AHK Impuls

On October 17, 2024, the German-Azerbaijani Chamber of Commerce (AHK Azerbaijan) hosted the AHK Impuls event focused on COP29, as part of a series themed "Innovate, Collaborate, Transform – Building a Sustainable Tomorrow," aimed at preparing for the upcoming COP29 in Azerbaijan. The AHK Impuls Event featured more than 70 representatives from member companies and partners of the Chamber. Honorary guests of the event, Kamal Abbasov, Deputy Minister of Energy of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and Sevinj Fataliyeva, Member of the Milli Majlis and a member of the COP29 Organizing Committee, provided exclusive insights into the developments in Azerbaijan's green energy sector and the upcoming COP29. Following this, there was an insightful panel discussion with prominent business representatives.

The Deputy Chairman of the AHK Azerbaijan Board, Dr Henning Sasse, greeted the event participants in the opening speech and gave an overview of the event's agenda. Then, he gave the floor to Heiko Schwarz, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Azerbaijan.

Mr Schwarz delivered welcoming remarks, emphasizing the exciting opportunities available for German businesses to explore Azerbaijan's potential. He pointed out that the aim is to promote the sharing of German innovative expertise and foster collaboration between our two countries and the EU as a whole. He concluded by stating, "COP29 could act as a catalyst for accelerating development throughout the region. Let’s seize this opportunity to drive innovation and sustainable growth together! I’m quite sure that Azerbaijan will be globally recognised in the future not only as a producer of oil and gas but also as a leader in green energy."

In his speech, Kamal Abbasov highlighted key insights on the dynamic developments and projects in Azerbaijan's green energy sector, emphasizing its potential for sustainable growth and innovation. He stated, "As a result of implementing strategic measures, the government plans to increase renewable energy sources to 33% of total capacity and 25% of production by 2027'. This initiative aims to raise the share of renewable energy in installed capacity and boost electricity production, enabling Azerbaijan to surpass its 30% target for 2030. To achieve these goals, Azerbaijan has significant potential in renewable energy sources." He also noted that Azerbaijan is collaborating on renewable energy projects with leading international companies, including Masdar, ACWA Power, and bp. These partnerships will facilitate domestic consumption, contribute to the decarbonization of the economy, and enhance exports over the next decade. Additionally, he stressed the importance of COP29 in the fight against climate change for a sustainable future.

We received an impactful video message from Dr Vera Rodenhoff, Deputy Director General for International Climate Action and International Energy Transition at the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action. She highlighted the ambitious goals for global energy transition and the urgent requirement to improve energy efficiency. Dr Rodenhoff highlighted COP29 as a crucial opportunity for governments and businesses to collaborate across borders, driving progress toward a sustainable and green future.

Sevinj Fataliyeva’s speech on COP29 highlighted Azerbaijan’s initiatives to promote a green economy and sustainable development. Key highlights included the Baku Initiative for Climate Finance, Investment, and Trade (BICFIT), which was recently presented at the WTO Public Forum in Switzerland. Azerbaijan supports programs to raise ecological awareness and has signed memorandums with the UN for methodological and technical support to ensure compliance with international standards. She also outlined COP29's main goals, such as establishing a climate action financing fund to enhance funding for climate initiatives, which will receive contributions from fossil fuel-producing countries and private companies. Additionally, Fataliyeva emphasised the importance of Azerbaijan's collaboration with the International Parliamentary Union (IPU) in the parliamentary component of COP29. Following her speech, Ms Fataliyeva answered participants' questions thoroughly, providing insightful and detailed responses.

The event proceeded with an engaging panel discussion titled "ESG Impacts on Sustainable Development: Energy, Transportation, and Construction," moderated by Ilkin Hajiyev, Executive Director of Sustainera Solutions.

The panel featured esteemed panellists: Elmir Musayev, General Director of SOCAR Green LLC; Khalid Samaka, Board Member of the Azerbaijan Cement Producers Association (ACPA); Vugar Hajiyev, QHSE Team Leader at PMD Projects LLC; Gurban Karimbayli, ESG Advisor and SDG Project Manager at Baku International Sea Trade Port CJSC; and Gunay Asgarova, Senior Manager of Broader Assurance Services at PwC Azerbaijan. The panellists informed event participants about their companies' sustainability and ESG strategies, highlighting key environmental, social, and governance aspects. They shared insights on various projects and solutions to advance these strategies and their initiatives toward a sustainable future.

The event concluded with a question-and-answer session, lively discussions and a business lunch afterwards. 

We extend our gratitude to Yelo Bank OJSC for their generous event sponsorship.

"Innovate, Collaborate, Transform - Expectations for COP29"

On June 13, 2024, the German-Azerbaijani Chamber of Commerce (AHK Azerbaijan) initiated a series of events themed "Innovate, Collaborate, Transform - Expectations for COP29" to prepare for the forthcoming COP29 in Azerbaijan. The kickoff event, AHK Impuls on COP29, featured around 100 representatives from member companies and partners of the Chamber. Honorary guest of the event, Ms Nigar Arpadarai, UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP29 Azerbaijan, provided exclusive insights into the upcoming COP29. Following this, there was an insightful panel discussion with prominent business representatives.

