AmCham Education & Vocational Working Group’s December meeting

On December 18, 2025, AmCham Education & Vocational Working Group (EVWG) hosted its December meeting, bringing together AmCham member companies, education-focused organisations and institutions. The meeting focused on Youth Intern & Mentorship Programs and featured a presentation by the Chairperson of the EVWG, Mr. Francesco Banchini, on this topic. The session included a previous meeting recap and the launch of internship placements in AmCham member companies, highlighting how organizations build talent pipelines while students gain workplace exposure and start building their future workforce.The discussion highlighted the shared need to bridge education and industry by giving students real-life exposure, guiding families, and developing future-ready talent through internships and mentorship programs. The meeting also covered demand vs. current skill emphasis, career clarity score progression across age groups, dream destination preferences among students, and connecting student interests to real opportunities.The event concluded with a focus on the collaboration cycle, next-step activities for the Education & Vocational Working Group, AmCham values and expectations, and a shared vision among member companies to strengthen youth internship and mentorship programs.

AmCham Azerbaijan is pleased to announce the appointment of the new Deputy Chairperson to the Tax and Customs Committee

We are delighted to welcome Ms. Isli Mahammadrasulova, Tax Chief Specialist at NEQSOL Holding, as the newly appointed Deputy Chairperson of AmCham Tax and Customs Committee. BIO:Isli is a Tax Chief Specialist at NEQSOL Holding, with extensive experience in managing complex tax matters across diverse business sectors. With strong expertise in tax compliance, tax planning, risk assessment, and regulatory analysis, Isli plays a key role in supporting strategic decision-making within the organization. Her professional background includes working on various tax projects, ensuring adherence to local legislation, optimizing tax processes, and providing advisory support to business units.We extend our best wishes and wish her great success in this exciting new role!

