Registration in PADOR is obligatory for all applicants to Call for proposals. (non-state actors, public administration bodies including local authorities).

ABOUT PADOR

The Potential Applicant Data On-Line Registration (PADOR) is an on-line database in which organizations register themselves and update regularly their data.

This data concerns the organization itself, it is not linked to a particular project proposal, and is used by the European Commission for evaluating the operational and financial capacity criteria as well as for checking the eligibility of the organizations that participate in calls for proposals.

PADOR was launched by EuropeAid to: Make it no longer necessary for potential applicants to provide all the mandatory data concerning their organization together with their financing proposal each time they participate in a call. Applicants only need to indicate in their application forms their unique identification number, called EuropeAid ID (PADOR number), which is created after registering in PADOR.

Allow EuropeAid to have a better knowledge of its (potential) partners in development cooperation.

WHO REGISTER IN PADOR

Registration in the database is open, in principle, to all organizations that:

 are active and have capacities in the international development field;

 require financing from EuropeAid, either on the long or short run;

 have officially registered statuses (or equivalent documents) and have their own established -annual accounts; (in this case refer to section 2.2 of the guidelines you refer to identify possible derogations).

 have the ability to speak on behalf of their members.

NOTE: The leading applicant should care of forming a partnership with eligible organizations and ensure their collaboration from the very formulation phase.

WHEN REGISTER IN PADOR, ORGANISATION WILL

 Obtain an identification number (EuropeAid ID/PADOR number), that has to be inserted in the application form.

 Upload information to be taken into consideration by the Evaluation Committee of the Call for proposals they apply for (e.g. administrative and financial data)

 Make their existence known to the European Commission, but also to other organizations through the “search for local partners” tool.

Applicants must be registered in PADOR before the deadline for the submission of Concept Notes (specified in the guidelines of each Call for proposals).

Co-applicants and Affiliated Entities must be registered in PADOR before the deadline for the submission of Full Applications (specified in the guidelines of each Call for proposals). All the steps to follow to be registered in PADOR and get an EuropAid ID are explained in the PADOR help guide for applicant / co-applicant / affiliated entities downloadable form the EuropAid Website. PADOR also has an help desk which can support organisation to register or to recover their ID. The registration has be done once. However applicants should update their PADOR account (respecting the CfP deadline in case you are responding to a specific one).

It is important to remember that the Evaluation Committee in charge of each Call for proposals will only take into account the data that have been updated most recently.

IMPORTANT STEPS THAT ALLOWS THE REGISTRATION

 Registration to ECAS: PADOR is a database of organizations. Nevertheless the management of PADOR data within the organizations is done by individuals, who have to be identified with his/her own access rights. The ECAS (European Commission Authentication Service) registration is your data as an individual, not organization. Your ECAS account allows only for your identification as a user of the profile of your organization, which is in PADOR. Registration at ECAS is necessary to start the registration in PADOR.

 The LEF number: The LEF (Legal Entity File), is a set of financial information that an organization must provide. It contains all the administrative data permitting the organization’s identification (e.g. official name and address of the organization). The LEF must be compiled/updated as main step for registration in PADOR and grant application. If you are the main applicant and you have never signed a contract with the European Commission before, you must send a paper version of the LEF together with your project proposal.

At the meeting of the Working Groups №2 and №5 of the Belarusian National Platform of the Eastern Partnership (WG2 & WG5 meeting CSF EaP BNP), which took place on November 20, 2017 in the business-center of the RCP, coordinator of the PPD-network Natalia Harbuz made a presentation on the creation of an international consortium of the Eastern Partnership countries.

On November 17, 2017, in Republican Confederation of Entrepreneurship (Belarus), Minsk, with the participation of Vladimir Karyagin, Chairman, and Ilgar Huseynli, President of the Social Strategic Researches and Analytical Investigations Public Union (Azerbaijan), International Consortium Workshop was held.

The Skype format has traditionally been used to involve consortium members and experts from other countries.

During the meeting, the participants discussed a wide range of issues on the agenda, including the development of cooperation BMOs and PPD-network, preparations of Database of ideas for future projects on the base of RPP and others.

Finally, the participants recommended registering in PADOR to ensure a possibility to take part in calls of EU projects.

Natalia.harbuz@ppd-network.org

Newly established enterprises are facing diverse challenges in Georgia: fundraising, technical and entrepreneurial skills, customs, technologies, and more than these; they lack contacts and information. And additionally, there is no and ideal business environment and startup ecosystem, where any kind of startup could benefit.

Georgian Startups Association was founded on June 5, 2017 to address these challenges and make business environment friendlier for new enterprises. Georgian Startups Association’s mission is to develop entrepreneurship in Georgia by: Raising the culture of entrepreneurship, and especially, innovative entrepreneurship, among Georgian citizens with an accent to youth; uniting startup businesses to be stronger for overcoming challenges together; Improving business environment by working closely with the main actors of the economic policy.

On November 18, together with the partner company – Start—Business Solutions, Georgian Startups Association is organizing the largest Start-up expo in Georgia, where startup service and products providers will be presented.

