Azerbaijan has launched a unified agency responsible for supporting small and medium-sized businesses, attracting investment and promoting non-oil exports.
The new body began operating on Oct. 1 under the Economy Ministry. It was formed by combining the Small and Medium Business Development Agency and AZPROMO, bringing business support, investment programs and export promotion under one structure.
The reorganization was ordered by President Ilham Aliyev in Decree No. 607 dated Feb. 24, 2026.
Staff Capped at 370
The agency’s maximum staffing level has been set at 370 positions. Of those, 291 will be based in the central office and 79 in regional divisions.
Its responsibilities include developing micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, protecting business interests, facilitating investment and non-oil and gas exports, and coordinating government services provided to entrepreneurs.
The launch completes the organizational merger of two institutions that previously handled business development and foreign economic promotion separately. The government expects the unified structure to reduce overlap and give companies a single point of contact for support programs, investment mechanisms and export assistance.
Source: Vesti Baku