18th Annual AmCham Black & White Ball

On December 6, 2025, the American Chamber of Commerce in Azerbaijan (AmCham Azerbaijan) proudly hosted its 18th Annual Black & White Ball at the magnificent Gulustan Palace. As one of the Chamber’s most anticipated and prestigious traditions, the event welcomed over 600 distinguished guests, including prominent business executives and government officials, for an unforgettable evening of elegance, celebration, and community spirit.This year’s theme, “Phantom of the Opera,” transformed the venue into a world of theatrical grandeur and mystery. The night began with a sophisticated cocktail reception where guests mingled in an atmosphere filled with anticipation. The celebration continued with enchanting live performances, mesmerizing entertainment acts, and glamorous surprises. Throughout the evening, guests indulged in a curated gourmet dining experience complemented by unlimited beverages, all set against the backdrop of the night’s magical ambiance.The event commenced with welcoming remarks from Mr. Dayanat Sadullayev, President of AmCham Azerbaijan; Ms. Amy Carlon, Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Azerbaijan; and Ms. Gulnara Aslanbayli, Executive Director of AmCham Azerbaijan.In his speech, Mr. Sadullayev emphasized the importance of the Black & White Ball as a celebration of the Chamber’s remarkable milestones over the years, highlighting how the event has evolved into a cherished tradition that brings the AmCham community together. Mr. Sadullayev also noted that the continued success of such signature events demonstrates the strength of AmCham’s network, the commitment of its partners, and the collective effort to advance a thriving business environment in Azerbaijan.Ms. Carlon highlighted AmCham’s essential role in strengthening U.S.–Azerbaijan economic relations, noting that the Chamber has long served as a vital bridge between the business communities of both countries. She emphasized that AmCham’s initiatives, advocacy efforts, and collaborative platforms continue to create meaningful opportunities for dialogue, partnership, and innovation. Following the opening remarks, video messages from representatives of the event’s Platinum and Gold Sponsors were showcased, featuring acknowledgments and words of support from:• Azerconnect Group – Mr. Emil Masimov, CEO• BP – Mr. Gio Cristofoli, Regional President, bp AGT Region• Alzaeem Real Estate Emirates Group – Mr. Ahmed Loubani, CEO• Aqualink – Mr. Orkhan Mikayıl, CEO• CISCO – Mr. Ramil Eyyubov, Regional Director• McDonald’s – Mr. Oscar Bogopolski, CEO• Procter & Gamble – Mr. Irakli Gabriadze, General Manager• PMD Group – Mr. Kamil Aliyev, Head of Real Estate Development• Princeps Legem – Ms. Gulbaniz Mammadova, Founder & Managing Director• Avant Group – Mr. Fuad Mammadov, Head of Sales Department• BRG Construction – Ms. Samaya Karimova, Operations Manager• European Azerbaijan School – Mr. Francesco Banchini, CEO & Director• Farchitects LLC – Mr. Farid Safquliyev, CEOThe ballroom came alive with exceptional artistic performances throughout the night, beginning with a dynamic live show by the EMY Lia Band, award-winning singer of The Voice Azerbaijan. Guests were captivated by an enchanting Shadow Theatre act inspired by The Phantom of the Opera, which added a touch of theatrical magic to the evening. The energy intensified with special guest sets from International DJ Madona and DJ Irada, keeping the crowd immersed in rhythm and excitement. The night reached another highlight with a stunning performance by Aysel Teymurzade, the renowned Azerbaijani artist who secured 3rd place at the Eurovision Song Contest 2009, leaving the audience mesmerized.Adding to the excitement, the Ball also featured special awards and a thrilling raffle. This year’s motto—“Every Ticket Wins!”—brought extraordinary delight to guests. Prizes included round-trip flights to the United States, Europe, Japan, and Dubai, an iPhone 17 Pro Max, a Samsung Watch, luxury weekend getaways, and many more exclusive gifts. Winners may check their prizes via the provided link and collect them from the AmCham office with their ticket as proof until January 15, 2025. The success of this spectacular evening was made possible through the generous contributions of our esteemed members:Platinum Sponsors:Azerconnect Group, BP, Alzaeem Emirates Real Estate Group, Aqualink, Cisco, ENGIN, McDonald’s Azerbaijan, Procter & Gamble, PMD Group, Princeps LegemGold Sponsors:Avant Group, Blue Red Green, European Azerbaijan School, FarchitectsSilver Sponsor:ExxonMobilBronze Sponsors:FARO Jewellery, GroupMotors, RS Horeca, Savalan,  Levata GroupOther Sponsors:Absheron Hotel Group, ARS Rehabilitation Center, ADIT, Automile, Baku Marriott Hotel Boulevard, Carlsberg, Coca-Cola Bottlers, Estethica Baku, Garage Rent a Car, Hilton Garden Inn Baku, Hilton Baku, Holcim, HUMEL Group, Hyatt Regency Baku, iTech Group, JW Marriott Absheron Baku, Nutrition Times, Quba Palace, Smart Control, The Ritz-Carlton Baku, Yelo BankWe extend our deepest gratitude to all our sponsors for their unwavering partnership, which played a vital role in making this year’s Ball a resounding success.The 18th Annual Black & White Ball was truly a night to remember—an extraordinary celebration of unity, achievement, and the vibrant spirit of the AmCham community. It beautifully reflected the Chamber’s ongoing commitment to fostering collaboration, growth, and lasting connections within Azerbaijan’s business landscape.Click for all the media from the eventClick for the highlights from the event

Education as an Investment: AmCham Launches Its Education and Vocational Working Group

On November 27, 2025, AmCham hosted the inaugural meeting of its newly established Education and Vocational Working Group titled “Education as an Investment: Shaping Azerbaijan’s Future Workforce.”The meeting was opened by the Chairperson of the Working Group, Mr. Francesco Banchini, who delivered an inspiring address emphasizing the importance of education as a strategic investment in the country’s future. The session welcomed directors and representatives from both public and private educational institutions, whose active participation enriched the discussion on the evolving landscape of education in Azerbaijan.Mr. Banchini presented the Working Group’s mission, outlined its priority areas, and introduced the Committee’s vision to serve as a platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange, aimed at strengthening the transition from education to employment across the country. He also shared insights from the Skills Gap Report and introduced key thematic focus areas, including the collaboration cycle, sustainability in education, parental engagement as a partnership, and the concept of the ladder of inference — all of which sparked insightful and constructive discussions.

