AmCham Members' June Luncheon

On June 20, 2022, the American Chamber of Commerce in Azerbaijan (AmCham Azerbaijan) held its monthly members’ Luncheon with honorable guest speaker Mr. Rashad Nabiyev, Minister of Digital Development and Transport of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Opening the event, Executive Director of AmCham Azerbaijan, Ms. Gulnara Aslanbayli welcomed the participants of the Luncheon. During her speech, she emphasized sustained activity of AmCham Azerbaijan on continuing supporting and promoting the interests of foreign and local businesses in Azerbaijan, as well as significance of the established fruitful dialogue and successful cooperation with government institutions in this direction. Afterwards, Ms. Aslanbayli passed the floor to member presentations by Push30, Formag-Baku LLC, CIMTAS STEEL METAL KONSTRUKSIYA, Angel Investors Club who gave the information on portfolio and activity direction of their companies.Introducing honorable guest speaker Mr. Rashad Nabiyev to the audience, President of AmCham Azerbaijan Ms. Nargiz Nasrullayeva-Muduroglu highlighted that the Chamber attaches significant value to the collaboration with the ministry. Ms. Nasrullayeva-Muduroglu also introduced Chamber’s new initiation of a quite important project aimed to “collect used computers” in order to support acquisition of digital knowledge and skills in the regions. Ms. President expressed her gratitude to the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport for their whole support in this initiative and called all AmCham members to participate in the respective project. Mr. Rashad Nabiyev gave a very informative speech on the current activities and future plans of the ministry in the field of digital transformation that is on the agenda of the Azerbaijani government. The minister discussed factors essential for successful digital transformation and highlighted corresponding impending projects by the ministry in the fields of the use of digital technologies and products, building of stable fixed communication and high-speed & affordable Internet services throughout the country, as well as creation of "digital society" capable of using open data. The speech was followed by an interactive Q&A session, where all questions were addressed by minister Nabiyev.Over 170 people participated in the luncheon including high-ranking government officials, senior executives from business community, member companies and representatives of diplomatic corps.Click for highlights from the luncheon 

New appointment for AmCham Human Resources and Labor committee

AmCham Azerbaijan is pleased to announce the new appointment of Ms. Rena Efendiyeva, HR & Training Director at PMD Group LLC, as a Deputy Chairperson of Human Resources and Labor Committee.Mr. Rena Efendiyeva, HR professional with 20+ years of experience in HR management and Training. In 1997 started career at Oil & Gas with joining Azerbaijan International Operating company which later as per merge of all oil companies as single operator became BP Azerbaijan where worked till 2003 within HR department as HR advisor to Inam & Alov PU of company, as well as Compensation and Benefits advisor of all company (responsible for Turkey and Georgia offices). In 2003 joined TNK -BP Moscow office as Leading Compensation & benefits advisor where worked till end of 2003.In 2004 joined RBG (Baku office) where worked in different positions and also spent 6 months at international assignment in RBG/Stork Scotland office in Aberdeen city, left company in 2013 at the position of HR & Training Head and used to be responsible for 3 offices Azerbaijan Georgia and Kazakhstan. In 2013 SOCAR CAPE where worked 1 year at the position of HR manager. In 2014 joined Baku European Games Committee at the position of Training Competence development manager and worked till end of the project (June 2015). In 2015 joined PMD (Property Management company) in which working till now at the position of HR & Training Director. Mr. Efendiyeva graduated from Heriott Watt University and hold different HR certifications and degrees (SHL, Hay, London Business school, Rotterdam Business school, Woman In Leadership programs which provided by different institutions and entities in Europe etc).For now, continue learning at International Coach Academy for obtaining professional coach degree.We would also like to thank Ms. Ayten Abdulova, who previously served as Deputy Chairperson for the dedicated and hard work and wish her success in all future endeavors!

A meeting was held between the leadership of AmCham Azerbaijan and the Small and Medium Business (SMB) Development Agency

On June 8, 2022, leadership of the American Chamber of Commerce in Azerbaijan (“AmCham”) met with the Chairman of the Board of the Small and Medium Business (SMB) Development Agency Mr. Orkhan Mammadov.During the meeting, the sides exchanged views on steps to be taken in joint cooperation, including support for the development of projects and startups based on innovative initiatives, implementation of joint promotional measures on business ethics, corporate governance and social responsibility. Moreover, the promotion of corporate standards among micro, small and medium entrepreneurs, the organization of joint events with relevant associations on "Green energy" were discussed.Furthermore, it was agreed to establish a committee between the parties, as well as working closely within the framework of the White Paper on recommendations and suggestions for improving the business and investment climate in Azerbaijan.

