GETTING IT DONE
TBY talks to Adigozal Agayev, Chairman of the Executive Board at AtaHolding, on the company's role in different sectors, international cooperation, and the recent elections.
BIOGRAPHY
Adigozal Agayev gratuated from Azerbaijan National Economy İnstitute named after D.Bunyatzade, Faculty of General Economics in 1983, and became an Economic Engineer. He started as an economist in the Accounting Center of the Ministry of Finance of the Azerbaijan in 1985, and became group leader in 1987. He then took on the role of Senior Economist and Chief Economist at the Agrarian Industrial Bank in 1989-1997. He moved over to the National Bank of Azerbaijan as a Senior Inspector and a Deputy Director of Department of Inspection over 1993-2004. Starting October 2004, he was in charge at the National Bank of a newly established group applying International Financial Reporting Standards. He collaborated with the team of experts over Banking Supervision of the USAID, for the process of transition of the banks operating in Azerbaijan to the international accounting system. He joined AtaHolding as Head of the Finance Department in January 2005, and later became Vice-Chairman of the Executive Board and a member of the Audit Committee in December 2005. At present, he is the Chairman of the Executive Board at AtaHolding.AtaTechnology is the local partner of Cisco Systems and the gold partner of Oracle. As the ICT sector grows in size and importance in Azerbaijan, how is AtaHolding interested in expanding its role in this sector?
The information society is growing rapidly in Azerbaijan. E-government and ASAN Services operate successfully and the application of e-government solutions is constantly increasing. The establishment of technology parks, the application of advanced technologies to education, and state support for innovative investment projects have contributed to the overall development of the high-tech sector both in the country and region. Active on the market for more than 10 years, AtaTechnology cooperates closely with renowned ICT brands such as Microsoft, Oracle, HP, Cisco Systems, and others. Partnerships with these companies are developing quickly and our goal is to take advantage of the products these companies offer to meet the ICT demands of our customers. We continuously put forward new and innovative projects. In order to achieve further development, one of the goals at AtaTechnology has been the training of qualified professionals. AtaTechnology is also currently working on the development and application of ICT software. We are assessing market needs and plan to develop specific products to fill in possible gaps. We hope to eliminate the dependence on imported software, and we intend to export our software products as well. Thus, we are interested in expanding our activities and investment portfolio in order to meet these objectives.
AtaHolding cooperates with a number of international companies in different sectors, especially banking and insurance. What synergies does AtaHolding look for when entering into partnerships with international companies?
Local companies operating in the country have started cooperating with foreign companies not only in the spheres of trade, production, construction, and IT, but also in the area of financial services. The international cooperation of banks and insurance companies is worthy of special mention. This cooperation is expected to result in the emergence of new banking and insurance products on the Azerbaijani market and will enhance the quality of services provided, elevating the financial services market to a qualitatively new level. At the same time, a large number of syndicated credit operations are carried out during the financing of major national and regional business and infrastructure projects. This is a strong example of mutually beneficial international cooperation and synergy. Cooperation in the insurance sector, in particular its re-insurance segment, will contribute to more professional risk assessments and improved risk management standards on the local market. We can say with full confidence that the level of knowledge and competence of Azerbaijani specialists is fully consistent with international standards thanks to the international exchange of experience. Major banks and insurance companies operating in Azerbaijan are expected to expand their outreach to foreign markets and enhance their export potential.
In the last several years, AtaHolding has expanded its operations into the tourism and hospitality sector, establishing the Excelsior Hotel Baku and AtaTravel. Do you believe that Azerbaijan has the capacity to become an international tourism center?
The Excelsior Hotel Baku was launched in 2005 and the AtaTravel travel company in 2011. AtaTravel offers numerous travel opportunities to many countries around the world, including travel opportunities to Azerbaijan. The company specializes in hotels, transfer, air tickets, tour reservations, insurance, and visa services. Our goal is to expand our contribution to the development of tourism every year. The government attaches great importance to the development of tourism in accordance with international standards. This also contributes to developing the non-oil sector, as tourism accounts for a significant share of the non-oil economy. The government has implemented a number of infrastructure projects in order to facilitate the development of this sector, such as continually building numerous hotels that meet the highest standards in Baku and the regions. Thus, a competitive tourism business is being created. In addition, the diversity and originality of travel opportunities make our country rather exceptional in comparison with many other countries. The availability of beaches, sun, sea, spa resorts, winter activities, and other types of recreation are evidence of that. The government is pursuing a long-term and sustainable tourism policy to achieve successful results and beat the competition. It is also important to pay serious attention to issues such as security, quality of service, attractions, prices, and so on. One of the key factors in turning Azerbaijan into a globally attractive travel destination is the training of qualified personnel. The number of competent, knowledgeable, and experienced people working in the tourism sector must increase. It is also necessary to make use of the experience of the world's leading countries and to enact proper advertising.
In November 2015, parliamentary elections took place in Azerbaijan with high voter turnout. What will this election do to usher in new opportunities to the people of Azerbaijan in the future and what are the expectations of AtaHolding in 2016?