AmCham MCBD Committee Hosts "Lead Talks" with Mr. Rahman Hajiyev

On November 20, 2025, the AmCham Marketing, Communications, and Business Development (MCBD) Committee held its latest “Lead Talks” featuring Mr. Rahman Hajiyev, Chairman of the Executive Board of the Karabakh Revival Fund. The session provided valuable insights into the Fund’s communication strategy, sustainability agenda, and engagement with the corporate sector in the context of the Great Return.The event was opened by Ms. Aysel Suleymanova, Chairperson of the MCBD Committee, who welcomed members and guests. She emphasized the role of the Lead Talk series as a platform for shaping dialogue between the public and private sectors and exploring narratives that define Azerbaijan’s identity and global positioning. Highlighting the relevance of the topic, Ms. Suleymanova noted that the last five years have marked a significant transformation for the country and reaffirmed the importance of strategic communication in strengthening national pride and advancing development goals.Mr. Hajiyev highlighted that the Fund’s communication strategy is built on the principles of national unity, transparency, and emotional resonance, emphasizing narratives that reinforce belonging and collective pride. He noted that messaging is adapted for different audiences while maintaining a unified national framework.Speaking about fundraising priorities, he underscored the focus on infrastructure restoration, social development, and human capital investment, aligned closely with the national goals of the Great Return.The session reaffirmed the pivotal role of the corporate sector in supporting national development and strengthening shared values.

High-level meeting was held between the AmCham Azerbaijan delegation and the Financial Monitoring Service (FMS)

On November 19, 2025, a high-level meeting was held between the AmCham Azerbaijan delegation and the Financial Monitoring Service (FMS). The leadership of the FMS, including Chairman of the Management Board Mr. Zaur Fatizade, participated in the meeting.Opening the meeting, Mr. Zaur Fatizade emphasized AmCham Azerbaijan’s long-standing contributions to the development of the business environment in the country and highly valued the initiatives carried out within the framework of inter-institutional cooperation. He noted that AmCham platform plays an important role in strengthening public–private sector dialogue.The meeting was dedicated to discussions on the proposals submitted within AmCham Azerbaijan’s White Paper 2025. The parties reviewed in detail expectations related to the financial-banking sector, directions for improving AML/CFT oversight mechanisms in the non-bank segment, strengthening regulatory approaches in the areas of compliance and transparency, as well as opportunities for expanding public–private sector cooperation. During the discussions, the sides assessed joint action opportunities to enhance trust in the business environment and to establish more effective regulatory frameworks.Further in the meeting, the FMS presented the integration capabilities, functionality, and development directions of the SHAMS (Suspicious Transactions Monitoring System) platform. FMS representatives provided information on ongoing system updates, as well as planned technological and methodological improvements for upcoming phases. It was emphasized that the development of SHAMS contributes to strengthening transparency and accountability in the financial sector and reducing compliance risks. Mr. Zaur Fatizade also highlighted the particular importance of joint efforts between government agencies and the business community to ensure transparency in financial operations and minimize compliance risks.The meeting also addressed prospects for international cooperation and noted that such efforts could create additional opportunities for strengthening financial stability and alignment with international standards in the country.As a result of the discussions, the parties agreed on several operational directions. These include organizing awareness-raising training sessions on AML/CFT and compliance through the AmCham Azerbaijan platform, holding thematic and analytical meetings with the banking sector, and establishing a joint working group consisting of representatives of the FMS and AmCham Azerbaijan to conduct deeper analysis and continue coordinated work on the issues raised.The 2026 action plan of the AmCham Banking, Finance and Insurance Committee also prioritizes these topics and foresees the implementation of expanded cooperation and educational initiatives based on the directions identified during the meeting.It should be noted that since its establishment in 1996, AmCham Azerbaijan, representing nearly 300 member companies, has been actively continuing its efforts as a leading business association dedicated to promoting a favorable business environment in the country.

