AmCham SD & CI, Legal & Compliance, and Innovation & Digital Economy Committees’ joint meeting on “Responsible and Ethical Adoption of AI in Business"

On November 13, 2025, the AmCham Sustainable Development & Corporate Impact, Legal & Compliance, and Innovation & Digital Economy Committees held a joint meeting on “Responsible and Ethical Adoption of AI in Business.” The event brought together experts, committee members, and representatives of leading companies to discuss how Artificial Intelligence is reshaping corporate practices, governance standards, and long-term strategic planning.Guest Speaker of the meeting was Dr. Rena Alasgarova, Adjunct Instructor at ADA University and Deputy Head of Secondary Academics at Baku Oxford School, a researcher and AI advocate focusing on the intersection of education, technology, and governance. In her presentation, Dr. Rena outlined how AI technologies are increasingly strengthening operational efficiency, improving profitability, and enabling more informed decision-making across industries. She emphasized that while these advancements create significant value for businesses, they also introduce a range of emerging risks—from algorithmic bias and data privacy concerns to cybersecurity vulnerabilities and uncertainties within evolving global regulatory frameworks.Dr. Rena also discussed the Azerbaijan Artificial Intelligence Strategy, explaining how it can guide local companies in adopting AI responsibly and sustainably. She stressed that, if applied correctly, these frameworks can help organizations avoid compliance pitfalls, mitigate reputational risks, and build a culture of ethical innovation.The session provided valuable insights for business leaders, offering a clear understanding of how global best practices can be translated into practical steps that strengthen innovation, competitiveness, and long-term trust.Following the keynote presentation, an engaging panel discussion was held with the participation of Bahar Kavuzova, Deputy Chairperson of the Legal & Compliance Committee; Arzu Huseynova, Deputy Chairperson of the Innovation & Digital Economy Committee; and Aynura Ismayilzade, Director of Compliance and AML at PASHA Bank. The panelists shared their professional perspectives on AI adoption within their sectors, touching on compliance readiness, ethical governance challenges, and the organizational shifts required to fully embrace AI-driven technologies.The meeting concluded with an interactive Q&A session, where participants actively engaged with the speaker and panelists, raising practical questions and discussing real cases related to the responsible integration of AI in business environments.

AmCham President Attends High-Level Business Meetings in Oman and Kuwait

On October 8–9, 2025, the President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Azerbaijan (AmCham) and Deputy CEO of PASHA Holding, Mr. Dayanat Sadullayev, participated in a series of high-level business meetings held in Muscat, Oman and Kuwait City, Kuwait, alongside the official delegation led by Mr. Mikayil Jabbarov, Minister of Economy of the Republic of Azerbaijan.The Oman–Azerbaijan Roundtable Discussion, held on October 8 at the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, gathered government officials and business representatives to explore opportunities for enhancing trade, investment, and industrial cooperation between the two nations. The event featured remarks by H.E. Qais Al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion of Oman; H.E. Mr. Mikayil Jabbarov; and H.E. Sheikh Faisal Abdullah Al Rawas, Chairman of the OCCIOn October 9, the Azerbaijani delegation continued its mission in Kuwait, where the Kuwait–Azerbaijan Roundtable Discussion was held at the Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The event brought together business leaders from both countries to discuss avenues for expanding bilateral partnerships and investment cooperationRepresenting PASHA Holding, Mr. Sadullayev participated in bilateral meetings with senior government and private sector representatives, highlighting the company’s strategic vision for expanding international partnerships and exploring new avenues for investment cooperation between Azerbaijan and the Gulf region. 

