The state support provided for the development of the market economy in Azerbaijan and the favourable business environment created enable entrepreneurial entities to operate more broadly. The economic reforms being implemented stimulate local businesspeople's access to international markets, their participation in import-export operations, and their use of new cooperation formats. The development of business contributes to the growth of tax revenues, the strengthening of the state budget, and an overall increase in economic activity.
These remarks were made by Araz Imanov, Chairman of the Retail Networks Development Union, in his comments to AZERTAC while participating in a seminar held in Baku by the Belarusian Universal Commodity Exchange.
A. Imanov emphasised that the Union he heads brings together the leading networks operating in the country's retail sector.
"Our Union includes the leading trade networks operating in the country — 'Araz', 'Bravo', 'Bazarstore', 'Oba', 'Rahat', 'Neptun', 'Bolmart', 'Grandmart', 'Megastore', 'Al Market', 'Tamstore', 'Spar', 'Rossmann', 'Novas Home', 'Baku Electronics', 'Soliton' and others. Operating mainly in retail, the member companies occupy an important place in the country's trade sector with their extensive sales networks, thousands of employees and daily consumer contact. One of the Union's main areas of activity is to help member companies become acquainted with international experience, expand their ties with foreign market participants, and evaluate possible cooperation opportunities," A. Imanov noted.
The Union's chairman stated that expanding international relations, studying the experience of foreign countries in retail, and evaluating new cooperation opportunities for member companies are among their main areas of activity: "In this direction, ties have already been established with Türkiye and the United Kingdom, and relevant experience exchange and cooperation opportunities have been discussed. The Belarusian market is also considered among the directions offering interesting cooperation opportunities for Azerbaijani trade networks. Belarus is one of the countries with significant experience in the production and export of agricultural and food products. Establishing ties with this country's producers can help expand the range of products in local trade networks and offer consumers a variety of choices. At the same time, the fact that some Belarusian producers offer products compliant with halal standards, taking into account the characteristics of local markets, generates additional interest for the Azerbaijani consumer."
Araz Imanov added that business forums are highly beneficial for establishing direct contacts between entrepreneurs, exploring new trade opportunities, and expanding international cooperation.
"In the modern era, where e-commerce and digital solutions are developing rapidly, exchange trading also creates important opportunities for business entities. Exchange mechanisms make trade operations more transparent, systematic and secure, reduce risks, and strengthen trust between partners. In this respect, platforms such as the Belarusian Universal Commodity Exchange can open new cooperation channels for Azerbaijani trade networks," A. Imanov concluded.