The parliamentary election held in Azerbaijan in November 2015 was held in a situation of complete democracy, transparency, and fairness, which demonstrated the position of our society, citizens, and voters. It showed that Azerbaijan's choice of secular and independent development was correct. The election symbolizes a victory of our democracy and law-governed state. Voter turnout was high and international observers also expressed their satisfaction. I am confident that the new parliament will work tirelessly to secure comprehensive development of our country, including the adoption of laws that would facilitate economic reforms. The most important aspect of the parliament's work for entrepreneurs is the adoption of regulatory acts that will secure the interests of business people. I have great hopes for the realization of our plans and expectations in the years to come.
AtaHolding provides support for the development of sport in Azerbaijan. What impact will the Formula One Grand Prix have on the country's further development?
AtaHolding is proud to contribute to the development of sport in Azerbaijan. At present, we are the main sponsor of the International Wrestling Federation. The athletes representing the AtaSport club have won numerous medals in Olympic Games, world, and European championships in wrestling and other sports. We are committed to continuing our support for the national development of sport. The fact that Azerbaijan has been honored to host the prestigious Formula One event represents recognition of the country's outstanding track record in hosting such competitions. In general, all spheres of sport have seen impressive growth in Azerbaijan in recent years. In 2015, Baku hosted the inaugural European Games at the highest possible level. The work carried out in the country in anticipation of the European Games, as well as the entirely new sporting infrastructure built specifically for the Games, left many visitors from Europe and the world awestruck. Our country has accumulated extensive experience, competence, professionalism, and a strong reputation for conducting such high-profile events. Therefore, the Formula One European Grand Prix will certainly attract the attention of the world. People watching the competition around the world and visitors of Azerbaijan will see the beauty of our city with their own eyes. This is an excellent opportunity for promoting Baku to the world. Formula One is also the most watched sporting event in the world and about 11,000 foreign fans and tourists are expected to come to Baku to watch the competition, which is also an important factor.
GETTING IT DONE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Year In Review
Good Times Ahead
<strong></strong><strong>In a year dominated by the overarching theme of low hydrocarbons prices, Azerbaijan showed resilience and verve in putting in place bold measures both to counter the slump in energy prices and put its economy on a surer footing.</strong>
read articleReview: Diplomacy
Operation Outreach
In 2015, Azerbaijan's military budget increased by a notable 27%, to $4.8 billion, or 17.9% of the government's total budget for the year. The first Azerbaijan Defence Exhibition (ADEX 2014), drew over 200 companies from 34 countries, including Russia and the US.
read articleInterview
Rufat Mammadov, President, Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion Foundation (AZPROMO)
TBY talks to Rufat Mammadov, President of the Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion Foundation (AZPROMO), on large-scale events and their ability to attract FDI and the potential Iran may hold.
read articleReview: Banking
More Interest
In a sector faced with relatively flat growth for 2015-16, new opportunities are still there aplenty, led by the nascent Islamic banking sector, e-banking, and microfinance initiatives. Together, these areas should make banking more diversified and less reliant on a buoyant energy sector for its capital inlay.
read articleReview: Capital Markets
Taking Stock
As Azerbaijan grapples with the knock-on effects of low hydrocarbon prices, the Baku Stock Exchange (BSE) finds itself at the center of the country's efforts to stave off a budget deficit this year. In January, the government announced plans to sell $500 million worth of bonds on the BSE.
read articleReview: Industry & Mining
In The Bag
Industry in Azerbaijan is long established, diversified, and, in many areas, fast growing. Together, these qualities make the sector well placed to see through the global slump in commodity prices, while at home, the manufacturing industry continues to find ways to use its hydrocarbons expertise in other fields, including high technologies and research.
read articleInterview
Khanlar Fatiyev, , Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Ganja Automobile Plant Production Association
TBY talks to Khanlar Fatiyev, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Ganja Automobile Plant Production Association, on the role of the plant in driving growth in the non-oil sector.
read articleReview: Transport
The New Node
With major new railways linking the region, the opening of the new Baku International Sea Trade Port Complex, the completion of a massive program of road building and upgrading, investment in state-of-the-art fleets ranging from Boeing 787s to rail locomotives, Azerbaijan can rightly claim the title as the Caucasus' transportation hub.
read articleReview: Agriculture
Lots More
Farms across the country are pursuing a policy of increased yields for year-round fruit and in the wheat harvest to stave off an over-reliance on imports. With carefully targeted increases in exports, better routes to port and to market, and greater sophistication of agricultural facilities, farming could soon be the morning star of Azerbaijan's diversified economy.
read articleReview: Health
Under One Umbrella
Life expectancy at birth (2015) is 75 years for women and 70 for men. The median age is 30. For both sexes, longevity increased by six years between 2000 and 2012. Azerbaijan is a relatively youthful country—an important factor in healthcare—with 22% of its populace aged under 15 and just 9% aged over 60.
read articleReview: Education
Baku to School
Azerbaijan's culture has always harbored a deep respect for educational values. This is embodied in the country's Azerbaijan 2020 mission statement, which seeks to raise standards across the sector and introduce ICT as a standard part of the learning experience at all levels.
read articleInterview
Elkhan Mammadov,, Secretary General, Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan (AFFA)
TBY talks to Elkhan Mammadov, Secretary General of the Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan (AFFA), on the experience Azerbaijan is gaining in hosting international events.
read article