Baku launches inaugural forum on halal business and tourism

On October 8, Baku launched the Azerbaijan Forum on Halal Business and Tourism, marking its inaugural event.

Organised by the Ministry of Economy, the Small and Medium Business Development Agency (KOBIA), and the State Tourism Agency, the two-day forum features officials, experts, academics, and business representatives from around 20 countries, Caliber.Az reports.

The forum aims to foster new collaboration in investment and trade, facilitate the exchange of ideas and experiences, and attract foreign investment to Azerbaijan. 

The forum is comprised of two parts: a conference and an exhibition. The conference will cover development prospects in the halal sectors such as food, tourism, and finance, along with discussions on standardization issues.

It will also feature panel discussions for participants to share experiences. The exhibition will display products and services from companies in Azerbaijan and abroad.

Notably, operating under the Ministry of Economy, KOBİA is tasked with promoting the growth of small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) by providing various services and coordinating government support for these enterprises.

KOBİA’s mission is to optimise the regulatory framework for SMBs, ensure diverse support mechanisms, and promote sustainable development within the sector. The agency prioritises enhancing the role of SMBs in economic growth, increasing their contribution to GDP and employment, and expanding their access to both domestic and international markets.

By Aghakazim Guliyev