Shusha hosted a special session within Baku Energy Week

On June 4, 2022, Shusha hosted a special session as part of the Baku Energy Week dedicated to "The Path to Zero Emissions: Potential and Opportunities of Green Energy in Karabakh Region".The final session was attended by more than 100 foreign and local representatives. The Minister of Energy of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mr. Parviz Shahbazov, First Vice-President and Acting President of the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) Mr. Rovshan Najaf, bp’s Regional President for Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkiye Mr. Gary Jones, Managing Director and Country Chair at TotalEnergies Mr. Regis Agut, Acting Executive Director of Masdar Clean Energy Mr. Fawaz Al Muharrami also attended the final session in Shusha city.The session was moderated by the President of AmCham Azerbaijan, Ms. Nargiz Nasrullayeva-Muduroglu.It should be noted that on June 1-4, 2022 the 27th Caspian Sea Oil and Gas International Exhibition, the 10th Anniversary Caspian Energy and Renewable Energy Sources International Exhibition and the 27th Energy Forum were organized as part of the Baku Energy Week.

Roundtable discussion on “Competition in Azerbaijan – Institutional Reforms and Transformation Projects” with Mr. Mammad A. Abbasbeyli, Head of the State Service for Antimonopoly and Consumer Market Control

On June 2, 2022, a meeting was held between the American Chamber of Commerce in Azerbaijan (AmCham Azerbaijan) and the State Service for Antimonopoly and Consumer Market Control under the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The meeting was organized within the framework of AmCham FMCG Committee and was dedicated to the “Competition in Azerbaijan – Institutional Reforms and Transformation Projects”.The honorable speaker of the meeting was Mr. Mammad A. Abbasbeyli, Head of the State Service for Antimonopoly and Consumer Market Control under the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Opening the event, Ms. Gulnara Aslanbayli, Executive Director of AmCham Azerbaijan, welcomed the participants of the meeting and expressed her gratitude to the guest speaker and other senior representatives of the State Service for their partnership and openness to dialogue with the business community. Afterwards, President of AmCham Azerbaijan Ms. Nargiz Nasrullayeva-Muduroglu highlighted the importance of such events in strengthening relations between the public and private sectors for improving the business climate, as well as informing the business community on ongoing activities of the State Service for Antimonopoly and Consumer Market Control.Moderator of the event Mr. Elshad Farzaliyev, Chairperson of AmCham FMCG Committee gave a brief foreword to the agenda and introduced invited representatives from the State Service.Mr. Mammad Abbasbeyli welcomed all AmCham members and guests. Mr. Abbasbeyli delivered a comprehensive presentation on “Competition in Azerbaijan – Institutional Reforms and Transformation Projects” and stressed the future vision, main goals and mission, functional focus, as well as changes in institutional reforms and optimization of antimonopoly legalization. Mr. Mammad Abbasbeyli also shared the information on the strategic direction of the improvement projects related to consumer rights and consumer market control and provided relevant statistical data. At the end of the presentation, Mr. Abbasbeyli urged businesses to to be actively involved in putting forward their feedbacks and suggestions. The meeting was followed by an interactive Q&A session, where participants were actively involved in an open dialogue, sharing their concerns and exchanging best practices. All the questions of the audience were comprehensively addressed by Mr. Abbasbeyli and other representatives of State Service for Antimonopoly and Consumer Market Control.At the end, Mr. Elshad Farzaliyev, Chairperson of AmCham FMCG Committee, thanked the guest speakers and all the participants for their involvement in the event. It was agreed to continue close partnership between AmCham Azerbaijan and the State Service for Antimonopoly and Consumer Market Control and further organize separate meeting with all subordinate institutions of the State Service. Click for highlights from the luncheon 