AmCham SD & CI, Legal & Compliance, and Innovation & Digital Economy Committees’ joint meeting on “Responsible and Ethical Adoption of AI in Business"

On November 13, 2025, the AmCham Sustainable Development & Corporate Impact, Legal & Compliance, and Innovation & Digital Economy Committees held a joint meeting on “Responsible and Ethical Adoption of AI in Business.” The event brought together experts, committee members, and representatives of leading companies to discuss how Artificial Intelligence is reshaping corporate practices, governance standards, and long-term strategic planning.Guest Speaker of the meeting was Dr. Rena Alasgarova, Adjunct Instructor at ADA University and Deputy Head of Secondary Academics at Baku Oxford School, a researcher and AI advocate focusing on the intersection of education, technology, and governance. In her presentation, Dr. Rena outlined how AI technologies are increasingly strengthening operational efficiency, improving profitability, and enabling more informed decision-making across industries. She emphasized that while these advancements create significant value for businesses, they also introduce a range of emerging risks—from algorithmic bias and data privacy concerns to cybersecurity vulnerabilities and uncertainties within evolving global regulatory frameworks.Dr. Rena also discussed the Azerbaijan Artificial Intelligence Strategy, explaining how it can guide local companies in adopting AI responsibly and sustainably. She stressed that, if applied correctly, these frameworks can help organizations avoid compliance pitfalls, mitigate reputational risks, and build a culture of ethical innovation.The session provided valuable insights for business leaders, offering a clear understanding of how global best practices can be translated into practical steps that strengthen innovation, competitiveness, and long-term trust.Following the keynote presentation, an engaging panel discussion was held with the participation of Bahar Kavuzova, Deputy Chairperson of the Legal & Compliance Committee; Arzu Huseynova, Deputy Chairperson of the Innovation & Digital Economy Committee; and Aynura Ismayilzade, Director of Compliance and AML at PASHA Bank. The panelists shared their professional perspectives on AI adoption within their sectors, touching on compliance readiness, ethical governance challenges, and the organizational shifts required to fully embrace AI-driven technologies.The meeting concluded with an interactive Q&A session, where participants actively engaged with the speaker and panelists, raising practical questions and discussing real cases related to the responsible integration of AI in business environments.

AmCham President Attends High-Level Business Meetings in Oman and Kuwait

On October 8–9, 2025, the President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Azerbaijan (AmCham) and Deputy CEO of PASHA Holding, Mr. Dayanat Sadullayev, participated in a series of high-level business meetings held in Muscat, Oman and Kuwait City, Kuwait, alongside the official delegation led by Mr. Mikayil Jabbarov, Minister of Economy of the Republic of Azerbaijan.The Oman–Azerbaijan Roundtable Discussion, held on October 8 at the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, gathered government officials and business representatives to explore opportunities for enhancing trade, investment, and industrial cooperation between the two nations. The event featured remarks by H.E. Qais Al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion of Oman; H.E. Mr. Mikayil Jabbarov; and H.E. Sheikh Faisal Abdullah Al Rawas, Chairman of the OCCIOn October 9, the Azerbaijani delegation continued its mission in Kuwait, where the Kuwait–Azerbaijan Roundtable Discussion was held at the Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The event brought together business leaders from both countries to discuss avenues for expanding bilateral partnerships and investment cooperationRepresenting PASHA Holding, Mr. Sadullayev participated in bilateral meetings with senior government and private sector representatives, highlighting the company’s strategic vision for expanding international partnerships and exploring new avenues for investment cooperation between Azerbaijan and the Gulf region. 

