Baku, Azerbaijan, June 23
Trend:
On June 21, KPMG in Azerbaijan in cooperation with AmCham Azerbaijan, the Center for Analysis of Economic Reforms and Communication, Service of the Assistant to the President for economic reforms and ADA University organized a conference on "Strategic Vision on Agriculture: Competitiveness, Food Security and Social Aspects" Discussions in line with the “Main Directions of Strategic Roadmap on National Economy and Major Sectors of Economy”.
The ultimate goal of the conference was to discuss main aspects of the vision on agriculture under the Strategic Roadmap of Economy, namely, Competitiveness, Food security, Social aspect (employment, regional development etc.) in tripartite format representing the government, private sector and academicians.
Mr.Hafiz Pashayev, Rector of ADA University, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan delivered a welcoming speech and talked about the importance of the event. Mr.Pashayev mentioned that according to the “Main directions of strategic road map on national economy and major sectors of economy” approved by the order of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on March 16, 2016 agriculture is one of the priority areas of national economy aimed to provide the sustainable economic growth and enhance the wellbeing of population.
Mr. Vugar Aliyev, Partner, Financial Services Industry Leader for KPMG in Russia and CIS expressed his pleasure to be a partner in this important event and thanked ADA University for hosting the event. Mr.Aliyev informed the participants on favourable tax regime for agriculture and recent law on investment promotion which provides excellent opportunities for the development and growth.
Mr. Elkhan Mikayilov, Head of the division for Agrarian Issues, under department of agricultural and industrial issues of the Service of the Assistant to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mr. Vusal Gasimli, Executive Director of the Center for Economic Reforms and Communication, Firdovsi Fikratzade, Head of Analysis and Statistics Department of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Tariyel Mirzoyev, Executive Director of the Center for Entrepreneurship, Trade and Innovation of ADA University, Olaf Heidelbach, programme manager of the Delegation of the EU to the Republic of Azerbaijan, Then Dr. Christophe Cordonnier, representing Frankfurt School of Finance and Management, team leader of the EBRD/EU AzAFF project, Ms. Melek Chakmak , Head of Partnership and Liaison Office and of FAO, Savash Uzan, CEO of Azersun were the speakers of the event.
They shared their vision on different aspects of the topic, such as country's demand for food supplies in the future, significance of agricultural reforms, current trends and opportunities, economic diversification and agriculture development: prospects and challenges, food security and nutrition.
Natavan Mammadova, Executive Director of AmCham Azerbaijan, expressed a gratitude to all guests, speakers and ADA University for being a host. Ms.Mammadova underlined that this tripartite format of discussion with active participation of business community and academicians is very important to address expectations of all involved parties. For all sides and once more emphasized AmCham’s support to the reforms being implemented in the country and further commitment for fruitful cooperation.
Vitaly Sheremet, Partner, Head of Agro sector in KPMG CIS, presented his presentation on “Agriculture in Azerbaijan: efficiency gains and competitiveness”
Ilya Strokin, Director, agribusiness, KPMG CIS, made a speech on “Food security in Azerbaijan: challenges and opportunities” and suggested measures to strengthen food safety.
The Conference was followed by active Q&A session.
Mr.Vusal Qasimli made the last speech about the importance of such events and emphasized that the said recommendations during the Conference will have impact on economic reforms in Azerbaijan.
