President Ilham Aliyev has signed a decree on additional measures to develop sericulture and carpet-weaving in Azerbaijan, aiming to preserve and promote the nation's rich craft heritage.
According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, the decree emphasizes that sericulture and carpet-weaving are traditional crafts deeply rooted in the cultural history of the Azerbaijani people, closely linked to the agricultural and light industry sectors.
The document highlights that the development of these sectors contributes significantly to the diversification of the non-oil and gas economy, job creation in the regions, expansion of local production and export potential, and the protection of national cultural heritage. To ensure sustainable growth, the decree mandates the improvement of management mechanisms, the strengthening of the production chain, and the consolidation of the raw material base.
Under the new structural reforms, the "Azerkhalcha" Open Joint-Stock Company will be reorganized through the merger of "Azeripek" Open Joint-Stock Company into it. Furthermore, the Gakh District Sericulture Breeding Station, currently under the Ministry of Agriculture, will be transferred to the management of "Azerkhalcha" along with its assets to support breeding activities.
The decree also halts the privatization process of state-owned shares in "Azeripek". "Azerkhalcha" is designated as the legal successor to "Azeripek," assuming all its rights, obligations, and property. The company will now function as a commercial entity responsible for coordinating production, processing, sales, and export activities in these sectors from a single center.
The operational management of the company will be carried out by a three-member Management Board, consisting of a chairman and two deputies. The powers of the general meeting of the company have been assigned to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, including the authority to reorganize or liquidate the company, establish executive bodies, and appoint or dismiss the chairman and deputies of the Management Board.
This strategic consolidation reflects Azerbaijan's broader economic policy of revitalizing traditional industries to enhance competitiveness in international markets and ensure the long-term sustainability of local craftsmanship.
