BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 21.
A total of 57% of the European companies assessed the current
economic situation in Azerbaijan as satisfactory, Head of the
EU-Azerbaijan Business Forum team for 2024–2026, Ayten Akhundova,
said at the EU-Azerbaijan Business Forum 2026 in Baku on Wednesday,
Trend’s correspondent
reports from the event.


According to Akhundova, the overall assessment of the business
climate in the country was also found to be satisfactory, though
the results are slightly lower than last year’s figures.


She attributed this primarily to the geopolitical situation in
the region.


"Political and social stability continue to be rated as positive
factors. Other noted advantages include the reliability and cost of
energy resources, as well as the efficiency of logistics,
transport, and transport connectivity.


At the same time, companies highlighted several issues that
require attention. These include the quality of vocational
education and workforce training in Azerbaijan, access to
financing, business ethics and payment discipline, access to new
technologies, and research and development.


52% of the European companies surveyed plan to expand their
operations in Azerbaijan over the next few years, while 25% intend
to maintain them at their current level," she noted.


According to her, these figures are also slightly lower than
last year’s, which may be linked to the geopolitical situation.







She identified access to commercial partners and clients,
strategic partnerships and alliances, and access to the domestic
market as the three most attractive factors for companies.


"Untapped investment opportunities include low production costs,
access to physical infrastructure, and access to natural resources
and raw materials.


Key factors that have influenced company operations in recent
years include the limited size of the market, the war in Ukraine
and other global conflicts, as well as bureaucracy," she added.


The report presents an updated assessment of Azerbaijan’s
economic and business environment from the perspective of European
companies operating in the local market. Based on surveys and
in-depth interviews with European enterprises, the report covers
key factors influencing the investment climate, sector-specific
opportunities, business constraints, labor market dynamics,
sustainable development, digitalization, and the broader reform
agenda that shapes the trajectory of Azerbaijan’s economic
development.


The EU-Azerbaijan Business Forum, marking the 30th anniversary
of the partnership between the European Union and Azerbaijan and
the 10th anniversary of the forum, is being held in Baku today.
This year’s forum is held under the theme “Connecting Corridors:
Connectivity and Infrastructure.” The main focus is on developing
transport connectivity and infrastructure, strengthening economic
cooperation between the EU and Azerbaijan, and expanding regional
trade and investment.


The program includes high-level discussions, thematic sessions,
and business meetings involving representatives of the public and
private sectors.