AmCham Azerbaijan hosted its First Conference on Innovations and Artificial Intelligence supported by – Bakcell

On October 2, 2025, the American Chamber of Commerce in Azerbaijan (AmCham Azerbaijan) convened the landmark Conference on Innovations and Artificial Intelligence, proudly supported by Bakcell. The conference gathered senior government officials, global and local business leaders, and AI experts to explore how artificial intelligence is shaping industries and driving sustainable innovation in anticipation of Azerbaijan’s evolving economic agenda.Opening the conference, Ms. Ana Nakashidze, Chairperson of AmCham Innovation and Digital Economy Committee, underscored the pivotal role of digital infrastructure and connectivity in unlocking the full potential of artificial intelligence. She emphasized that a strong, modern telecommunications backbone is the foundation on which innovation can thrive, enabling businesses, institutions, and individuals to adopt AI-powered solutions seamlessly. Ms. Ana also noted that the conference represents an important milestone in bringing together government, business, and technology leaders to ensure that Azerbaijan is not only a consumer of innovation but also a creator of cutting-edge solutions.Following Ms Ana, Mr. Dayanat Sadullayev, President of AmCham Azerbaijan, welcomed participants, emphasizing the country’s commitment to technological progress. He noted: “AI is no longer just a concept—it is shaping industries, redefining business models, and transforming societies. Azerbaijan business community must not only keep pace but also play an active role in this transformation.” Mr. Sadullayev highlighted the role of the conference as more than a dialogue platform, describing it as “a catalyst for shaping the future of our economy and society.” He also noted that, based on the outcomes of the conference, AmCham would consider incorporating discussions on AI and innovation into its White Paper, translating them into actionable recommendations for policymakers and the private sector. Furthermore, Mr. Sadullayev expressed his gratitude to Bakcell, the conference’s supporter and sponsor, and to all partners, panelists, and members who share AmCham’s vision of building a future-ready local business community. The first panel, “The Azerbaijani AI Story – Local Pioneers Driving Innovation,” was moderated by AmCham Marketing, Communications & Business DevelopmenT Committee Chair Ms. Aysel Suleymanova, who noted that AI in Azerbaijan is no longer a distant vision but already producing real results across industries. Panelists shared their experiences of developing and implementing AI-driven projects. Starting the discussion, Mr. Anton Aristov, Managing Director & Partner at BCG, shared insights on Caspian AI Institute’s role in knowledge transfer and ecosystem development. As the conversation progressed, Mr. Fariz Jafarov, Executive Director of the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) Azerbaijan, outlined the center’s efforts to align local AI development with international best practices and policies. Afterwards,Mr. Klaus Mueller, CEO of Bakcell, spoke about integrating AI into telecom services to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency. Building on these perspectives, Mr. Kanan Tabasaransky, Founder of Smart Solutions Group, discussed applying AI in business solutions and start-up ecosystems. Completing the views, Mr. Kanan Aliyev, Director of Reservoir Management at GL Group, demonstrated how AI can optimize processes in oil and gas, particularly in brownfield development. The panel showcased how national vision, private initiative, and international expertise are working hand in hand to advance Azerbaijan’s AI journey. The first panel underscored that Azerbaijan’s AI ecosystem is already producing tangible results and that future progress will depend on strengthening collaboration between national strategy, private sector leadership, and global expertise.The program then moved to a thought-provoking fireside chat with Mr. Klaus Mueller, CEO of Bakcell, and Ms. Tugra Musayeva, Head of Innovations at PASHA Holding, during which the speakers discussed the impact of innovations and AI on Azerbaijan’s digital landscape. The discussion emphasized the need for robust digital infrastructure, cross-sector collaboration, and forward-looking policies to accelerate the country’s transformation into a technology-driven economyThe second panel, “Global Trends & Innovation – Charting the Future,” was moderated by CEO of Neurotime Mr. Vugar Javadov, who framed the discussion by noting that Azerbaijan’s path to digital transformation cannot be isolated from global shifts. The panel addressed how the accelerating pace of technological change is reshaping industries worldwide. Starting the panel, Mr. Rahat Dewan, Co-Founder of AAJIL Saudi Arabia, spoke about the “tech tsunami” and its power to disrupt business models. Following him, Mr. Tural Mammadov, Chief Information Security Officer at SSSCIS, warned of rising risks in AI-powered cybercrime, from voice cloning to deepfakes, and the importance of building resilience. The discussion continued with Mr. Valeh Nabiyev, Chief Data Officer at PASHA Holding, stressing the significance of responsible AI governance and building trust at scale. Thereafter, Mr. Babek Aghayev, Deputy CEO of PRODATA, discussed how geopolitical fragmentation and supply chain vulnerabilities affect technological cooperation. Finalizing the discussions, Ms. Julia Bogdanovskaya, Principal at BCG, reflected on the geopolitical implications of generative AI for Azerbaijan and neighbouring countries. The discussion emphasized that while opportunities are vast, businesses and policymakers alike must cultivate adaptability, resilience, and responsible governance to harness innovation in a way that ensures security, stability, and competitiveness.The conference was concluded by AmCham Board Member Mr. Babek Aghayev who underlined that building an innovation-driven economy powered by AI requires joint efforts to ensure responsible adoption and long-term value creation.Throughout the conference, speakers emphasized the need for joint action, innovation-driven governance, and cross-industry collaboration to maximize AI’s transformative potential. The conference reaffirmed AmCham Azerbaijan’s commitment to providing platforms that strengthen dialogue, drive innovation, and prepare the country’s business environment for the opportunities and challenges of the future.The event’s exceptional success was made possible through, the valued support and sponsorship of Bakcell, whose collaboration was instrumental in organizing such a meaningful and impactful conference.Click for all the media from the eventClick for the highlights from the event