AmCham Azerbaijan hosted its First Conference on Innovations and Artificial Intelligence supported by – Bakcell

On October 2, 2025, the American Chamber of Commerce in Azerbaijan (AmCham Azerbaijan) convened the landmark Conference on Innovations and Artificial Intelligence, proudly supported by Bakcell. The conference gathered senior government officials, global and local business leaders, and AI experts to explore how artificial intelligence is shaping industries and driving sustainable innovation in anticipation of Azerbaijan’s evolving economic agenda.Opening the conference, Ms. Ana Nakashidze, Chairperson of AmCham Innovation and Digital Economy Committee, underscored the pivotal role of digital infrastructure and connectivity in unlocking the full potential of artificial intelligence. She emphasized that a strong, modern telecommunications backbone is the foundation on which innovation can thrive, enabling businesses, institutions, and individuals to adopt AI-powered solutions seamlessly. Ms. Ana also noted that the conference represents an important milestone in bringing together government, business, and technology leaders to ensure that Azerbaijan is not only a consumer of innovation but also a creator of cutting-edge solutions.Following Ms Ana, Mr. Dayanat Sadullayev, President of AmCham Azerbaijan, welcomed participants, emphasizing the country’s commitment to technological progress. He noted: “AI is no longer just a concept—it is shaping industries, redefining business models, and transforming societies. Azerbaijan business community must not only keep pace but also play an active role in this transformation.” Mr. Sadullayev highlighted the role of the conference as more than a dialogue platform, describing it as “a catalyst for shaping the future of our economy and society.” He also noted that, based on the outcomes of the conference, AmCham would consider incorporating discussions on AI and innovation into its White Paper, translating them into actionable recommendations for policymakers and the private sector. Furthermore, Mr. Sadullayev expressed his gratitude to Bakcell, the conference’s supporter and sponsor, and to all partners, panelists, and members who share AmCham’s vision of building a future-ready local business community. The first panel, “The Azerbaijani AI Story – Local Pioneers Driving Innovation,” was moderated by AmCham Marketing, Communications & Business DevelopmenT Committee Chair Ms. Aysel Suleymanova, who noted that AI in Azerbaijan is no longer a distant vision but already producing real results across industries. Panelists shared their experiences of developing and implementing AI-driven projects. Starting the discussion, Mr. Anton Aristov, Managing Director & Partner at BCG, shared insights on Caspian AI Institute’s role in knowledge transfer and ecosystem development. As the conversation progressed, Mr. Fariz Jafarov, Executive Director of the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) Azerbaijan, outlined the center’s efforts to align local AI development with international best practices and policies. Afterwards,Mr. Klaus Mueller, CEO of Bakcell, spoke about integrating AI into telecom services to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency. Building on these perspectives, Mr. Kanan Tabasaransky, Founder of Smart Solutions Group, discussed applying AI in business solutions and start-up ecosystems. Completing the views, Mr. Kanan Aliyev, Director of Reservoir Management at GL Group, demonstrated how AI can optimize processes in oil and gas, particularly in brownfield development. The panel showcased how national vision, private initiative, and international expertise are working hand in hand to advance Azerbaijan’s AI journey. The first panel underscored that Azerbaijan’s AI ecosystem is already producing tangible results and that future progress will depend on strengthening collaboration between national strategy, private sector leadership, and global expertise.The program then moved to a thought-provoking fireside chat with Mr. Klaus Mueller, CEO of Bakcell, and Ms. Tugra Musayeva, Head of Innovations at PASHA Holding, during which the speakers discussed the impact of innovations and AI on Azerbaijan’s digital landscape. The discussion emphasized the need for robust digital infrastructure, cross-sector collaboration, and forward-looking policies to accelerate the country’s transformation into a technology-driven economyThe second panel, “Global Trends & Innovation – Charting the Future,” was moderated by CEO of Neurotime Mr. Vugar Javadov, who framed the discussion by noting that Azerbaijan’s path to digital transformation cannot be isolated from global shifts. The panel addressed how the accelerating pace of technological change is reshaping industries worldwide. Starting the panel, Mr. Rahat Dewan, Co-Founder of AAJIL Saudi Arabia, spoke about the “tech tsunami” and its power to disrupt business models. Following him, Mr. Tural Mammadov, Chief Information Security Officer at SSSCIS, warned of rising risks in AI-powered cybercrime, from voice cloning to deepfakes, and the importance of building resilience. The discussion continued with Mr. Valeh Nabiyev, Chief Data Officer at PASHA Holding, stressing the significance of responsible AI governance and building trust at scale. Thereafter, Mr. Babek Aghayev, Deputy CEO of PRODATA, discussed how geopolitical fragmentation and supply chain vulnerabilities affect technological cooperation. Finalizing the discussions, Ms. Julia Bogdanovskaya, Principal at BCG, reflected on the geopolitical implications of generative AI for Azerbaijan and neighbouring countries. The discussion emphasized that while opportunities are vast, businesses and policymakers alike must cultivate adaptability, resilience, and responsible governance to harness innovation in a way that ensures security, stability, and competitiveness.The conference was concluded by AmCham Board Member Mr. Babek Aghayev who underlined that building an innovation-driven economy powered by AI requires joint efforts to ensure responsible adoption and long-term value creation.Throughout the conference, speakers emphasized the need for joint action, innovation-driven governance, and cross-industry collaboration to maximize AI’s transformative potential. The conference reaffirmed AmCham Azerbaijan’s commitment to providing platforms that strengthen dialogue, drive innovation, and prepare the country’s business environment for the opportunities and challenges of the future.The event’s exceptional success was made possible through, the valued support and sponsorship of Bakcell, whose collaboration was instrumental in organizing such a meaningful and impactful conference.Click for all the media from the eventClick for the highlights from the event

