Construction and Infrastructure Working Group

AHK Azerbaijan organized a successful site visit to our member company, NORM OJSC, bringing together stakeholders from various sectors to explore sustainable and low-carbon approaches in cement production.

The visit was held within the framework of the Azerbaijan Urban Campaign (AUC2026), implemented in cooperation with UN-Habitat (United Nations Human Settlements Programme) and the State Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The initiative aims to promote sustainable urban development and encourage knowledge exchange on environmentally responsible practices across industries.

During the visit, Mr. Elmar Mammadov presented NORM OJSC’s sustainability strategy, innovative technologies, and modern production processes that contribute to reducing environmental impact and improving resource efficiency. Participants also had the opportunity to tour the production facilities, gaining first-hand insight into the company’s operations and its commitment to sustainable manufacturing.

The site visit provided a valuable platform for discussion, networking, and the exchange of ideas on the role of industry in supporting Azerbaijan’s sustainable development goals.

From 30 April to 1 May, industry leaders, partners, and stakeholders participated in the Karabakh Strategic Reconstruction Mission, a two-day visit highlighting the ongoing reconstruction, economic revitalization, and future development of the Karabakh region. 
 
The visit  was organized as part of the Azerbaijan Urban Campaign (AUC2026), led by the State Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture of the Republic of Azerbaijan in partnership with UN-Habitat, ahead of the World Urban Forum 13. 
 
The mission covered key locations including Zangilan, Lachin, Shusha, Khankendi, and Aghdam, offering participants firsthand insight into major infrastructure, cultural heritage, tourism, agriculture, and industrial projects shaping the region’s next chapter. 

Among the highlights were visits to the smart villages of Aghali and Mammadbayli, developed by AS Group / AS Inshaat, which demonstrated innovative approaches to sustainable and modern community development. Participants also explored significant cultural restoration initiatives led by PMD Projects, including the restoration of Lachin Mosque, Shusha Mosque, and the historic Aghdam Imarat Complex. 

The program further included visits to Zerti Agro Park Lachin and Aghdam Industrial Park, operating under the Economic Zones Development Agency, emphasizing Karabakh’s growing role as a center for agricultural innovation, industrial growth, and economic recovery. Infrastructure projects, including the ADY Railway Station, showcased the scale and strategic importance of regional connectivity and development efforts currently underway. 

In addition to industrial and reconstruction projects, participants experienced the region’s expanding hospitality and tourism sector through visits to Lachin Resort & Spa and Hilton Garden Inn Aghdam, reflecting the increasing tourism potential of Karabakh. 

The organizers extend their sincere appreciation to Grata for supporting the mission as its sponsor, as well as to all partners and participants whose contributions made the journey insightful, productive, and memorable. 

The Karabakh Strategic Reconstruction Mission once again demonstrated that Karabakh is not only rebuilding, but also reimagining its future through innovation, resilience, and sustainable development. 

AHK Azerbaijan continued the CEO Roundtable within the Construction and Infrastructure Working Group with a session titled “From Urban Growth to Integrated Infrastructure Development.” 

Held as part of the Azerbaijan Urban Campaign (AUC2026) led by the State Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture of the Republic of Azerbaijan and UN-Habitat (United Nations Human Settlements Programme) in the lead-up to World Urban Forum 13, the roundtable brought together senior executives to exchange views on sector challenges, infrastructure development, and evolving market dynamics.

The session opened with welcoming remarks from Nargis Wieck, Executive Director of AHK Azerbaijan, followed by an introduction by Nariman Topchibashev ,Vice Chair of the Working Group and CEO of PMD Projects LLC, setting the stage for a focused discussion. As part of the agenda, participants engaged with the WUF13 Legacy Paper initiative, contributing perspectives that will help shape its direction and relevance for future urban development. 
 

On March 19, 2025, the AHK Azerbaijan Construction and Infrastructure Working Group Meeting was held on the topic of "Projects Implemented and Planned for Implementation in Connection with the Execution of the Master Plan of Baku City."

In the meeting, Manager of the Territorial Planning Documents Analysis Sector, Chagri Karimzade, Senior Consultant of the Architecture Sector in the Urban Planning and Architecture Department State Committee for Urban Planning and Architecture, Aysel Karimli and Senior Consultant of the Construction and Permits Department State Committee for Urban Planning and Architecture, Elnaz Sultanova discussed important points regarding the implementation of the Baku Master Plan.

Initially, four main priorities were outlined in the context of the Baku Master Plan for 2020-2040: sustainable urban development, urban planning and environmental regeneration, urban identity and cultural heritage, and the new urban economy.

