President Ilham Aliyev has signed a decree on additional measures to support the export of non-oil and gas products, marking a significant step in the government's strategy to diversify the national economy. The initiative aims to reduce financial burdens on local businesses and stimulate the growth of non-oil exports.
According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, the decree stipulates that the state budget will provide compensation for customs clearance fees incurred by micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) when exporting locally produced non-oil and gas goods. The compensation amount will be determined based on the type of goods and the destination country, subject to established upper limits.
The Ministry of Economy is tasked with managing the compensation process. Eligible exporters must submit applications following the conclusion of each quarter, and payments will be processed based on the actual export of goods, verified by certificates of origin. Furthermore, the decree prohibits any increase in customs fees related to customs control, escort, or storage of goods while this compensation mechanism is in effect.
The Cabinet of Ministers has been instructed to prepare financial proposals for the implementation of this support measure for 2026 within three months and to ensure that necessary funding is allocated in the state budget drafts for 2027–2031. Additionally, the Ministry of Economy, in coordination with the Ministry of Finance, must approve regulations regarding the list of eligible goods and destination countries, compensation caps, and application procedures within the same timeframe.
This decree, which comes into effect on September 1 of this year, will remain valid until December 31, 2031, applying to export operations conducted up until September 30, 2031. This policy reflects Azerbaijan's ongoing commitment to strengthening its non-oil sector, a key pillar of the country's long-term economic development strategy aimed at reducing reliance on hydrocarbon revenues and fostering a more resilient, export-oriented economy.
