#243 AFEZ Chairman Reveals Azerbaijan’s Manufacturing Gateway Between Europe and Asia

Azerbaijan Is Open for Business: Inside a Nation's Drive to
Attract Global Manufacturing Investment

For many international executives, Azerbaijan still enters the
conversation primarily through the lens of oil and gas.

After spending the past week on the ground, visiting industrial
sites, speaking with business leaders, and meeting
representatives from government and free economic zones, a
different story emerges.

Azerbaijan is actively positioning itself as one of the most
ambitious economic diversification projects between Europe and
Asia.

The country's leadership is increasingly focused on developing
manufacturing, logistics, technology, tourism, renewable energy,
and export-oriented industries as part of a broader strategy to
reduce dependence on hydrocarbons and attract international
investment. Recent investment and economic development
initiatives continue to emphasize the growth of the non-oil
economy, industrial infrastructure, and export-driven business
models. [azernews.az]

What makes Azerbaijan particularly interesting is its
geography.

Situated at the crossroads of Europe, Central Asia, Türkiye, the
Caspian region, the Middle East, and China, the country occupies
a strategic position along major East-West and North-South
transport corridors. This location is increasingly being
leveraged to strengthen Azerbaijan's role as a regional logistics
and manufacturing hub.

One of the most visible examples of this ambition is the
Alat Free Economic Zone Authority (AFEZ).

During an exclusive interview with Valeh Alasgarov, Chairman of
the Board of the Alat Free Economic Zone Authority, the vision
became clear: create a business environment where logistics,
legislation, infrastructure, and incentives work together to
attract high value-added, export-oriented manufacturers.

Located adjacent to the Baku International Sea Trade Port, AFEZ
offers access to maritime, railway, and highway networks. Future
plans also include a dedicated cargo airport inside the free
zone, designed to support both industrial cargo operations and
business aviation.

According to the Authority, investor services are centralized
through a streamlined administrative process, industrial plots
are delivered with ready-to-use infrastructure, and companies
benefit from incentives including zero corporate tax and zero
customs duties within the zone.

From industrial parks and logistics infrastructure to tourism
development and international exhibition activity, Azerbaijan is
investing heavily in creating the conditions necessary for
long-term economic growth. The strategy is increasingly centered
around attracting foreign direct investment, supporting
private-sector development, and building globally competitive
industries. [azernews.az]

As part of our 


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#Composites360onTour coverage, we will continue
showcasing the people, projects, industrial clusters, and
investment opportunities shaping Azerbaijan's next chapter.

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