‘Made in Azerbaijan’ brand to be promoted on foreign markets

Azerbaijan is keen to penetrate widely in the international commodity markets with its products branded "Made in Azerbaijan".

President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree on October 5 regulating the procedure for determining the state support of exporters.

Based on its potential, the oilrich Azerbaijan is engaged in the minimization of its oil dependence and diversification of its economy, which requires ensuring growth of non-oil sector of economy.

Volatility in commodity markets, the sharp drop in oil prices led to a deterioration of the economic situation in the world.

Earlier this year in his speech during the conference dedicated to the results of the 2014-2018 State Program on Economic Development of the Regions, Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev noted that global economic crisis only deepened in 2015 and there is no recovery to expect any time soon, adding that the global economy will remain in difficult situation for a while.

So, the presidential order on additional measures to stimulate the export of non-oil products is to promote the ‘Made in Azerbaijan’ brand on foreign markets.

The decree specifies the “The rule of defining and regulating the mechanism of paying a part of the expenditures from state budget, organizing export missions to foreign countries, exploring foreign markets and marketing activities, promoting ‘Made in Azerbaijan’ brand on foreign markets, issuing certificates for local companies and patents in foreign countries for export, research programs and projects for development of export.”

The decree also approves the form of the report “On the work carried out to encourage the export of non-oil products of Azerbaijani origin”.

A total of 3 million manats ($1.84 million) has been allocated out of the Azerbaijani President’s Reserve Fund in the 2016 State Budget in order to finance the support measures envisaged in the above-mentioned rule.

Azerbaijan exported goods and services in total amount of $11.4 billion and imported in the amount of $9.2 billion, with a positive trade balance standing at $2.2 billion for 2015. Oil and gas exports amounted to $9.6 billion, while non-oil sector exports made up about $1.8 billion.

Today Azerbaijan outputs more than 250 kinds of home-made products in food, light, heavy and construction industries.

Wine produced in France is considered one of the best in the world. However, many wine lovers will agree that Azerbaijani wine is no way inferior to French one -- if not even superior in taste.

Currently, there are nearly 10 wineries and vineyards that produce wine in the country, which are exported to Russia, Ukraine, Baltic States, Poland, Belarus, the UAE and China. More and more countries such as France are showing interest in the national brandy.

Another important sector of industry is metallurgy with an imports rate of $1.2 billion. Recently an open joint stock company named Azerbaijan Steel Production Complex was created to orient the industry to exports.

In the near future, the Mingachevir High Tech Park will start production of various high-tech products under the brand 'Made in Azerbaijan'.

National cosmetics Gazelli is a unique and innovative brand, surrounded by a world of education, diagnostics and realistic advice. Today Gazelli is focused on building exclusive partnerships around the world.

In addition, Azerbaijan can also be famous in the world for its skilled craftsmen. Grand Bazaar, Resm Jewellery, Faig Ahmadov’s carpets, Chelebi Furniture&Decor and many others can serve as an example.

National board game Grand Bazaar has already got positive reviews at the Essen Spiel 2016, the largest exhibition of board games held in Germany. For several years Azerbaijan has promoted a successful jewelry brand RESM, designed in patterns and symbols, inherent in the eastern folk arts and crafts.

Thus, the country has significant potential to establish local production of goods under ‘Made in Azerbaijan’ brand. But this requires hard work, which is well thought-out marketing campaign to promote Azerbaijani goods, as well as in the training of highly qualified personnel.