Member of AHK Azerbaijan Board, Mr Farid Guliyev, greeted the event participants in the opening speech of the meeting and gave an overview of the event's agenda. Then he gave the floor to Dr Ralf Horlemann, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Azerbaijan.

On February 28, the German-Azerbaijani Chamber of Commerce (AHK Azerbaijan) organised the next AHK Impuls event, including representatives of more than 70 member companies, partners of the Chamber, as well as members of the delegation of the German Eastern Business Association. Honorary guest of the event, Chairman of the Board of the Energy Regulatory Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Dr Samir Akhundov, gave a speech on "Azerbaijan's electricity sector: brief overview and reforms". At the meeting, the Vice President of Uniper Global Commodities SE for the gas supply of the countries of the southern region, Dr Michael Hilmer and Schneider Group's Chief Business Development Officer, Olaf Letzel, participated.

Executive Board Member of AHK Azerbaijan, Mr Tobias Baumann, greeted the event participants in the opening speech of the meeting and informed the participants about several events and meetings held recently. Then, Mr Baumann introduced the honorary speaker, Dr Samir Akhundov and talked about his rich career and his contributions to AHK Azerbaijan. Mr Baumann also thanked Schneider Group for its support in organising the event. He then gave the floor to Dr Michael Hilmer.

Dr. Michael Hilmer mentioned their ten years of activity in the field, covering involvement in both the oil and gas as well as the electricity markets. Mr Hilmer spoke about the changes that have taken place in recent years and informed the participants about the focus on renewable energy and the "Law on the use of renewable energy sources in the production of electricity".

In his speech, Mr. Letzel discussed the activities of the Schneider Group, including aspects such as company law and taxation, interim management, and accounting. He stressed that they are active in internal audit, human resources, market research and other areas. At the end of his speech, he expressed his satisfaction that the German Eastern Business Association delegation also participated in the event today and expressed his gratitude to the event participants.

During his presentation, Dr Samir Akhundov gave extensive information about the activities of the Agency before starting his speech on "Azerbaijan's electricity sector: a brief review and reforms". Later, he spoke about the reforms carried out in the field of electricity. Mr Akhundov stated that the Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan on Energy, adopted in 2023, provides general legal, economic and management bases of activity in the field of energy, as well as ensuring energy security, forming a healthy competitive environment, supporting sustainable economic development, providing consumers with reliable, high-quality, accessible and safe energy.

The event concluded with a question-and-answer session, lively discussions and a business dinner afterwards.

We extend our gratitude to Schneider Group for their generous sponsorship of the event.

On 1 November 2023, German-Azerbaijani Chamber of Commerce (AHK Azerbaijan) organized the next AHK Impuls event for its member companies. The honorary guest speaker, Mr Mammad Aslan Abbasbeyli, Head of the State Service for Antimonopoly and Consumer Market Control, spoke on the topic of “Advancing Competition and Public Procurement: Regulatory Reforms”. Following this, Mr Ahmad Hasanov, Head of the Public Procurement Department at the State Service for Antimonopoly and Consumer Market Control, conducted a workshop with business representatives.

The event was initiated with the opening speech of the Executive Director of AHK Azerbaijan, Mr Tobias Baumann, who welcomed the member companies and introduced the speakers before handing over the floor to an honorary guest of the event, Mr Mammad Aslan Abbasbeyli.

In his speech, Mr Abbasbeyli welcomed the guests and highlighted the State Service's active role in government-private sector engagement. He emphasized their commitment to building a sustainable economy and fostering growth through the private sector. Mr. Abbasbeyli also stressed the importance of clear and open regulatory formats and explained their efforts in simplifying and interpreting complex regulations.

He discussed the four main regulatory mandates designed to benefit consumers and support businesses, including competition code, public procurement, quality, and consumer protection. Mr Abbasbeyli announced significant reforms in the competition legislation, updating outdated laws to reflect the current economic reality. He also introduced a government program to improve the competitive environment, emphasizing the collective responsibility of various government agencies.

Additionally, Mr Abbasbeyli mentioned efforts to educate the younger generation about competition economics to prepare them for future careers in the business world. Finally, he outlined key features of the new public procurement law, including expanded scope, digitalization, budget transparency, blacklisting of process-manipulating businesses, framework agreements, and a waiting period for potential complaints.

Then, Mr Tobias Baumann gave the floor to the honorary guest speaker of the event, Mr Ahmad Hasanov.

In his speech, Mr Ahmad Hasanov extended a warm welcome to the esteemed guests and delivered an insightful presentation on the implementation of the new public procurement law. During his address, he covered a range of topics, including the historical evolution of the law, the importance of compliance with legal provisions, and the various updates and enhancements made to the legislation to ensure its contemporary relevance.