FB: https://www.facebook.com/Georgianstartups/

Contact Person: Nana Tsertsvadze.

E-mail: nanatsertsvadze1981@gmail.com

At the Trade Panel of the Platform 2: ”Economic Integration and Convergence with EU Policies” the main topics discussed were in relation Market Surveillance as well as reform of systems of technical regulations and setting up related quality infrastructure with special focus on standardization.

Participants from EU and EaP countries provided their input on each session. First, representatives from the European Commission, DG GROW, Lithuania, Sweden, Germany explained the market surveillance in their country and technical cooperation with the countries of the Eastern Partnership. Secondly, the participants from Armenia, Belarus, Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova focused on the national reforms of systems of technical regulations.

Each country provided an update on latest developments in their country with specific focus on market surveillance activities. Countries which have started to implement the Association Agreement (including a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area), there are Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine, elaborated on the action plans for approximation.

Finally, the participants agreed that it would be advisable to invite representatives of customs authorities in the next 18 Trading Panel to ensure a fruitful and interactive meeting. Special thanks to Katja Modric Skrabalo, Policy Officer, EC, the Panel Coordinator, for invited of the participants from civil society. Civil Society Forum was represented by two members: Mr. Vladimir Karyagin (from Belarus) and Mr. Ilgar Huseynli (from Azerbaijan).

Natalia.harbuz@ppd-network.org

Презентация

Business Union of Entrepreneurs and Employers named after Professor Kouniavski, Estonian Association of SME's (EVEA) and GRTU Malta Chamber of SMEs present the internet platform for exchange of business opportunities. This B2B network is created under East Invest 2 project funded by the European Commission. It is a professional platform to help SMEs find trusted partners in the EU and 6 Eastern Partnership counties: Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, Belarus, Armenia and Azerbaijan.

The administration of this website is taken care of the Business Union of Entrepreneurs and Employers named after prof. Kouniavski (Belarus) – BSPN.BY

IMC Armenia (Institute of Management Consulting of Armenia) is non-profit organization, which is registered in 2011. The readiness of Armenian consultants meeting international professional standards to promote international best practices in Armenia triggered an active group of local consultants to unite their efforts in developing the Business Development Services market. IMC Armenia has official web site www.imc-armenia.org.

IMC Armenia mission is to promote excellence and ethics in management consulting in Armenia through continuous professional development, international certification, networking and raising value, quality and benefits to local and international clients. One of our primary goals is to obtain membership to the International Council of Management Consulting Institutes (ICMCI), enabling IMC Armenia to deliver the prestigious, internationally recognized Certified Management Consultant (CMC) accreditation.

We, representatives of the business communities of the Eastern Partnership countries, business associations, unions, organizations supporting small and medium-sized businesses, and other interested (hereinafter referred to as the "Parties") intend to contribute:

-strengthening of interregional relations at the level of small and medium-sized enterprises in the countries of the Eastern Partnership, -further development of public-private dialogue in their countries, -implementation of major targeted programs and projects to create a favorable economic environment and support for small and medium-sized enterprises.

To implement the tasks set, the Parties plan to establish an international consortium within the established competence.

The purpose of creating a consortium is: establishment of partnership relations and development of long-term, effective and mutually beneficial cooperation of the Consortium participants aimed at implementation and promotion of the Regional position paper "Strengthening Change and Growth". The parties intend to carry out cooperation on the basis of equality and partnership and sign an agreement on the creation of an international consortium. This Memorandum is a framework and does not impose financial and legal obligations on the Parties.

Jobs, Growth, Prosperity with SME focus for Ukraine

Peter Jungen, Cologne and Gunther Fehlinger, Kyiv

Small and medium Enterprises, SMEs are the engine of the European growth model. SMEs are the driver of innovation, fast in adopting new technologies and market and consumer demand. SMEs are committed to their region, employees and customers. Germany and Austria, especially during their reconstruction economic miracle, have cultivated and focused on SME and SME friendly policies and entrepreneurs and their SME Central European and South Eastern Europe has followed this growth model in the last 20 years very successful. Now we recommend this SME growth model for Ukraine.

It has worked in Central Europe and then in South Eastern Europe and will work in Eastern Europe as well. Ukraine is a major country but so is Poland and Romania and their SMEs have now grown to European dimension. This is the very idea. Allow companies to start small, support them and do not choice and pick and decide who will succeed but liberate them and let them grow and turn into global market leaders in particular sectors and niches. The aim is not to protect SMEs and not simple subsidizing small self-employed but to give them freedom for growth, freedom for innovation, freedom to adopt to technology change and digitalization and freedom from excessive and arbitrary taxation or overregulation and freedom from government intervention for friends and family close to power and state authorities.

Yes – SMEs need clear rules, based on European guidelines, implemented evenly and fairly for all. Central to European SME policy is European competition regulation, providing equal access to procurement and public information and avoiding nepotism, clientelism and collusion. The success of European SME policy in the new Central European EU member states has proven its relevance and capacity to initiate growth, jobs and prosperity fostering an emergent middle class of consumer, citizens and voters. And this matters for Ukraine now.