AmCham Members' May Luncheon

On May 22, 2025, the American Chamber of Commerce in Azerbaijan (AmCham) hosted its esteemed May Luncheon, welcoming prominent speakers from GL Group. Mr. Asif Zeynalov, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Advisory Board, was joined by fellow members of the GL Group executive leadership team. The event convened an audience of distinguished business leaders, diplomats, and AmCham members.The luncheon was officially opened by Ms. Gulnara Aslanbayli, Executive Director of AmCham Azerbaijan, who warmly welcomed attendees and highlighted the Chamber’s active role in advocacy. Mr. Oscar Bogopolski, AmCham Board Member, then addressed the audience, extending a warm welcome to guests and expressing gratitude to Mr. Zeynalov and the GL Group team. He emphasized the importance of such events in fostering collaboration among key stakeholders and driving meaningful progress.The presentation of GL Group was opened by Mr. Ilgar Ibrahimli, Group Vice-President for External Affairs and Communications, who introduced the company’s key areas of activity. Following this, Mr. Asif Zeynalov, GL Group’s Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Advisory Board, delivered a keynote speech as the event’s Guest of Honour. He shared the story of GL Group’s evolution from a bold idea to an internationally operating group of energy companies. Mr. Gilbert Beuhler, Group Senior Vice-President for Technical Functions and International Operations, also highlighted GL Group’s technological ambition and operational excellence in a dedicated presentation. The luncheon also featured presentations by new AmCham members, including AWE Consulting, AWARA IT, and Train Brain Center, offering them an opportunity to showcase their services and foster new collaborations within the business community.A highlight of the event was the special recognition awarded to GL Group and iTech Group, presented by Mr. Zaur Karimov, Deputy Director of AmCham Azerbaijan. Both organizations will be featured as case studies in the Essentials of Modern Marketing – Azerbaijan Edition, published by Kotler Impact, founded by renowned marketing expert Professor Philip Kotler.The event concluded with a networking lunch, allowing participants to exchange ideas, explore partnerships, and strengthen professional connections.

