Category: Azer News

On December 24, President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic made a phone call to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, Azernews reports.

Aleksandar Vucic congratulated the Azerbaijani President on his birthday, wishing him good health and new successes in his presidential activities.

President Ilham Aliyev expressed his gratitude for the attention and congratulations.

During the phone conversation, President Ilham Aliyev and President Aleksandar Vucic fondly recalled their meetings and hailed the successful development of the partnership between the two countries across various areas.

The heads of state exchanged views on the prospects for bilateral relations and other issues of mutual interest.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev attended the opening of a metal electric pole production facility owned by Construction LLC in Aghdam Industrial Park on December 23, Azernews reports.

Nurlan Abbasov, founder of Construction LLC, briefed the head of state on the facility’s operations.

Located on a 1-hectare site within the Industrial Park, the facility operates using Chinese technology. Its annual production capacity is 7,200 tons of metal electric poles, which will serve both domestic demand and export markets. The investment volume of the facility is 2.96 million manats, with a guaranteed loan of 1.2 million manats provided by the Azerbaijan Business Development Fund under the Ministry of Economy. The facility currently employs 32 people and benefits from all tax and customs concessions granted to residents of the Industrial Park. During the import of equipment, technological devices, and installations, VAT and customs duty concessions worth approximately 443,000 manats were applied.

Established by a 2021 decree, Aghdam Industrial Park covers 190 hectares and aims to revive the liberated territories, develop Garabagh’s industrial potential, support entrepreneurship, and increase employment in the production sector. Key activities in the Industrial Park include the production of construction materials, packaging of agricultural products, processing of fruit and vegetable preserves, meat and dairy production, feed and fertilizer production, provision of services, and the organization of cold storage facilities.

The government has created a favorable investment environment to support entrepreneurial activity. Residency status has been granted to 32 business entities with a total investment exceeding 312 million manats, while 5 entrepreneurs have been granted non-residency status. Investors have already contributed 142 million manats to the Industrial Park, creating nearly 970 permanent jobs, the majority of which are held by residents of Aghdam and surrounding districts. Products worth 945 million manats have been produced by Industrial Park residents, including 39.5 million manats worth of exports.

For the first time, Azerbaijan will be represented on the international jury of the Budapest International Circus Festival, Azernews reports.

Oleg Amirbayov, Advisor to the Azerbaijan Culture Minister, has been appointed as a jury member for the 16th edition of the festival, which is scheduled to take place in 2026.

The jury of the festival brings together distinguished figures from the worlds of art, culture, and circus. Azerbaijan’s inclusion in the panel of Europe’s leading circus festival marks a new milestone in the country’s expanding international cultural cooperation and highlights its growing professional recognition.

This participation carries significant importance for strengthening cultural ties, encouraging the exchange of experience, and promoting international cultural dialogue.

The Budapest International Circus Festival was established around 1996 by István Kristóf and a group of professionals dedicated to preserving and promoting circus arts.

The festival is considered a global capital of circus arts during its run, celebrating human achievement in performance and honoring the legacy of circus traditions.

More than 200 internationally acclaimed performers from four continents are set to take part in the 16th Budapest International Circus Festival, which will feature five separate show blocks at the Capital Circus of Budapest from January 7 to 12, 2026.

Baku Book Center has hosted a charity celebration marking World Azerbaijanis Solidarity Day (December 31) and the upcoming New Year, Azernews reports.

The event was jointly organized by the Regional Development Public Union and the Child and Youth Development Center No. 2.

Residents of Boarding School No. 10 (sanatorium type) were invited as special guests. For them, the staff arranged a brief introductory tour of the Book Center. Later, with the initiative of the organizers, the children took part in engaging master classes of both educational and interactive character, followed by a New Year-themed ‘Reading Hour.’

The program continued with a theatrical performance titled “The Prince and the Rescuers in the Land of Adventure” staged by members of the “Theater Art” club of the Child and Youth Development Center No. 2. Adding to the festive spirit, the “Smile” dance group delighted the audience with vibrant performances set to cheerful holiday music.

