#243 AFEZ Chairman Reveals Azerbaijan’s Manufacturing Gateway Between Europe and Asia

Azerbaijan Is Open for Business: Inside a Nation's Drive to Attract Global Manufacturing InvestmentFor many international executives, Azerbaijan still enters the conversation primarily through the lens of oil and gas.After spending the past week on the ground, visiting industrial sites, speaking with business leaders, and meeting representatives from government and free economic zones, a different story emerges.Azerbaijan is actively positioning itself as one of the most ambitious economic diversification projects between Europe and Asia.The country's leadership is increasingly focused on developing manufacturing, logistics, technology, tourism, renewable energy, and export-oriented industries as part of a broader strategy to reduce dependence on hydrocarbons and attract international investment. Recent investment and economic development initiatives continue to emphasize the growth of the non-oil economy, industrial infrastructure, and export-driven business models. [azernews.az]What makes Azerbaijan particularly interesting is its geography.Situated at the crossroads of Europe, Central Asia, Türkiye, the Caspian region, the Middle East, and China, the country occupies a strategic position along major East-West and North-South transport corridors. This location is increasingly being leveraged to strengthen Azerbaijan's role as a regional logistics and manufacturing hub. One of the most visible examples of this ambition is the Alat Free Economic Zone Authority (AFEZ).During an exclusive interview with Valeh Alasgarov, Chairman of the Board of the Alat Free Economic Zone Authority, the vision became clear: create a business environment where logistics, legislation, infrastructure, and incentives work together to attract high value-added, export-oriented manufacturers. Located adjacent to the Baku International Sea Trade Port, AFEZ offers access to maritime, railway, and highway networks. Future plans also include a dedicated cargo airport inside the free zone, designed to support both industrial cargo operations and business aviation. According to the Authority, investor services are centralized through a streamlined administrative process, industrial plots are delivered with ready-to-use infrastructure, and companies benefit from incentives including zero corporate tax and zero customs duties within the zone. From industrial parks and logistics infrastructure to tourism development and international exhibition activity, Azerbaijan is investing heavily in creating the conditions necessary for long-term economic growth. The strategy is increasingly centered around attracting foreign direct investment, supporting private-sector development, and building globally competitive industries. [azernews.az]As part of our Hashtag#Composites360onTour coverage, we will continue showcasing the people, projects, industrial clusters, and investment opportunities shaping Azerbaijan's next chapter.YouTube Episode: https://youtu.be/Vco6JbYk2A8