On April 25, a conference titled “A New Era in Azerbaijan’s Socio-Economic Development” was held at the Gulustan Palace with the participation of entrepreneurs. The event was organized by the Small and Medium Business Development Agency (KOBIA) and the National Confederation of Entrepreneurs (Employers) Organizations of Azerbaijan, with the support of the Ministry of Economy, dedicated to Entrepreneurs’ Day and the 25th anniversary of the Azerbaijan Confederation of Entrepreneurs.

The event was attended by ministers of economy, labor and social protection, members of the Milli Majlis (Parliament), representatives of relevant government bodies, public associations of entrepreneurs, and businesspeople from various sectors.

The conference began with a visit by participants to the Alley of Honor, where they paid tribute to National Leader Heydar Aliyev by laying a wreath at his grave. It officially started with the National Anthem of Azerbaijan and a minute of silence in memory of the martyrs who gave their lives for the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan.

The conference featured speeches by:

• Mikayil Jabbarov, Minister of Economy (via video message)

• Sahil Babayev, Minister of Labor and Social Protection

• Elnur Aliyev, First Deputy Minister of Economy

• Orkhan Mammadov, Chairman of the Board of KOBIA

• Mammad Musayev, President of the Azerbaijan Confederation of Entrepreneurs

• Ehtiram Guliyev, Founder and CEO of “Hünər” Group

The speeches emphasized the role of Heydar Aliyev in the development of a market-based economy and private sector in Azerbaijan, the successful continuation of this policy under President Ilham Aliyev, the importance of private sector growth, the role of entrepreneurs in social welfare and employment, the priority given to the development of small and medium businesses, and the value of public-private dialogue.

Documentaries highlighting the development of entrepreneurship and the 25-year history of the Confederation were presented. A number of entrepreneurs were awarded for their contributions to public-private dialogue. Among the awardees was Vuqar Abbasov, Vice-President of the Azerbaijan Confederation of Entrepreneurs.

At the end of the conference, a statement was adopted on behalf of the participants addressed to President Ilham Aliyev.

The event concluded with a cultural performance.