Regarding sustainable development, the division of the city into a central planning area, sub-centers, and regional centers to ensure equal living standards for the population was emphasized, along with the prioritization of public transport and the development of infrastructure systems according to demand.

In addition, in the field of urban and environmental regeneration, the coordinated development of public areas, green and open spaces, and the concept of integrated land use were highlighted. The regeneration projects for the Büyükşor and Zığ lakes for the greening of the surrounding areas in Baku were noted as key goals. Regarding urban planning and the preservation of cultural identity, the planning of the city's architectural appearance, providing appropriate architectural solutions, the creation of new modern industrial sectors in the new urban economy, transforming Baku's region into the best tourism destination, digitalization of services, and ensuring balanced regional development were emphasized. Furthermore, in order to ensure the equal distribution of urbanization in the city, it was planned that the sub-centers such as Zığ-Hövsan, Mərdəkan, Sabunçu, Binəqədi, Xırdalan, Sumqayıt, Lökbatan, and Ələt would provide services to the main center according to their designated functions.

Additionally, the "Hybrid Green Corridors" project was set as one of the key goals, which involves transforming unused old railways into green corridors. In the development of the sustainable public transport network, the improvement of metro and railway transport, the expansion of bicycle and pedestrian networks, and the integration of transportation and parking systems were identified as major priorities. The steps taken in this direction are aimed at increasing the overall efficiency of the public transport network.

On 24 October 2023, the next meeting of the AHK Azerbaijan's Construction and Infrastructure Working Group took place at AHK Azerbaijan office with the participation of more than 20 participants. The meeting revolved around the topic of roundable discussion on proposals and recommendations to normative documents and legal acts and standars.

 
Opening the meeting, Tobias Baumann, Executive Director of AHK Azerbaijan, welcomed the participants, and introduced Mr Nariman Topchibashev as the new Vice Chairperson of the Construction and Infrastructure Working Group. Then he gave the floor to Ms Ummi Jalilova, Chairperson of the Construction and Infrastructure Working Group and Grata Azerbaijan's Managing Partner and Director of Baku office, and Mr Nariman Topchibashev, Vice Chairperson of the Construction and Infrastructure Working Group and Chief Executive Officer of PMD Projects LLC also welcomed the participants and introduced the agenda of the meeting, and gave brief information about upcoming activities of the working group.
 

The participants summarised issues before forwarding them to the State Agency for Control over Construction Safety and the State Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture for their review. During the event, proposals and recommendations were received from member companies and at the end of the meeting, the participants discussed key issues and topics within the Q&A session.

On 3 May 2023, the next meeting of the AHK Azerbaijan Construction and Infrastructure Working Group took place with the Baku General Directorate on Architecture and Urban Planning under the State Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture. The meeting was attended by around 40 company representatives, and discussions were held regarding the reforms carried out in the field of urban planning and construction in the country in the context of strengthening the public-private dialogue.

Opening the meeting, the Chairperson of the Construction and Infrastructure Working Group, Ms Ummi Jalilova, welcomed the participants, introduced the agenda of the meeting and further stressed the importance of this particular topic in strengthening the public-private sector dialogue in the urban planning and construction area.

Joining the meeting as a guest speaker, the Acting Head of the Baku General Directorate on Architecture and Urban Planning, Mr Riad Gasimov, welcomed the event participants with his opening speech and gave brief information about the activities of the General Directorate.

Later, the representative of the General Directorate, Ms Elnaz Sultanova, gave a presentation on the topic of "Baku Urban Planning Experience: Reform Agenda". During the presentation, overall, the main directions and goals of the State Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture and the General Directorate and key issues, such as important reforms carried out in the fields of urban planning, architecture and construction, obtaining construction and operation permits, the functionality of the "e-tikinti.gov.az" portal, the facade passport of buildings and facilities, and the strategy for the transition to Building Information Modeling (BIM) were touched upon.

The meeting continued with active discussions, and the guest speaker answered questions raised by the participants.

06 April 2023, the next meeting of the AHK Azerbaijan Construction and Infrastructure Working Group took place with the participation of around 40 participants. The meeting was focused on the local construction safety control measures.

Opening the meeting, Ms Ummi Jalilova welcomed the participants, introduced the agenda of the meeting and further stressed the importance of this particular topic with regard to disaster prevention and preparedness. We were joined by Mr Elkhan Asadov, Deputy Chief of the State Agency for Control over Construction Safety, who delivered his speech on the topic, touching upon several key aspects, such as activities of the Agency in ensuring compliance with safety requirements, legislative framework and technical specifications and standards, the role of consultancy firms and implementation of new technological advancements in local construction and utilisation of abandoned buildings.

The meeting continued with active discussions, and the guest speaker answered questions raised by the participants.