The celebration aimed to foster unity and solidarity, show care and attention to children, create unforgettable memories, encourage their creativity and talents, and share the joy of the New Year while conveying a message of hope and love to society.

At the close of the event, the young guests received gifts presented by the Baku Book Center and SOCAR.

Baku Book Center was officially opened to visitors on September 1, 2018. The main goal of the Center is to encourage people in reading book as a bearer of cultural, spiritual values and useful knowledge.

Here booklovers can also take part in presentations of books, literary and musical evenings, meetings with cultural and art workers, thematic master classes and much more.

The Center also organizes events with the participation of international organizations and diplomatic missions.

By the decision of the CIS Executive Committee, Baku Book Center has been awarded the diploma “For the great work in development of domestic book distribution and international book exchange in 2018.”

Kashiwazaki-Kariwa, the world’s largest nuclear power plant, is preparing to resume operations in Japan after undergoing extensive modernization efforts. The facility, located in Niigata Prefecture, has been shut down for several years following the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster in 2011, Azernews reports.

The Governor of Niigata Prefecture, Hideyuki Hanazumi, has officially agreed to restart the plant, following comprehensive safety checks and the implementation of advanced protective measures. He emphasized that the safety protocols now in place meet the highest international standards, ensuring that the plant’s operation is essential for the region’s stable energy supply and economic growth.

Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO), which operates the plant, is currently completing the final stages of preparation for its reopening. This includes final inspections and the testing of new safety systems designed to prevent any future incidents.

The Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant, which consists of seven reactors, was shut down in the aftermath of the 2011 disaster at the Fukushima-1 plant. The restart marks a significant step in Japan’s energy policy as the country seeks to reduce its reliance on imported fossil fuels while striving to meet its carbon-neutral goals.

Experts have noted that the plant’s reopening will help Japan achieve a more stable and sustainable energy mix, particularly as global energy demands continue to rise. However, there remains public debate about the safety and environmental risks associated with nuclear energy in Japan, especially after the Fukushima tragedy.

In Ashgabat, a presentation ceremony has been held for the book “The Jewel of Wisdom” by Chairman of the People’s Council of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, translated into Azerbaijani by the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation, Azernews reports.

The event, attended by Turkmenistan’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Mehri Bashimova, featured a speech by Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to Turkmenistan, Qismet Gozalov.

The ambassador emphasized that delivering Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov’s “The Jewel of Wisdom” to Azerbaijani readers is of special importance in terms of promoting this valuable work. He noted that the publication of the book in Azerbaijani also makes a significant contribution to strengthening cultural and humanitarian ties between the two nations.

The ambassador highlighted that the work provides Azerbaijani readers with a broad and comprehensive understanding of the Turkmen people’s history, their rich spiritual values, and the development of science, education, and culture in Turkmenistan.

At the same time, “The Jewel of Wisdom” reflects the shared spiritual values, historical roots, and traditions of brotherhood between the two peoples. Its translation into Azerbaijani breathes new life into literary and cultural cooperation and further reinforces the spiritual bridge that already exists among Turkic nations.

Touching upon bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan, Ambassador Gozalov stressed that the brotherly and strategic partnership between the two countries has made significant progress and, in 2025, was further strengthened by the political will of the national leaders.

He added that these relations continue to expand on the basis of mutual trust and friendship.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev attended the opening of the newly constructed building for the Faculty of Business and Economics at Garabagh University in the city of Khankendi on December 23, Azernews reports.

The head of state was briefed on the facilities available in the new building.

The Faculty of Business and Economics is a key academic unit focused on creating a modern learning environment. Currently, it employs 20 faculty, administrative, and technical staff, and a total of 505 students are enrolled at the bachelor’s level in seven specialties: economics, finance, accounting, management, public and municipal administration, international trade and logistics, and tourism organization.

The faculty prioritizes the development of new academic content, the application of modern teaching methods, the enhancement of practical skills, innovative management, and result-oriented scientific research.

The new educational building includes 40 auditoriums, computer laboratories, a library, reading and assembly halls, meeting rooms, administrative offices, and faculty rooms. Designed and constructed according to modern university standards, the building incorporates principles of sustainable development, inclusivity, and efficient resource use. Its spacious, modern infrastructure facilitates effective educational, research, and administrative activities.