After his speech, Mr Hasanov answered questions raised by the AHK Azerbaijan members and expressed his gratitude to the Chamber for the given opportunity to have direct dialogue with the representatives of relevant sectors. The event was concluded with a networking lunch.

On 4 July 2023, the German-Azerbaijani Chamber of Commerce (AHK Azerbaijan) organised the next AHK Impuls with the participation of over 70 representatives from members and partners of the Chamber. The honorary guest speaker Mr Shahin Baghirov, Chairman of the State Customs Committee of the Republic of Azerbaijan, spoke on the topic of “Customs Regulations in Azerbaijan: Current Trends and Enhancing Public-Private Cooperation”. Also at the meeting, Ms Sevinj Rahimova, the Founder and Director of SERA Holding LLC, gave information about the services and activities of Smart Finans LLC.

Opening the event, Mr Tobias Baumann, Executive Director of AHK Azerbaijan, welcomed the member companies, greeted the representatives of the diplomatic missions, introduced the speakers and expressed his gratitude towards Smart Finans LLC for supporting the AHK Impuls event. He then passed the floor to Ms Sevinj Rahimova.

In her keynote address, Ms Sevinj Rahimova welcomed the guests and gave information about the activities and services of Smart Finans LLC, which is a part of SERA Holding. Ms Rahimova said the company provides finance, accounting, consulting and audit services. She also spoke about customs services, which are among the most exciting subjects for entrepreneurs, and emphasised the state's support for this area.

Then Mr Tobias Baumann gave the floor to the honorary guest speaker of the event Mr Shahin Baghirov.

In his speech, Mr Shahin Baghirov welcomed the event participants and said that the State Customs Committee is always open to such initiatives and emphasised the importance of these kinds of meetings contributing to business-customs partnership. First, Mr Bagirov gave extensive information about the strategic goals, missions and principles of the State Customs Committee.

Later, Mr Baghirov shared detailed information about each of the completed projects. Mr Baghirov also highly appreciated the cooperation of the companies in the completion of the electron account application, as well as he said that since May 10 of the current year, all entrepreneurs carrying out import-export operations have become users of the electronic account application and informed that the mobile data of the application is already available. Mr Baghirov also stressed the importance of requesting the electronic notification form from the customs offices.

Following this, Mr Baghirov said that the ongoing projects were carried out on the basis of regular discussions and gave extensive information about the risk management system project. Mr Baghirov also said that they will be able to check whether the products brought to the country of this project have been approved not only by the State Customs Committee but also by other institutions through the risk management system.

At the end of his speech, Mr Shahin Baghirov emphasised the importance of the principle of transparency and called on private sector representatives to cooperate with the customs authorities.

The event was followed by concluded with a question-and-answer session, lively discussions and a business networking dinner.

On 7 April 2023, the German-Azerbaijani Chamber of Commerce (AHK Azerbaijan) organised the next AHK Impuls event with the participation of more than 60 company representatives and partners of the Chamber. The honorary guest speaker of the event, Mr Emin Huseynov, Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the liberated territories of the Karabakh Economic Region (except Shusha district), spoke on the topic "Reconstruction works and investment opportunities in the liberated territories of the Karabakh Economic Region". The event mainly revolved around the investment potential of the liberated territories, the efforts so far and the way ahead.

In his opening remarks, Mr Tobias Baumann, Executive Board Member of AHK Azerbaijan, welcomed the participants and expressed his gratitude to the Yelo Bank OJSC for supporting the event. He then passed the floor to Mr Emin Huseynov, the honorary guest speaker of the event.

Mr Huseynov gave information about the reconstruction works and development in Karabakh region: “The initial stage in Karabakh began with demining activities, and this process lasted for a year. Reconstruction works are currently underway in Karabakh, and vigorous activities continues, especially in transport and logistics, energy and water, and communication lines.”

Speaking about the business opportunities in Karabakh and the investment potential of the area, Special Representative of the President in the Karabakh Economic Region: "The potential investment opportunities in Karabakh mainly in agriculture, food industry, mining, tourism industry and the reconstruction of these areas is of high importance. Speaking about the restoration of the transport system and the construction works carried out in Karabakh in the last two years, he spoke about the transportational and logistical advantages of the newly built airports. Giving information about applying sustainable technologies and "Green Energy", Mr Emin Huseynov also touched upon the issue of creating a green zone in Karabakh. He stated that by the decision of President Ilham Aliyev, the processes to reduce potential CO2 emissions to zero by 2050 are being successfully implemented.

At the same time, Mr Huseynov emphasised German companies' contribution to Azerbaijan's economy. He noted that the successful continuation of these relations in the Karabakh region is also interesting for the economy of both countries.

In his speech, Mr Huseynov brought up the perspective of local investors and gave examples of opportunities for German investors and how to present incentives to potential investors.

The event was concluded with a question-and-answer session, lively discussions and a networking dinner afterwards.