatives of the retail industry as well as representatives of government institutions.

Specifically, the roundtable brought together the country’s major supermarket chain owners, including Azersun Holding, Veysəloğlu Group of Companies, Avrora Group of Companies, Grandmart, and PASHA Holding, as well as executives of supermarkets operating within these groups.

In addition, the discussions were attended by Fakhri Ismayilov - Assistant to the Prime Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Secretary of the Economic Council of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Elnur Baghirov - Chairman of the State Agency for Antimonopoly and Consumer Market Control under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Orkhan Nazarli - Head of the State Tax Service under the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Azerbaijan, as well as Members of Parliament Vugar Bayramov and Tahir Mirkishili.

The roundtable discussion was moderated by Araz Imanov, Chairman of the Retail Networks Development Union.

All issues raised during the session were summarized, documented and prepared for submission to the relevant authorities.

During the visit, carnations were laid at the graves of those who sacrificed their lives for the freedom and independence of our homeland, and their cherished memory was honoured with deep respect.