These facilities will strengthen the faculty’s scientific and pedagogical potential, enhance students’ knowledge and skills, train highly qualified specialists in economics and business to meet the evolving labor market demands, and expand scientific-research and innovation activities.

The commissioning of the new building is an important step in developing a modern campus at Garabagh University and contributes to establishing a high-level higher education ecosystem in Garabagh and East Zangezur.

During 2024-2025, President Ilham Aliyev visited Garabagh University to review ongoing work and participated in the opening ceremonies of the university, student dormitory, clinic building, and the educational corpus of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences.

Currently, Garabagh University enrolls 2,154 students across 34 specialties within seven faculties.

Indonesia expects to sign a tariff deal with the US in early 2026 after reaching an agreement on ‘all substantive issues,’ Jakarta’s chief negotiator said on Tuesday, Azernews reports, citing Arab News.

Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto met with US trade representative Jamieson Greer in Washington this week to finalize an Indonesia-US trade deal, following a series of discussions that took place after the two countries agreed on a framework for negotiations in July.

‘All substantive issues laid out in the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade have been agreed upon by the two sides, including both the main and technical issues,’ Hartarto said in an online briefing.

Officials from both countries are now working to set up a meeting between Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and US President Donald Trump.

It will take place after Indonesian and US technical teams meet in the second week of January for a legal scrubbing, or a final clean-up of an agreement text.

‘We are expecting that the upcoming technical process will wrap up in time as scheduled, so that at the end of January 2026 President Prabowo and President Trump can sign the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade,’ Hartarto said.

Indonesian trade negotiators have been in ‘intensive’ talks with their Washington counterparts since Trump threatened to levy a 32 percent duty on Indonesian exports.

Under the July framework, US tariffs on Indonesian imports were lowered to 19 percent, with Jakarta committing to measures to balance trade with Washington, including removing tariffs on more than 99 percent of American imports and scrapping all non-tariff barriers facing American companies.

Jakarta also pledged to import $15 billion worth of energy products and $4.5 billion worth of agricultural products such as soybeans, wheat and cotton, from the US.

‘Indonesia will also get tariff exemptions on top Indonesian goods, such as palm oil, coffee, cocoa,’ Hartarto said.

‘This is certainly good news, especially for Indonesian industries directly impacted by the tariff policy, especially labor-intensive sectors that employ around 5 million workers.’

In the past decade, Indonesia has consistently posted trade surpluses with the US, its second-largest export market after China.

From January to October, data from the Indonesian trade ministry showed two-way trade valued at nearly $36.2 billion, with Jakarta posting a $14.9 billion surplus.

The Second Azerbaijan-Trkiye Investment Forum is being held in Baku with the joint support of Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Economy and Trkiye’s Ministry of Trade, and is co-organized by the Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion Agency (AZPROMO) and the Trkiye-Azerbaijan Businessmen and Industrialists Public Association (TÜIB). Bringing together senior government officials, business leaders, and investors from both countries, the forum aims to deepen economic cooperation and advance the strategic goal of increasing bilateral trade and investment.

On the sidelines of the forum, Hseyin Bykfirat, Chairman of the Trkiye-Azerbaijan Businessmen and Industrialists Public Association (TÜIB), gave a special interview to Azernews, discussing the outcomes of the event, the future of bilateral economic relations, and key sectors offering new investment opportunities for Turkish and Azerbaijani companies.

Q: How would you assess the Second Azerbaijan-Trkiye Investment Forum? Did it meet your expectations?

The chairman said the forum exceeded expectations both in terms of participation and substance. He noted that a large number of prominent business leaders from Azerbaijan and Trkiye attended the event, which clearly demonstrated the growing interest of the private sector in bilateral cooperation.

‘The first forum was already very successful, but I can confidently say that the second one was even better,’ he stated. According to him, the participation of high-level officials – including the Vice President of Trkiye, ministers, deputy ministers, and senior representatives from Azerbaijan – was a strong indication that the two countries are moving in the right direction.

He emphasized that such a high-level turnout also increases responsibility for business circles. ‘It shows that we are on the right path, but it also places greater responsibility on us to deliver concrete results,’ Bykfirat added.