AmCham Members’ May Luncheon

On May 31, 2022, the American Chamber of Commerce in Azerbaijan (AmCham Azerbaijan) held its monthly members’ Luncheon. The honorable guest speaker of this month was Mr. Safar Mehdiyev, Chairman of the State Customs Committee of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Opening the event, Executive Director of AmCham Azerbaijan, Ms. Gulnara Aslanbayli welcomed the participants of the Luncheon. During her speech, she emphasized sustained activity of AmCham Azerbaijan on continuing supporting and promoting the interests of foreign and local businesses in Azerbaijan, as well as significance of the established fruitful dialogue and successful cooperation with government institutions in this direction. Ms. Aslanbayli also announced newly joined members of the Chamber: Aqualink LLC, PASHA Capital Investment Company CJSC, SOFTGILE LLC, “Xalq Bank” OJSC, Farchitects LLC, BHB Media, Kulane LLC, Citibank A.S., Push30, and Cubics Technology LLC.Ms. Aslanbayli passed the floor to the presentation of the sponsor of the event, PASHA Property Management. Chief Commercial Officer of PASHA Property Management, Mr. Elchin Gadimov provided comprehensive information on the main goals and values, as well as current activities and impending projects of the company.Introducing the honorable guest speaker Mr. Safar Mehdiyev to the audience, President of AmCham Azerbaijan Ms. Nargiz Nasrullayeva-Muduroglu  highlighted that cooperation between AmCham and the Committee has a remarkable history, and that AmCham attaches significant value to this collaboration and further strengthening of ties among customs authorities. Mr. Safar Mehdiyev gave an informative speech on the importance of the reforms carried out in the customs system in recent years. He discussed issues of strengthening customs and business relations, simplifying customs procedures and trade, and studying proposals from business representatives. He also noted that one of the utmost goals of the reforms is to facilitate customs procedures and simplify trade. At the end of his speech, Mr. Mehdiyev mentioned that the State Customs Committee is always open for discussion meetings with business, and that the opinions expressed at meetings and conferences play an important role in the organization of customs work.The speech was followed by an interactive Q&A session, where all questions were addressed by Mr. Safar Mehdiyev.More than 100 people participated in the luncheon including high-ranking government officials, senior executives from business community, member companies and representatives of diplomatic corps.AmCham Azerbaijan would like to express its sincere gratitude to PASHA Property Management for their sponsorship in organization of this event. Interested parties can get more information by contacting Chief Commercial Officer of PASHA Property Management. Mr. Elchin Gadimov: Elchin.gadimov@pashaproperty.az ; or Ms. Kamila Rahimova, Apartment Sales Head: kamila.rahimova@pashaproperty.az / 994502080035.Click for highlights from the luncheon 

AmCham Members Met with the Delegation of U.S. Congressional Staff

On May 30, 2022, within the framework of U.S. Congress MECEA Trip to the Republic of Azerbaijan, AmCham Board members and senior business representatives met with the delegation of U.S. Congressional staff. The delegation consisted of 9 assistants to the members of Congress and representative of the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in U.S.During the dinner in a relaxed atmosphere, the delegation got acquainted with the activities of AmCham Azerbaijan directed to the improvement of U.S.-Azerbaijan economic and trade relations. Moreover, parties discussed business plans for the upcoming year, possible co-operation in the future aimed to strengthen business relations between the countries, increase the effectiveness of cooperation and advance our national interests in U.S. Congress.

