The development of entrepreneurship and the improvement of the business environment are among the priorities of the economic policy implemented in Azerbaijan.

Operativ Media reports, citing the Ministry of Economy, that this was stated by First Deputy Minister of Economy Elnur Aliyev during a meeting of the permanent Coordination Group under the Small and Medium Business Development Agency (KOBIA).

He noted that the optimization and digitalization of services in this area, along with the application of innovative approaches, are of great importance. Discussing and shaping the new mechanism jointly with the agencies responsible for entrepreneurship development will allow for a more comprehensive preparation of the final document.

The meeting, attended by representatives of relevant government agencies represented in the Coordination Group, featured discussions on a new mechanism that envisages the gradual transfer of services provided by government bodies to micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, exporters, and investors to private sector entities.

Notably, a decree signed by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on February 24 this year tasked the relevant bodies with developing mechanisms for the gradual transfer of services provided by government agencies to micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, exporters, and investors to private sector entities. Currently, the state defines public policy in the field of entrepreneurship, services to business entities are provided by government agencies, and the outcomes of these services are monitored. With the implementation of the new mechanism, operational, technical, and organizational functions of services provided to business entities are planned to be gradually transferred to the private sector. During the preparation of the relevant mechanism, special attention will be paid to ensuring the continuity and quality of services provided to business entities, maintaining the social accessibility of services, ensuring data security and confidentiality, as well as preventing conflicts of interest.

The permanent Coordination Group under KOBIA was established by a decision of the Cabinet of Ministers dated January 13, 2024. Representatives from nearly 30 government agencies are represented in the Coordination Group.