AmCham Members' May Luncheon

On May 22, 2025, the American Chamber of Commerce in Azerbaijan (AmCham) hosted its esteemed May Luncheon, welcoming prominent speakers from GL Group. Mr. Asif Zeynalov, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Advisory Board, was joined by fellow members of the GL Group executive leadership team. The event convened an audience of distinguished business leaders, diplomats, and AmCham members.The luncheon was officially opened by Ms. Gulnara Aslanbayli, Executive Director of AmCham Azerbaijan, who warmly welcomed attendees and highlighted the Chamber’s active role in advocacy. Mr. Oscar Bogopolski, AmCham Board Member, then addressed the audience, extending a warm welcome to guests and expressing gratitude to Mr. Zeynalov and the GL Group team. He emphasized the importance of such events in fostering collaboration among key stakeholders and driving meaningful progress.The presentation of GL Group was opened by Mr. Ilgar Ibrahimli, Group Vice-President for External Affairs and Communications, who introduced the company’s key areas of activity. Following this, Mr. Asif Zeynalov, GL Group’s Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Advisory Board, delivered a keynote speech as the event’s Guest of Honour. He shared the story of GL Group’s evolution from a bold idea to an internationally operating group of energy companies. Mr. Gilbert Beuhler, Group Senior Vice-President for Technical Functions and International Operations, also highlighted GL Group’s technological ambition and operational excellence in a dedicated presentation. The luncheon also featured presentations by new AmCham members, including AWE Consulting, AWARA IT, and Train Brain Center, offering them an opportunity to showcase their services and foster new collaborations within the business community.A highlight of the event was the special recognition awarded to GL Group and iTech Group, presented by Mr. Zaur Karimov, Deputy Director of AmCham Azerbaijan. Both organizations will be featured as case studies in the Essentials of Modern Marketing – Azerbaijan Edition, published by Kotler Impact, founded by renowned marketing expert Professor Philip Kotler.The event concluded with a networking lunch, allowing participants to exchange ideas, explore partnerships, and strengthen professional connections.