CCIAF held an online meeting with Mr. Mikayil Jabbarov
On May 12, 2020, CCIAF together with MEDEF International and AZPROMO held an online meeting with Mr. Mikayil Jabbarov, the Minister of Economy of Azerbaijan. The meeting was participated by the honored guests – H.E. Mr. Zacharie Gross, Ambassador of France to Azerbaijan; H.E. Mr. Rahman Mustafayev, Ambassador of Azerbaijan to France, directors of CCIAF member companies and French companies of MEDEF International.
The event started with an opening remark by meeting moderator, Mr. Philip Gautier, CEO of MEDEF International. He talked about the cooperation between Azerbaijan and MEDEF International and its positive results for French companies. Teyba Guliyeva, Chair of the CCIAF Board briefed the attendees about the CCIAF activities during the pandemic. She said that CCIAF Committees had organized a wide range of events for the companies and conducting several surveys on identifying impacts of the pandemic on businesses and staff. She added that the CCIAF is the co-organizer of the EU-Azerbaijan Business Forum from this year and the Chamber has already started its work in this regard. Moreover, Ms. Guliyeva noted that the CCIAF actively participates in developing public-private dialogue. “The Chamber provides its members with an opportunity to address their questions and concerns by holding meetings with the government bodies”, she added.
H.E. Mr. Zacharie Gross emphasized that reforms at the governmental level in Azerbaijan had been developing bilateral cooperation between Azerbaijan and France. He added that the two countries closely cooperate with each other to implement innovative strategies and maintain sustainable development. Then, H.E. Mr. Rahman Mustafayev said that the world had been experiencing challenging economic situations right now and he highlighted the importance of dialogue, cooperation, and conciliation during this situation.
During the meeting, Mr. Mikayil Jabbarov informed the participants about the French companies’ activities in Azerbaijan and he highlighted that the role of the MEDEF International and CCIAF in building bilateral business relations is highly appreciated. He spoke about the national economic reforms, a favorable business environment, measures to liberalize the economy, and a new bill on investment activities. The Minister also talked about the COVID-19 impact on the economy. He shared information about the measures taken by the Azerbaijani government in response to pandemic related economic problems: the program of compensation for the damages to the entrepreneurs and their employees, implementation of the support program for businesses and etc. The Minister also touched upon cooperation strategies with French companies in order to diversify and digitalize the economy of Azerbaijan. After the speech of the Minister, the attendees addressed their questions.
CCIAF has been operating since 2016 and the main aim is to promote mutual economic and friendship relations between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the French Republic. CCIAF’s mission is to provide its members with unique networking opportunities including monthly business meetings, representing the members’ interests by playing an advocacy role, and proactively addressing issues that affect both its members and the wider business community and offer the members assistance in promoting their business through our platform. Currently, the CCIAF has 60+ members, which are the prominent Azerbaijani, French and international companies.
MEDEF International has been active with Azerbaijan since 1992 within its France-Azerbaijan Business Council and is a partner of AZPROMO and CCIAF. MEDEF International provides first-class collective support to more than 7 000 French companies on more than 110 markets. The Council organizes regular business meetings with Azerbaijan’s public and private decision-makers and business mission to Baku. In 2019, MEDEF International visited Azerbaijan with 60 companies and was received by the President and Vice-President of Azerbaijan.