AmCham Members' April Luncheon

On April 24, 2025, the American Chamber of Commerce in Azerbaijan (AmCham) hosted its highly anticipated April Luncheon, featuring Mr. Jalal Gasimov, CEO of PASHA Holding, as the distinguished guest speaker. The event brought together prominent business leaders, diplomats, and AmCham members.The event was opened by Ms. Gulnara Aslanbayli, Executive Director of AmCham Azerbaijan, who warmly welcomed the guests and highlighted the Chamber’s ongoing advocacy efforts. She underscored the progress of the White Paper 2025, which has already received nearly 130 recommendations from members. Ms. Aslanbayli also emphasized AmCham’s continued commitment to organizing impactful events, including two major conferences focused on the Digital Economy and Tax.Mr. Dayanat Sadullayev, President of AmCham Azerbaijan, extended a warm welcome to all guests and conveyed his sincere thanks to Mr. Jalal Gasimov for joining the event. He stressed that such events are essential for fostering collaboration among stakeholders and driving progress. By bringing together key players from various sectors, these gatherings create opportunities for knowledge sharing and collective action, further advancing Azerbaijan’s business landscape.Mr. Jalal Gasimov delivered a detailed presentation highlighting PASHA Holding’s significant contributions to Azerbaijan’s economy across various sectors, including finance, real estate, hospitality, retail, and more. With a workforce exceeding 22,000 employees, PASHA Holding remains a key driver of employment and economic growth in the countryMr. Gasimov also highlighted the company’s dedication to fostering human capital development, elaborating on PASHA Holding’s various leadership initiatives. These efforts reflect the company’s commitment to empowering the next generation of Azerbaijani leaders.A key focus of Mr. Gasimov’s address was innovation. He showcased PASHA Holding’s initiatives such as Inmerge Innovation Summit, the Caucasus and Inmerge VC fund, and the Cybersecurity Center, which exemplify the company’s commitment to advancing innovationecosystem in Azerbaijan and other countries of operation. Mr.Gasimov also talked about newly established PASHA Innovation company, which aims to drive innovation across the country, address the evolving needs of our assets, as well as of the population, and ultimately enhance the well-being of Azerbaijani citizens.Additionally, Mr. Gasimov reaffirmed PASHA Holding’s steadfast commitment to the country’s development. He highlighted that the company’s CSR strategy focuses on impactful initiatives in education, public health, and women’s empowerment—including a merit-based scholarship program that has supported over 350 students from more than 10 universities over the past three years. A central pillar of their current CSR vision is the revival of Karabakh, underscoring their dedication to social development and national progress.The event continued with AmCham’s traditional luncheon presentations, providing a platform for both new and long-standing members to showcase their contributions and expertise. Deloitte Azerbaijan introduced its "Best Managed Companies" program, recognizing top privately owned Azerbaijani businesses for excellence in governance, operations, and leadership. ADA Primary School also took the stage to discuss the importance of educational initiatives in shaping future leaders.The event concluded with a networking lunch, offering participants an opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions, explore potential partnerships, and strengthen connections within the business community.AmCham Azerbaijan remains committed to facilitating opportunities for productive engagement between the government and private sector. Events like this luncheon continue to demonstrate the Chamber’s role in fostering dialogue, collaboration, and innovation across industries.

AmCham Cocktail Reception on Nowruz Celebration

On March 19, 2025, AmCham Azerbaijan hosted an unforgettable Cocktail Reception to celebrate the vibrant and joyous occasion of Nowruz. This annual gathering brought together the esteemed CEOs, executives, and associates from AmCham member companies, along with board members and committee chairpersons, creating a dynamic atmosphere of unity and celebration.AmCham Azerbaijan’s Operations Director, Mr. Zaur Karimov, officially opened the event, greeting guests with warmth and enthusiasm. In his speech, he highlighted the rich cultural importance of Nowruz in Azerbaijan and assured everyone that the evening would be filled with captivating entertainment and unforgettable moments, promising a celebration to remember.President of AmCham Azerbaijan, Mr. Dayanat Sadullayev, addressed the guests with heartfelt congratulations on the occasion of Nowruz. His words resonated with the spirit of the season, as he expressed his excitement for the arrival of spring and the renewed energy it brings.A particularly poignant moment of the evening was the heartfelt presentation of thank-you plaques, honoring the exceptional contributions made to the committee's activities. These prestigious plaques were presented to Ms. Fidan Tofidi, Deputy Chairperson of the Sustainable Development & Corporate Impact Committee, and Mr. Turkhan Ahmadov, Deputy Chairperson of the AmCham Marketing, Communication, and Business Development Committee, in deep recognition of their unwavering dedication, tireless efforts, and remarkable leadership.The evening continued with a delightful array of traditional performances, including mesmerizing rhythms from national drum instruments, captivating dance music, and a lively DJ show that kept the festive spirit high.A particularly exciting highlight of the event was the special lottery. This year, AmCham Azerbaijan hosted two separate lotteries: one exclusively for committee chairs and another open to all guests. Lucky winners had the opportunity to win exclusive prizes, generously provided by AmCham Azerbaijan.The Cocktail Reception was a true celebration of Azerbaijan’s rich cultural heritage and the promise of a bright and prosperous year ahead. It was an evening full of warmth, laughter, and shared joy, leaving all who attended with cherished memories of a remarkable Nowruz celebration.Click for all the media from the eventClick for the highlights from the event