New appointment for AmCham Procurement committee

AmCham Azerbaijan is pleased to announce the new appointment of Mr. Tural Vazirov, Chief Commercial Officer at PMD Projects LLC, as a Chairperson, Ms. Natavan Mammadova,  Supply Chain Manager at BP and Mr. Farhad Parvizi, Co-founder of iBloom consulting company, as a Deputy Chairpersons of the AmCham Procurement Committee.Natavan Mammadova accomplished Tax and Legal professional with extensive experience in finance control, performance management, Supply Chain and Procurement with more than 20 years of experience in the Oil and Gas, Pharmaceutical, Tobacco Production and Professional Advisory industries with such countries like Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, and Kazakhstan.  Born on 23 July 1977 in Baku, Azerbaijan.  Graduated from Azerbaijan University with Bachelor and master’s degree in law (1994 – 2000).  Specialized in tax and customs advisory with focus on oil and gas special taxation regime.  International Taxation course with Duke University, ACCA Professional Level.Farhad Parvizi is a co-founder of iBloom consulting company. The company’s major focus is organizational growth through individual development: ‘Organization grows when I bloom” is company’s motto.  With major focus on transformation support, leadership development programs and strategic HR consulting, iBloom aims to support transformation of both private and government enterprises. Prior to establishing iBloom iBloom, Farhad has spent 24 years in both private and government enterprises and has diverse experience in both public finance, supply chain and procurement operations, aviation and logistics fields.Farhad holds Master of Science is Supply Chain Management from Arizona State University, MBA in Operations Management from State Oil Academy and Georgia State University (Atlanta, US), Bachelor degree in Management and another Bachelor degree in Aerospace Engineering. Farhad is also Micromasters credential holder in Supply Chain Management from MIT. He is the author of the first popular book on economics in Azerbaijan - “Economic Self Defense Lessons”, the only economics book by Azerbaijani author in the Library of the US Congress. His is active economics blogger, news commentator and free market advocate. We would like to thank Mr. Kanan Tabasaransky who previously served as a Chairperson of the committee for the dedicated and hard work, and wish him success in his new role as AmCham Board Member! Also, we would thank Mr. Ahmad Hasanov, Former Deputy Chairperson of the committee for his commitment and passion for the work of the committee and wishing him success in all future endeavors. 

AmCham Tax and Customs Committee’s May Meeting

On May 17, 2022, AmCham Tax and Customs Committee hosted its monthly meeting. Invited guest speakers of the meeting were Mr. Rashad Abdurahmanli, Tax BPS Manager at Deloitte Azerbaijan and Ms. Gunel Sadiyeva, Senior Tax Manager at PwC Azerbaijan. The meeting was dedicated to the following items: Update on new tax reporting forms;Survey on tax audits;Topics for the upcoming tax conference;Survey on the impact of the Russia – Ukraine conflict to the business.The meeting was opened by a welcome speech of Tax & Customs Committee Chairperson Mr. Jeyhun Mammadov who gave a brief foreword of the meeting and announced the agenda.In the first part of the meeting, Mr. Rashad Abdurahmanli delivered a comprehensive presentation on new tax reporting forms. Afterwards, Mr. Abdurahmanli answered relevant questions of the meeting participants.In the second part, Ms. Gunel Sadiyeva presented AmCham Azerbaijan and PwC Azerbaijan joint Survey dedicated to tax audits. Following the presentation, it was agreed to distribute the survey among the members of the Chamber. Furthermore, Mr. Jeyhun Mammadov raised a discussion on the possible topics for the upcoming AmCham Tax Conference. Considering the views and proposals of the meeting participants, a few topics were nominated for the conference. It was decided to make a final selection once all the proposals are received from the AmCham members upon the deadline on May 26, 2022.  Relevant topics for the tax conference can be sent to chamber@amchamaz.org. In addition, Mr. Mammadov shared the results of the survey on the impact of the Russia – Ukraine conflict to the business. To acquire more accurate results depicting a real picture of the issues aroused among businesses by the conflict, it was agreed to redistribute the survey once again to AmCham membership. At the end of the meeting, participants were actively involved in a Q&A session with the speakers, sharing their concerns and views. 

AmCham Legal & Compliance Committee’s May meeting

On May 16, 2022, AmCham Legal & Compliance Committee held its monthly meeting dedicated to Experience and prospective of the enforcement of intellectual property rights at US courts. The guest speakers of the meeting were Ms. Becky R. Thorson, a federal magistrate judge for the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota, and Ms. Bernice Bouie Donald, a United States Circuit Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit.Opening the meeting, Executive Director of AmCham Azerbaijan Ms. Gulnara Aslanbayli welcomed the participants and passed the floor to the Moderator of the meeting, L&C Committee Deputy Chairperson, Mr. Toghrul Ahmadov, who introduced the guest speakers and gave a brief foreword of the event. In the first part of the meeting, the guest speakers shared their experiences, views and best practices with the audience. The second part of the meeting was followed by an active Q&A session, where all questions and concerns of the participants were addressed by Ms. Becky R. Thorson and Ms. Bernice Bouie Donald.In the end of the meeting Mr. Toghrul Ahmadov expressed his gratitude to the guest speakers and participants of the session for their active involvement.