Investments in restoration of Karabakh, Eastern Zangazur to pay off in 5-12 years

Every manat invested in the restoration and reconstruction of Karabakh and Eastern Zangazur will be returned to the state budget over the next 5, 7, or 12 years, Azerbaijani Economy Minister Mikayil Jabbarov said in an interview with ITV and AZERTAC, Report informs.

He stated that the main condition for the successful return of the population is the economic sustainability of the regions.

"Economic sustainability means providing returning citizens-whether rural residents or farmers-with jobs and opportunities for economic activity. This should make the return process irreversible and sustainable," the minister noted.

Jabbarov stated that to achieve this goal, the economic specialization of each district in the liberated territories has been determined. Specifically, separate development strategies have been developed for different districts, such as Kalbajar, Lachin, Jabrayil, and Aghdam.

The minister recalled that two industrial parks have been established in the region: the Aghdam Industrial Park and the Araz Valley Economic Zone Industrial Park.

According to him, the performance of the Aghdam Industrial Park has exceeded expectations. Currently, 31 business entities have received resident status, another five companies have non-resident status, and 13 enterprises are already operating.

As for the Araz Valley Economic Zone Industrial Park, 20 residents and three non-residents are registered there.

"After the Sumgait Industrial Park, which is our largest and oldest industrial park, the Aghdam Industrial Park already ranks second in terms of the number of residents," the minister emphasized.

He also noted that the state is implementing infrastructure projects in the liberated territories based on the principle of accelerated development. He emphasized that the construction of roads, energy infrastructure, and social facilities for returning citizens is a long-term investment that will provide significant economic benefits in the future.