AmCham Members’ March Luncheon

On March 4, 2025, the American Chamber of Commerce in Azerbaijan (AmCham Azerbaijan) held its monthly Members’ Luncheon, bringing together esteemed guests, ambassadors, and business leaders. The event featured The Honorable Guest Speaker, Mr. Rahman Hajiyev, Chairman of the Executive Board of the Karabakh Revival Fund.The event commenced with a warm welcome from Mr. Zaur Karimov, Deputy Director of AmCham Azerbaijan, who extended his best wishes for the upcoming Novruz holiday and expressed appreciation for the contributions of AmCham members. In his remarks, Mr. Karimov provided an overview of the Chamber’s ongoing activities and key initiatives, including the development of the AmCham White Paper 2025. He encouraged members to actively participate in shaping policy recommendations, reinforcing AmCham’s commitment to fostering a dynamic and business-friendly environment. Additionally, he highlighted the Chamber’s continuous growth by announcing upcoming events and welcoming new members, further strengthening AmCham’s expanding network and influence.Afterward, AmCham Azerbaijan President, Mr. Dayanat Sadullayev, warmly welcomed the audience and the distinguished guest speaker at the Luncheon, expressing his sincere appreciation for their valuable collaboration. He highlighted the importance of Karabakh’s reconstruction and sustainable development, calling it one of the most transformative initiatives in Azerbaijan’s modern history. Mr. Sadullayev reaffirmed AmCham’s commitment to driving economic growth and social progress by promoting investment, technological innovation, and expertise in the region.Mr. Dayanat Sadullayev underscored the unique opportunities Karabakh’s recovery presents for collaboration between the public and private sectors, both locally and internationally. He also highlighted AmCham’s longstanding engagement with the Karabakh Revival Foundation, noting that AmCham was the first business association to visit Aghdam following its liberation. Through this collaboration, members have gained firsthand insights into various restoration projects. Mr. Rahman Hajiyev expressed his gratitude to AmCham members and guests, outlining the strategic priorities of the Karabakh Revival Fund. He detailed key areas of focus, including infrastructure development, economic revitalization, and community rebuilding efforts. Additionally, he highlighted several successfully completed projects that have laid the groundwork for long-term sustainable growth in the region.The discussion underscored Karabakh’s potential as a new investment hub, with promising opportunities in agribusiness, tourism, renewable energy, and technology. The Fund remains committed to attracting both local and international investors to accelerate the region’s development. Recognizing the vital role of collective efforts, Mr. Hajiyev emphasized the importance of strengthening public-private partnerships and fostering philanthropy to support infrastructure projects, education, and social initiatives. He called on businesses, investors, and stakeholders to unite in rebuilding Karabakh and advancing its sustainable growth.At the conclusion of the luncheon, Mr. Dayanat Saddulayev expressed his sincere appreciation to Mr. Rahman Hajiyev and all participants for their engagement in the event.The luncheon also included a special photo exhibition titled “From Tragedy to Victory,” highlighting the restoration and reconstruction efforts in the liberated territories.AmCham Azerbaijan continues to serve as a leading platform for dialogue and collaboration, supporting initiatives that drive economic resilience and long-term prosperity. This event reaffirmed AmCham’s commitment to fostering investment, innovation, and sustainable business practices in Karabakh and beyond.Click for all the media from the eventClick for the highlights from the event

AmCham Azerbaijan Successfully Hosted the 5th Annual Ethics and Compliance Conference

