An information session and discussions were held at the Ministry of Economy during the meeting of the sub-working groups on economic growth and sustainable settlement regarding the main directions of the new socio-economic development Strategy and the Second State Program on the Great Return.

The first meeting of the sub-working groups on "Economic Growth" and "Integration of the Economy of Areas for Sustainable Settlement into Local and Foreign Value Chains" was held at the Ministry of Economy. The event was attended by senior officials of the Ministry of Economy and relevant state institutions.

At the meeting, Minister of Economy and head of the sub-working groups, Mikayil Jabbarov, provided information on the implementation of the 2022–2026 Socio-Economic Development Strategy, carried out based on the National Priorities, as well as the First State Program on the Great Return to the liberated territories.

It was noted that by the end of 2024, the implementation level of the measures envisaged under the Strategy had reached 78%. As a result of the Strategy's implementation, from 2022 to 2024, the non-oil and gas sector’s GDP increased by an average of 6.6% annually, growing by a total of 1.2 times. While the share of the non-oil and gas sector in GDP was 61.6% in 2021, it rose to 67.8% in 2024.

In 2024, the implementation level of the First State Program on the Great Return reached 74%. In total, over 21 billion manats have been allocated for the restoration and reconstruction of the liberated territories. Two industrial parks comprising 55 enterprises have been established in the liberated areas. Incentives and exemptions are being applied to support businesses. Export of products manufactured by enterprises operating in the region has already begun.

At the event, information was provided about the priorities set out in the Social and Economic Development Strategy for 2027–2030, as well as the main directions of activity under the Second State Program on the Great Return. The importance of preparing effective mechanisms for economic diversification, active promotion of investments, private sector development, increasing business activity in the liberated territories, and improving the export-oriented growth model was emphasized.

Presentations were delivered and discussions were held regarding the activities of the sub-working groups.

The sub-working group on “Economic Growth” will ensure the preparation of the document related to the goals of the new strategy titled “Sustainable and High Economic Growth” and “Balanced Development of the Capital and Regions,” while the sub-working group on “Integration of the Economy of Resettled Areas into Local and Global Value Chains for Sustainable Settlement” will be responsible for implementing activities aimed at boosting economic activity in the liberated territories.