The Working Group on Commodity Market Efficiency and Competition of the Commission on Business Environment and International Ratings held a meeting to discuss progress under the World Bank Group’s “Business Ready” project and measures aimed at strengthening competition in commodity markets.

The meeting reviewed the progress made during the first half of 2026 in implementing the Roadmap for improvement and communication measures under the “Market Competition” indicator of the “Business Ready” project, as well as activities carried out during the reporting period.

The meeting was attended by Vusal Shikhaliyev, Head of the Secretariat of the Commission on Business Environment and International Ratings and Head of the Sector for Monitoring, Coordination and Evaluation of Economic Reforms within the Department of Economic Policy and Industrial Issues of the Administration of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and Jafar Babayev, Head of the Working Group on Commodity Market Efficiency and Competition and First Deputy Head of the State Agency for Antimonopoly and Consumer Market Control under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

In their speeches, the officials highlighted the key targets and planned activities for the second half of 2026 under the relevant Roadmap. They emphasized the importance of strengthening institutional cooperation and ensuring effective communication in priority areas.

A presentation on the Working Group’s activities during the current year was also delivered. The participants discussed the role of the Competition Code in improving the efficiency of the business environment, as well as the improved legal framework and rules aimed at promoting competition in the market.

The meeting also addressed measures planned for the implementation of the “Market Competition” indicator under the “Business Ready” project. In addition, legislative provisions encouraging business participation in public procurement were highlighted, along with efficiency gains resulting from the digitalization of procurement processes.

Note: The Commission on Business Environment and International Ratings was established by Order No. 2199 of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan dated July 13, 2016, “On Additional Measures to Improve the Business Environment in the Republic of Azerbaijan and Further Advance Our Country’s Position in International Ratings.”