Azerbaijan should prepare separate, measurable job-creation programs for each of its 14 economic regions for 2027-2030, economist and former lawmaker Vahid Ahmedov said.
Ahmedov made the proposal in an interview with Media Turk TV, arguing that access to stable work and adequate wages is the central condition for improving living standards.
He said regional plans should specify how many jobs will be created and tailor the approach to local economic conditions. Agricultural regions need processing plants and agribusinesses, while industrial areas should expand industrial parks and economic zones, he said.
“Each of the 14 economic regions should have a special program showing how many jobs will be created in 2027-2030,” Ahmedov said.
Oil Revenue Is Not a Long-Term Employment Policy
Ahmedov urged the government to focus more closely on domestic social problems, particularly regional unemployment and the slow development of the non-oil economy.
He said Azerbaijan has not yet made enough progress in diversifying away from hydrocarbons, while declining oil production increases the need for other sources of growth. High oil prices can ease short-term pressures, he said, but should not be treated as permanent.
Ahmedov linked the current price environment to tensions involving Iran and the Strait of Hormuz, saying oil prices could fall as that situation stabilizes. He also pointed to Azerbaijan’s reliance on imports as a constraint on improving household welfare.
His broader argument is consistent with comments he made earlier this week about the need for structural reform and regional management, when he said high oil prices can soften economic problems but will not remain elevated indefinitely.
Salary and Pension Increases
Asked about possible increases in wages, pensions and other social payments in 2027, Ahmedov said the scale would depend on inflation, average salary growth and the state budget’s capacity.
He cautioned against expecting a sharp increase in payments during a difficult global economic period. Security spending also places significant demands on Azerbaijan’s budget, he said.
Ahmedov said job creation remains the most sustainable social policy because it gives families the ability to support themselves rather than depend primarily on transfers.
Government Agencies Must Deliver
The former member of the Milli Majlis said the task requires continuous work by ministers, state agency chiefs and local executive authorities.
Government institutions should not wait for every initiative to come directly from the president, he said. Ministers, committee chairs and local administrators are responsible for turning economic policy into practical results.
The proposal was first reported in Russian by Vesti Baku.