This year marks the 100th birthday anniversary of the National Leader Heydar Aliyev, and President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mr. Ilham Aliyev signed an order declaring 2023 the ‘Year of Heydar Aliyev’ in the country.

Azerbaijan’s economy has been on a steady upward trajectory since 2005. It has positioned itself as a strategic transportation hub between Europe and Asia. The economy grew 6.3 times between 2004 and 2021. During the same period, strategic foreign exchange reserves grew 28.4 times.

At the same time, the Alat Free Economic Zone (AFEZ) was created by the Decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan dated May 22, 2020.

And now it is time to share the vision for AFEZ, the strategic intent in developing the free zone, the type of investors it will attract, the rationale for choosing this location and the economic benefits that will flow from this for investors, the country, and the people of Azerbaijan.

AFEZ is being established in the vicinity of the Baku International Sea Trade Port. This strategic geographic location will serve as a regional investment hub and boost competitiveness in the East-West and North-South international transport corridors. It will intensify local and foreign investment in the country’s non-oil sector.

Strategic Intent

It is time to turn the concept of AFEZ into reality. To do this the Alat Free Economic Zone Authority (AFEZ Authority) will focus on and meet the needs of investors by delivering a world class place to do business:

• with a strategic geographic location next to global transport corridors;

• using multi-modal transport connections to create a sustainable regional advantage based on a regulatory, operating and business environment that is investor-friendly.

Most important of all is the free zone’s investor-centric mind set and approach.

The AFEZ Authority will be selective and careful in its application of this approach to investors. At the same time, it will select and meet investor needs in a way, which adds value for the economy and the people of Azerbaijan. This means that AFEZ will serve the needs of national and foreign investors who will:

• engage in high value-added and export-oriented manufacturing and internationally traded services, using innovative technologies and approaches to work in accordance with best international standards;

• generate additional value to non-oil sectors of economy.

To ensure this vision is brought to reality, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan has given full backing to the development of AFEZ as a world class investment location. The task of planning, developing, and managing AFEZ has been entrusted to the AFEZ Authority, which has been established for this purpose.

Legal Basis for AFEZ

The legal framework for the development, operation, and governance of AFEZ based on the LAW OF THE REPUBLIC OF AZERBAIJAN on the Alat Free Economic Zone (AFEZ Law) adopted by the Parliament and signed by the President of Azerbaijan as a prevailing law of the Republic of Azerbaijan and internal regulations of AFEZ issued by the AFEZ Authority, and these internal regulations are integral part of AFEZ legislation. The Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan on the Alat Free Economic Zone declares that AFEZ legislation, which consists of AFEZ law and internal regulations, is taking precedence over base economy legislation.

The AFEZ legislation has been prepared from the perspective of potential investors and best international practice.

To clearly demonstrate precedence of AFEZ legislation over base economy legislation and exclude possibility of any conflicts, misunderstandings, contradictions in the interpretation of the provisions of AFEZ legislation and base economy legislation, relevant amendments were made and adopted by the country’s Parliament in constitutional law on normative-legal acts, in tax, customs, licensing, labor, dispute resolution and other (more than 80) laws of the Republic of Azerbaijan and these amendments clearly acknowledge that AFEZ legislation takes precedence over those laws of base economy.

In addition to that, AFEZ Law clearly declares that base economy authorities:

• shall not have any jurisdiction in the AFEZ and,

• shall not have any power to regulate or oversee the activities of the AFEZ Authority or AFEZ Legal Entities (i.e., businesses established by investors) and owners, creditors, employees of these legal entities.

In short, the legislation of base economy of Azerbaijan is not valid in AFEZ and for subjects of AFEZ (of course, except criminal law and anti-money laundering law).

Internal regulations, developed and approved by the AFEZ Authority are integral part of AFEZ legislation; and main purpose of these internal regulations is to create the best possible business environment for its investors.

There is a set of fit for purpose regulations, which will guide day-to-day activities in AFEZ in compliance with both policy goals and the AFEZ Legislation.

Target Clients

As already stated, the AFEZ Authority will be selective and careful in its approach to investors and will attract businesses engaged in high value-added and export-oriented manufacturing and internationally traded services, using innovative technologies and approaches to work in accordance with best international standards.

The masterplan for AFEZ has also been designed to allow easy movement of people and goods to and from AFEZ. The main entrance and exit points will use smart technology to allow efficient customs control of people and goods.

In summary, while most of the investment, export and employment will be generated by AFEZ legal entities, success of AFEZ will come from a planned mix of foreign and local investors and people, all combining to deliver an investor-friendly and value-added business location.

Benefits for Investors

The business-friendly environment and access to large international markets available from AFEZ’s multi-modal location creates real value for investors. In addition, and in line with international benchmark locations, the AFEZ Authority will offer a package of fiscal and non-fiscal incentives to businesses established in AFEZ:

Tax exemption

One of the key benefits is the absence of any tax on a business in AFEZ. A qualified business in AFEZ is not required to pay a value-added tax, withholding tax or any other corporate taxes. Employees will be exempted from personal income tax if the monthly salary does not exceed 8000 manat – approximately 4700$. Social security payments for foreign skilled personnel are optional and for local personnel are obligatory. Import of any products or services by AFEZ legal entities from a foreign country to the AFEZ and export of any products and services by AFEZ legal entities from the AFEZ to a foreign country are exempt from customs duties and taxes, including value-added taxes.

