More than a thousand businesspeople and investors from around the world, including 500 from Türkiye, gathered in Azerbaijan to discuss the reconstruction and revitalization of Karabakh, which was liberated from Armenian occupation.

The 25th International Business Forum (IBF) was held in Baku, Azerbaijan's capital, under the leadership of the Independent Industrialists' and Businessmen's Association (MÜSİAD).

The forum highlighted Azerbaijan's trade and investment potential and discussed the necessary measures for the reconstruction and revitalization of Karabakh and surrounding provinces, which have been liberated from occupation.

Erol Yarar, Founding President of MÜSİAD and President of IBF, stated that Karabakh, whose lands have been uncultivated for years and whose infrastructure is deteriorating, must be revitalized.

Yarar stated that billions of dollars in infrastructure investments are needed in the lands liberated from Azerbaijan's occupation and that projects are needed to bring the land back to production. He said, "As MÜSİAD, we have significant experience in this regard. The reason we came here is to share our experience. We want to work on bringing people back to their own lands. We will present our projects, and if the Azerbaijani government supports these projects, we will bring our business people and do them."

Yarar emphasized that agriculture is the most important area with the potential for rapid implementation, saying, "There is a mine problem, and this can be resolved quickly. Once this problem is resolved, we want the lands to be immediately reclaimed for agriculture, to create jobs and income opportunities for the people who will be settled there, and to rapidly develop the villages and towns."

The target is to increase trade volume to $15 billion.

MÜSİAD Chairman Mahmut Asmalı stated that they came to Azerbaijan to reinforce the "one nation, two states" approach in the commercial and economic spheres and that they will significantly increase the contribution of Turkish businesspeople to Azerbaijan.

Emphasizing that the trade volume between Turkey and Azerbaijan is currently at $3 billion, a low figure that does not reflect the potential, Asmalı said, "We aim to increase (the trade volume) to $10 billion in the medium term and $15 billion within five years. The environment and grounds for this are very favorable. Turkish businesspeople are very enthusiastic. We are working on agricultural activities and smart agriculture, especially in Karabakh."

"Turkey will play a major role in the construction of Karabakh"

AK Party Gaziantep Deputy Mehmet Erdoğan, who attended the forum, stated that Türkiye will play a major role in the construction and underground development of Karabakh.

Erdoğan said, "People need to return to their lands. This means hundreds of thousands of homes. Türkiye will make a significant contribution to this. Turkey will play a significant role in the reconstruction of Karabakh."

Cemil Yüksekdağ, a member of the MÜSİAD Board of Directors and Chairman of the Construction and Building Materials Sector Board, also stated that they are working to develop "smart city" projects for the regions liberated from occupation and being reconstructed.

Yüksekdağ said, "As Turkish investors with a vision and capabilities in 'smart cities,' we have come here to transfer these capabilities and make investments. We will continue with significant investments in the Azerbaijani market."

Fatih Altunbaş, a member of the MÜSİAD Board of Directors and Chairman of the Defense Industry Sector Board, emphasized that a spirited connection with Azerbaijan is more important than trade. Altunbaş said, "We work in the defense industry and produce ammunition. We have been working in Azerbaijan since 2010. We believe that we will achieve a greater trade volume here after the Karabakh victory."

MÜSİAD Board Member Esra Kaftancıoğlu stated that as businesswomen, they play an active role not only locally but also globally, saying, "We will work with entrepreneurial women in Azerbaijan to expand our power."

MÜSİAD Izmir Branch President Bilal Saygılı also expressed his belief that mutual business relations with Azerbaijan will increase, saying, "We are in discussions regarding Karabakh's energy sector. We have been working in Azerbaijan for 15 years. These efforts will continue and grow stronger."

B2B meetings were also held as part of the event, and participants had the opportunity to showcase their products in the exhibition area.