Azerbaijan has resolved a complex military conflict and is actively participating in the formation of a new peace architecture in the region.
Modern.az reports that this was stated by Mikayil Jabbarov, Minister of Economy of Azerbaijan, at a special session on “Cities at the Center of Connection: Urban Reconstruction and Regional Cooperation” within the 13th Session of the World Urban Forum held in Baku.
He noted that the main indicator of any state policy and urban development is the quality of life of people.
“Although Baku and Sumgayit are administratively separate cities in Azerbaijan, they form a single large economic zone in terms of economy and connectivity. This area forms the main part of the country's GDP, employment, and investment.
Projects implemented in Baku - including the White City concept and other new urban planning initiatives - demonstrate a new approach in terms of urbanism and architecture. The participation of international investors in the city's development is also noteworthy.”
The Minister also emphasized that cities with a population of over 1 million have a significant economic role, and Baku is one of the important centers of the region in this regard:
“The city's development is aimed at creating a balance between quality of life, jobs, transport connections, and sustainable economic growth.
In an era where the global economy is changing with digital solutions, high mobility, and new security approaches, Baku strives to strengthen itself as a regional economic and logistics center.”
According to him, one of the main directions of this policy is the combination of local human capital with foreign investment and talents:
“For this purpose, economic reforms, legislative changes, and measures to adapt to international trade are being implemented.
The service sector also plays an important role in the urban economy. International events, exhibitions, forums, daily urban life, and cultural activities are factors that strengthen Baku's economic position.”
M. Jabbarov also added that one of the main principles in the reconstruction of the liberated territories is sustainable development:
“In this process, lessons have been learned from previous mistakes, and special attention is paid to establishing economic activity in the correct sequence.
One of the main goals is to accelerate the return of people who have been away from their homes for many years and to ensure economic activity in those areas. For this purpose, separate economic development directions have been determined for each city and settlement.
In addition, comprehensive measures are being implemented to expand logistical opportunities and promote economic activity,” the Minister of Economy noted.