AmCham Azerbaijan successfully hosted the 5th Annual Conference on “Ethics and Compliance in Azerbaijan” on February 25, 2025. With the generous support of bp and NEQSOL Holding, the event brought together key business leaders, government officials, and compliance professionals to discuss corporate ethics, transparency, and regulatory compliance.The conference commenced with opening remarks by Ms. Sharaf Asgarova, Chairperson of the AmCham Legal & Compliance Committee, who welcomed the audience and set the stage for an engaging and insightful discussion. She briefly outlined the committee’s recent activities and future plans, emphasizing its ongoing efforts to support AmCham members in navigating regulatory challenges, fostering ethical business practices, and strengthening compliance frameworks. Encouraging active participation, she called on attendees to share insights, challenge conventional thinking, and contribute to shaping a more transparent business environment in Azerbaijan. She passed the floor to the President of AmCham Azerbaijan. Mr. Dayanat Sadullayev, President of AmCham Azerbaijan, highlighted the growing relevance of ethics and compliance in today’s business climate. He reaffirmed AmCham’s commitment to integrity, accountability, and transparency, guided by its Code of Ethics, and expressed appreciation to government representatives and corporate sponsors for their role in advancing ethical business practices.Following this, Mr. Elvin Hatamzade, Advisor to the Minister of Justice of Azerbaijan, discussed the government’s ongoing initiatives to strengthen the regulatory framework and promote corporate responsibility. He emphasized collaboration between public and private sectors as key to ensuring compliance and transparency.Throughout the event, three engaging panel discussions took place, addressing crucial topics in compliance and business ethics.The first panel addressed conflicts of interest in business, focusing on identifying and managing them, understanding their legal and ethical implications, and implementing best practices for effective policies and procedures. The panel also highlighted relevant case studies and practical solutions. The session featured notable industry leaders: Mr. Bakhtiyar Aslanbayli, Vice President of BP Caspian Region; Mr. Toghrul Ahmadov, Chief Legal Officer at NEQSOL Holding; Mr. Edward R. Kempson, Partner at Latham & Watkins; Ms. Shirin Aliyeva, Chief Legal & Data Strategy Officer at Azercell; Mr. Vugar Novruzov, Head of Compliance at AZAL; Ms. Ilaria Filippi, Anti-Bribery & Data Privacy Leader at Baker Hughes. The session was moderated by Ms. Leyla Shahingoz, Deputy Chairperson of AmCham Legal & Compliance Committee.The second panel session explored the evolving landscape of AML compliance, focusing on Azerbaijan’s regulatory framework, cross-industry compliance strategies, real-life examples of effective AML programs, and anticipated future developments in AML regulations.The discussion showcased insights from leading industry experts: Mr. Nurlan Babayev, Director at the Financial Monitoring Service of Azerbaijan; Ms. Almaz Musayeva, Director of Compliance Department at BirBank; Ms. Amina Bakhshiyeva, Legal Director at Deloitte Azerbaijan; Mr. Joydeep Sengupta, Partner and Head of Global Compliance and Investigations at Dentons Paris; Mr. Mazahir Dadashov, Director of Financial Monitoring and Compliance Department at ABB. The session was skillfully moderated by Ms. Sharaf Asgarova, Chairperson of AmCham Legal & Compliance Committee.The final panel focused on public procurement challenges and best practices, covering key topics such as an overview of public procurement regulations in Azerbaijan, ensuring transparency and fairness, addressing compliance challenges, and examining case studies of successful procurement projects.The session featured insights from esteemed speakers, including: Mr. Ahmad Hasanov, Director of the Department of Public Procurement Control at the State Service for Antimonopoly and Consumer Market Supervision under the President of Azerbaijan; Mr. Kanan Tabasaransky, CEO of Smart Solutions Group; Mr. Mammad Balajanov, Head of Law Services at EY; Mr. Ayaz Mirzazada, Director of the Legal & Organizational Affairs Department at the Central Bank of Azerbaijan. The session was moderated by Mr. Fuad Gashamov, Deputy Chairperson of AmCham Legal & Compliance Committee.The conference concluded with remarks by Mr. Zaur Allahverdizade, First Vice-President of AmCham Azerbaijan, emphasizing the importance of ethical business practices and regulatory compliance. AmCham Azerbaijan expressed gratitude to bp and NEQSOL Holding for their support, reaffirming their commitment to fostering transparency and ethical business standards in Azerbaijan.Click for all the media from the eventClick for the highlights from the event

President of AmCham Azerbaijan honored with “Active Contributor” Certificate at the “Tax Service - 25” Forum