No restriction on foreign ownership

There is no restriction on foreign ownership of AFEZ legal entities. A foreign parent company can own 100% of the shares in the AFEZ legal entity. A foreign company can successfully carry-on business without a requirement for a local partner.

Additional benefits

• trade facilitation-based customs regime;

• investor property is immune from nationalization or other restrictions;

• no restrictions on foreign currency or profit repatriation;

• voluntary participation in state social protection fund for foreign employees;

• ease of access to visas for foreign nationals;

• on-site one-stop shop business centre for appraisal and licensing, permitting, etc. (without any base economy authorities or agencies involvement);

• industrial training centre;

• independent regulatory authority;

• independent dispute resolution procedures in accordance with best international standards;

• internal regulations in accordance with best international standards;

• full investor protection;

• full protection of intellectual property rights.

Continuing investor support

These incentives will also be available to support the subsequent expansion and growth of its clients’ businesses into the future. The success of AFEZ will arise not only from attraction of new investors, but also from a consistent programme of engagement and aftercare with companies after they locate at AFEZ. So, what has been said earlier: the AFEZ Authority is investor-centric in its approach. That is a core principle for the AFEZ Authority from the most junior to the most senior staff member and all in between. A client of AFEZ is a client for life.

Access to skilled labour

Azerbaijan’s energy, light and heavy manufacturing industries have helped to create an army of individuals with professional skills and competencies. Further, Azerbaijan’s educational system and, generally, its business environment has encouraged attaining the level of education required for any work condition. This labour force, committed to investor’s business needs, is part of the incentive package.

In summary, the combination of AFEZ fiscal incentives, trade facilitation measures, industrial skills development opportunities and a business-friendly operating environment will provide companies from around the world with a cost competitive and strategic location for serving regional and international markets.

Benefits for the people of Azerbaijan

AFEZ also provides opportunity for the people of Azerbaijan. Indeed, anything that is done in AFEZ is really done for the benefit of the entire country of Azerbaijan and its population.

Firstly, AFEZ intends to create jobs for thousands of citizens of Azerbaijan. The number of new jobs is expected to multiply every year. But not just any jobs - the jobs that pay well and allow people to work and improve in a business environment that encourages innovation and new management styles.

There are plans for industrial training facilities on-site at AFEZ. These facilities will train local personnel and prepare them for new challenges. In the meantime, work will be carried out with vocational and higher education training institutions in the rest of Azerbaijan to ensure that they are producing the skilled workforce needed by AFEZ investors. This will enable creating and providing potential and existing clients with an active database of current and available skills.

This approach will ensure that citizens of Azerbaijan, who are active in AFEZ gain training and valuable experience necessary to be successful in internationally competitive businesses.

Investor - Friendly Property Solutions

In addition to business-friendly services and incentives, AFEZ will provide to investors and their employees a modern and fit for purpose-built environment and property solutions.

AFEZ will initially occupy a total site area of approximately 850 ha, spread over three zones. Zone 1 (206 ha), Zone 2 (433 ha) and Zone 3 (211 ha) are in the vicinity of the Baku International Sea Trade Port, adjacent to internationally connected railway, and highway lines.

The development strategy being implemented by the AFEZ Authority is to build out AFEZ infrastructure and facilities in phases. The first phase of development covers initial 60 ha (Phase 1) area of FEZ 1 that was constructed on a high-profile site adjacent to the highway, railway and the Baku International Sea Trade Port. Phase 1 includes five distinct components:

• The Customs Plaza and main entrance to the AFEZ;

• The AFEZ Authority Building, and one-stop shop business centre;

• Advance office accommodation for investors;

• Ready-to-use plots for investors to lease;

• Utility Services centre.

The physical development program is on schedule. In addition, to meet the needs of FEZ’s customers in logistics-transportation services, there will be two logistics-transportation centers established: one on the territory of 50,000 square meters for goods, transported by road and the second on the territory of 160,000 square meters for goods transported by rail.

Bringing positive experience from the oil and gas industry to AFEZ

Azerbaijan’s approach to its oil and gas industry is a testament to how promises given to investors are kept.

For over 25 years they have provided solid protection to investors and their investments in oil and gas projects. This principle has never been violated and stood the test of time. This approach is a positive proof that Azerbaijan has previously created a favourable regime for the investors and does not violate its obligations.

This principle and practice from the oil and gas industry will be brought to AFEZ.

Concluding Remarks

AFEZ has two goals, both of which are crucial.

First, the best possible business environment will be created for clients, so that they have all they need to successfully establish and develop their businesses in AFEZ and at the same time AFEZ will support expansion and growth of businesses of its clients into the future.

Secondly, the AFEZ Authority wants to demonstrate to the people of Azerbaijan what the transition to an internationally competitive and knowledge-based economy means in practice, to support and assist its entrepreneurs, its business entities to learn and practice a new business culture, new technologies, generate innovative enterprises to create real value for the economy and the people of Azerbaijan.

AFEZ will do its best to deliver value to investors, and there are no doubts that investors selected by the management staff will deliver value to the economy and people of Azerbaijan.