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Public Discussion on the Construction Sector Held with Participation of State Agencies and Entrepreneurs 02.10.25

At the event, participants discussed the current situation and planned measures regarding the issuance of construction and operation permits, and entrepreneurs’ suggestions were heard.

A public discussion on the topic “Current Situation and Opportunities for Optimizing the Time and Costs Required for Obtaining Construction and Operation Permits” was organized at the Baku SME House.

The event was held with the support of the Baku City Main Department of Architecture and Urban Planning under the State Committee for Urban Planning and Architecture, and the National Confederation of Entrepreneurs (Employers) Organizations of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and was organized by the Public Council under the Small and Medium Business Development Agency (KOBIA). Entrepreneurs engaged in the construction sector and representatives of relevant public institutions participated in the meeting.

Chairman of the Public Council under KOBIA Samir Abdullayev stated that the event was organized with the aim of discussing the requirements of legislation in the construction sector, the issuance of construction and operation permits, the challenges faced by SMEs in this area within the framework of public-private partnership, and ways to expand cooperation.

Head of the Sector for Economic Policy and Industrial Issues of the Presidential Administration of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Vusal Shikhaliyev, noted that organizing such a public discussion regarding ongoing work and planned measures in the field of construction and operation permits is important for exchanging views on sectoral challenges, ensuring coordinated activities, and developing public-private cooperation. He emphasized that such events are also beneficial for optimizing existing procedures and advancing reforms in the sector.

Head of the Baku City Main Department of Architecture and Urban Planning, Read Gasımov, stated that the Electronic Construction Portal, aimed at digitalizing the construction sector, was launched in 2019. Currently, all processes are conducted in a fully digital format, ensuring transparency and trust. Systematic work continues to improve processes and implement reforms in the sector. He also underlined that the key document defining the long-term development of the capital is the Baku City Master Plan up to 2040, which provides a clear strategic vision for the city’s development: every new project is aligned with the general concept, chaotic construction is prevented, balance between residential, business, and public spaces is maintained, and the architectural identity of the city is preserved.

Chairman of the Board of KOBIA Orkhan Mammadov emphasized that simplifying procedures for obtaining construction and operation permits, particularly through the introduction of electronic permit systems, opens new opportunities for SMEs. This minimizes their time and financial losses, allows them to operate more efficiently, and contributes to the improvement of the business environment. At the same time, he noted that any changes to permit procedures should be preceded by a thorough impact assessment on entrepreneurial activity, that the capacities of a unified electronic platform for receiving and responding to applications should be expanded, and that supporting digital solutions and innovative approaches to reduce time and cost losses for SMEs should remain a key focus. He further underlined that entrepreneurs must familiarize themselves closely with the current legal and regulatory requirements, make active use of electronic permit platforms, get accustomed to working with digital signatures, and ensure that all necessary documentation is prepared in advance to minimize time losses during permit procedures. KOBIA will continue to provide the necessary coordination and support to entrepreneurs in this field.

President of the National Confederation of Entrepreneurs (Employers) Organizations of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mammad Musayev, noted that significant measures have been taken in the field of digitalization and simplification of procedures for issuing construction and operation permits; however, further optimization of processes in this direction remains among the expectations of entrepreneurs.

During the event, the proposals and challenges raised by entrepreneurs were heard, discussions were held on possible solutions, and their questions were addressed.