On February 13, 2025, Mr. Dayanat Sadullayev, President of AmCham Azerbaijan, Deputy CEO, and Executive Board Member at PASHA Holding LLC, was awarded the “Active Contributor” (“Fəal İanəçi”) certificate at a forum organized by the Ministry of Economy. The forum, titled “Tax Service - 25: Sustainable Development and Effective Transformation,” was attended by leadership from the Ministry of Economy and the State Tax Service, as well as representatives from state institutions, members of parliament, public organizations supporting entrepreneurs, experts, and business leaders.The forum highlighted the crucial role of tax authorities in economic regulation, the importance of tax reforms in strengthening public-private partnerships, and their impact on creating a more favorable business environment. It also discussed the transformation of the tax system, digital innovations, and the benefits of fostering transparency and efficient cooperation to support the growth of the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

17th Annual AmCham Black & White Ball

On December 14, 2024, the American Chamber of Commerce of Azerbaijan (AmCham Azerbaijan) hosted its 17th Annual Black & White Ball at the stunning Buta Palace. This signature event, a highlight of AmCham’s social calendar, brought together over 500 distinguished guests, including business leaders, and government official, in an atmosphere of elegance, camaraderie, and celebration.This year’s theme, “Under the Moonlight,” set the stage for a night of magic and sophistication. The festivities commenced with a stylish cocktail reception, followed by captivating live performances, dazzling entertainment, and thrilling surprise acts. Guests enjoyed a gourmet dining experience paired with unlimited drinks, all while basking in an atmosphere inspired by the timeless energy of Michael Jackson.The event opened with welcoming remarks from Mr. Dayanat Sadullayev, President of AmCham Azerbaijan, and H.E. Mr. Mark Libby, Ambassador of the United States to Azerbaijan. In his address, Mr. Sadullayev highlighted the significance of the Black & White Ball in celebrating AmCham’s achievements and fostering unity among its members. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Chamber’s members for their unwavering commitment and collaborative efforts.H.E. Mark Libby, in his remarks, acknowledged AmCham’s vital role in strengthening economic ties between the United States and Azerbaijan, emphasizing the Chamber’s contributions to fostering bilateral relations.Following the opening speeches, representatives of the event's major sponsors took the stage to share their support and remarks:BP – Mr. Matt Kirkham, Vice PresidentProcter & Gamble – Mr. Irakli Gabriadze, General ManagerMcDonald’s – Mr. Oscar Bogopolski, CEOPASHA Real Estate – Mr. Levent Kirazoglu, CFOAWE Consulting – Ms. Elmira Javadova, Regional DirectorFarchitects LLC – Mr. Farid Safquliyev, CEOA highlight of the evening was the ceremonial cake-cutting led by Mr. Sadullayev and H.E. Libby, symbolizing unity and celebration. Adding to the excitement, raffle prizes and awards honored exceptional achievements, while a live music and DJ kept the dance floor alive well into the night. This year, every ticket wins! The excitement peaked with a thrilling raffle draw, featuring exclusive prizes such as an iPhone 15+, Apple Watch, luxury weekend stays at prestigious hotels, and more. The grand prize—a round-trip ticket to Europe—added an extra layer of thrill. Guests can check their prizes through this link and collect them from the AmCham office, presenting the winning ticket as proof.The success of the 17th Annual Black & White Ball was made possible by the generous support of our valued members:Platinum sponsors: Azer-Turk Bank, BP, McDonald's,  PASHA Real Estate, P&G , AWE Consulting,  Kotler Impact; Gold sponsor: FARCHITECTS ;Silver sponsors: EXXON AZERBAIJAN LIMITED ;Bronze sponsors: PASHA Life, Landmark,Other sponsors: RESM, Absheron Hotel Group, Bloom Group, Bridge Group of Companies, Bakcell, Carlsberg, Coca-Cola, Fairmont Hotel Flame Towers, Four Seasons Hotel Baku, Hilton Garden Inn, Hillside, Hyatt Regency,  JW Marriott Absheron Baku, Mody's Baku, The Ritz Carlton.We extend our heartfelt appreciation to each sponsor for their unwavering support, which played a pivotal role in the event’s success.The 17th Annual Black & White Ball was truly a night to remember—a celebration of unity, achievement, and shared success that underscored AmCham’s dedication to fostering collaboration and growth in Azerbaijan.Click for all the media from the eventClick for the highlights from the event