Q: The leaders of both countries have set a target of reaching a bilateral trade volume of USD 15 billion. How realistic is this goal from the perspective of the business community?

Bykfirat noted that the business community fully embraces the strategic target set by President Ilham Aliyev and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. He underlined that while governments create the framework, achieving this goal ultimately depends on entrepreneurs, industrialists, exporters, and investors.

‘As businesspeople, we see it as our duty to contribute to this target,’ he said. Mr. Bykfirat added that he personally draws on his long-standing trade experience in Azerbaijan to support this objective. ‘Fortunately, we are already seeing tangible results, and I believe this cooperation will grow even stronger in the coming years,’ he noted.

Q: In your view, what are the future perspectives of Azerbaijan-Trkiye economic cooperation, and which sectors stand out for investment?

According to him, global supply chains are being reshaped due to geopolitical shifts and logistical constraints, opening new opportunities for Azerbaijan. He explained that emerging transport corridors and Azerbaijan’s strategic location have created favorable conditions for investors.

He also highlighted Azerbaijan’s customs advantages, particularly zero-duty arrangements with certain countries. ‘These incentives make Azerbaijan highly attractive not only for Turkish investors but also for companies from third countries,’ he said, adding that targeted efforts are needed to fully leverage these opportunities.

Bykfirat further pointed out that the Garabagh region offers significant state support and investment incentives. He emphasized that promoting these opportunities effectively is a shared responsibility of business associations, public institutions, and the media.

Q: How can Turkish companies take a more active role in these projects, and which areas could generate new business opportunities for the region?

Bykfirat noted that the construction sector already plays a major role, particularly in Garabagh. Referring to official statements, he said that projects exceeding USD 5 billion are currently underway in the region, indicating strong momentum in infrastructure development.

Beyond construction, he highlighted agriculture as a promising field with long-term potential. However, he placed special emphasis on the textile industry. ‘Trkiye is currently experiencing a contraction in the textile sector, with some production shifting to third countries such as Egypt and parts of Africa,’ he explained.

In this context, Mr Bykfirat believes that relocating part of this production to Azerbaijan, especially to Garabagh, could be mutually beneficial. ‘If attractive and well-structured incentives are introduced, Azerbaijan could become a new hub for textile investment,’ he said, adding that this would create jobs, boost exports, and further strengthen economic ties between the two countries.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev attended the opening of an office furniture and furniture accessories production facility owned by Accurate Az LLC in Ballija village of the Khojaly district on December 23, Azernews reports.

Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov and Ilkin Abushov, founder of Accurate Az LLC, briefed the head of state on the facility’s operations.

The facility is equipped with advanced technologies and equipment from Trkiye, Switzerland, Germany, Italy, China, and Japan. The enterprise is expected to produce 240,000 units of office furniture of 20 different types and four million furniture accessories annually. Of the total output, 60 percent will be exported, while 40 percent will be supplied to the domestic market. All stages of office furniture production – from raw materials to finished products – will be carried out at the facility. The total value of the project amounts to 20 million manats. A preferential loan of 7 million manats was provided for its implementation by the Azerbaijan Business Development Fund under the Ministry of Economy. The facility has also benefited from concessions and incentives applied to entrepreneurs operating in the liberated territories.

The launch of the enterprise is expected to contribute to the development of the furniture production sector in Garabagh, to the expansion of local production and export potential, and to increased employment in the liberated territories. Currently, 80 permanent jobs have been created, with plans to establish up to 450 permanent jobs in subsequent stages.

Ensuring sustainable settlement in the liberated territories, stimulating private initiative, attracting investment, and creating a favorable business environment have been defined as key strategic priorities of the state. To this end, legal entities and individuals operating in these territories are exempt from profit, income, property, land, and simplified taxes for a period of 10 years starting from January 1, 2023. In addition, equipment, technological devices, installations, raw materials, and materials imported by residents of these territories for economic activities are exempt from VAT and customs duties for the same period. These measures are aimed at fostering entrepreneurship, advancing industrial development, strengthening the economy, and increasing employment opportunities.