EU Business Climate Report Azerbaijan 2017

© AHK Azerbaijan

In early 2017, the German-Azerbaijani Chamber of Commerce (AHK Azerbaijan) with the support of the EU Delegation to Azerbaijan and Eurochambres, conducted the EU Business Climate Survey 2017 Azerbaijan among EU companies operating in Azerbaijan. 

Based on the findings of the survey, the report was constituted in order to shed light on the general economic condition and business climate in Azerbaijan, reflected from the viewpoint of EU businesses.

The report displays the evolution of the business and investment climate in Azerbaijan as perceived by EU businesses within the one-year period between the first Business Climate Survey Azerbaijan conducted in early 2016 and the current one. 

We express our utmost gratitude and appreciation to the respondents contributing to the survey with their valuable thoughts and remarks. Moreover, our sincere thanks are due to the companies taking part in the interviews and focus group discussions to shape this report with their precious insights. 

Pages: 44 pages | File size: 7.95 MB

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Key findings

The Key Survey Findings 2017

While most of the “ad-hoc” measures implemented to date are positively assessed by EU businesses, carrying out the structural reforms agenda as set out in the Strategic Roadmaps remains imminent.

  • Top-rated 3 reforms to date are Launch of the ASAN Visa portal (77%); Licensing procedure through ASAN services (67%); and Suspension of inspections related to entrepreneurial activities (49%).
  • Top 3 priorities to be achieved by the government are indicated to be Addressing structural shortfalls in the financial sector; Improving transparency in the tax system; and Enhancing the legal environment.

The survey findings highlight increased medium-term optimism about the economic situation in Azerbaijan among the EU businesses compared to 2016. Majority of respondents report a stable and an improving outlook for the economy and say they would again invest in Azerbaijan.

The most remarkable positive trend is reported in the customs system, whereas productivity of employees is the factor with the most noticeable negative shift compared to 2016.

  • Top-rated 3 positive trends are Customs procedures and regulations; Flexibility of immigration policies; Political and social stability.