In the Regional Position Paper "Enhance change and growth" on SME Policy the associations from the Eastern Partnership countries took a critical look on the projects in different aspects. Are they relevant, efficient, well designed, well coordinated, well implemented and what could the business community do to improve them. The taxpayers money should be used efficiently.

The recommendations of the Regional Position Paper are a valuable source for project ideas. How to best use donor money to adress the priority issues raised by the business community and how to involve the business community through their representations (business associations) in the process.

Stakeholders of Public Private dialogue met for a first round table on October 25, 2017. Representatives of Business Membership Organizations from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine discussed how to increase the number of associations participating in the implementation of the Regional Position Paper “Enhancing change and growth” on SME policy.

More than 15 organizations joined the Consortium on October 26, 2017 by signing the Memorandum.

Innovative Platform for Transparent Borderless Business” successfully took place on 26-27 October in Tallinn. It showed the achievements of the partnership between the EU and the Eastern Partnership countries form the perspective of businesses and discussed on how to strengthen links between businesses from the EU and EaP countries.

The 565 participants came from different institutions, sectors and professions. Companies and experts from the field of IT and digital economy were the main target group of the event.

The President of the Republic of Estonia, Kersti Kaliulaid opened the Forum together with EU commissioner Johannes Hahn.

On 25-27 October Tallinn hosted the EaP Civil Society Conference and 9th EaP CSF Annual Assembly. The event attracted over 300 attendees, speakers and guests who attended more than 50 sessions of different formats focusing on the issues most topical for the civil society. For the first time this year, the Annual Assembly and the Civil Society Conference – conducted as a side event to the Eastern Partnership Summit on a biennial basis – were merged into one event with a common agenda. It was organised jointly by the EaP CSF and the Estonian Center of Eastern Partnership under the auspices of the Estonian Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

Co-Chair of the EaP CSF Steering Committee Hennadiy Maksak and Jaan Reinhold, Estonia's Ambassador-at-Large for the Eastern Partnership, opened the key EaP civil society event of the year held under the title Tangible Results for People: Envisioning the Eastern Partnership in 2020 and Beyond..

"Constructive engagement of civil society with governments at a grassroots, local, and national level is a vital part of democratic governance building. A vibrant civil society sector is furthermore crucial for private sector development, sustainable economic growth, successful environmental policies, and social innovation. High-quality sector reform dialogue can only be achieved through increased technical expertise and the stronger leadership of civil society organisations," stressed Jaan Reinhold.

The 4th OECD Eurasia week took place this week in Almaty. It was the first week outside of Paris and directly in one of the target countries of the activities.

For the Eastern Partnership countries the SME Policy Index is at the center of their interest and attention. It alows not only to measure progress in one country but also to compare with the situation and progress in the others. There were considerable efforts and improvements made in all 6 countries and the next round of assessments will start soon and this gives the opportunity to business associations to get involved.

After a first round table on October 25, 2017 with representatives of Business Membership Organizations from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine on closer cooperation on the further development of the Regional Position Paper “Enhancing change and growth” on SME policy and the first steps to guarantee the implementation of the recommendations made by the business community the memorandum of understanding was signed by 15 associations on October 26, 2017. The signatories reconfirmed Vladimir Karyagin as the speaker of the consortium and agreed to proceed with the necessary steps to enlarge the group of signatories, propose an efficient structure of the consortium and to coordinate the work of the stakeholders. The members intend to meet again in April 2018 to discuss the work done, approve the structure and hold general elections for all post within the consortium (Speaker, Advisory Board and Management board).

The EaP Business Consortium at the Business Forum in Tallinn - the Unique Opportunity to expand your contacts.

You can be a witness of how the participation in the project East Invest 2 led to the creation of an International Consortium. Learn more about the Consortium, it’s vision, mission, strategy and tasks.

More than 160 business associations and business support organizations of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine expressed their desire to continue cooperation on implementation of the joint projects in collaboration with European Commission and other donors.

Opening Note of our session by Mario Ohoven, President of CEA-PME.

Key Note by Vladimir Karyagin, Chairman of Presidium of the association of legal entities “Republican Confederation of Entrepreneurship”

At the end of session - the signing of the memorandum.

This is an excellent opportunity to get acquainted, to exchange business cards with active business people of the Eastern Partnership countries.

Your participation is important to us!

Registration is mandatory. To Register (26.10.2017) click the link https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScbILeuge9ePIwna-0VzUWRISVXeEAxNI5Kiw8bWagKQX_5xQ/viewform

and here (27.10.2017) https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf3iVfgBuaHIhh9g_vb2FvbyNU7F1UJa1xi-EhxxgCLv_iJRQ/viewform

Agenda you can find here https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B30g7JT-8wKdd0VWaWhvYlM0MEE

Naum Kats, the head of the company engaged in production consulting, shared his opinion about the Belarusian leaders and the level of their preparation:

"It's no secret that the success of any business largely depends on the ability of managers to transform their thinking into changing business conditions. Unfortunately, with this in our country there are problems. Not because our directors are bad. Most of our senior managers - conscientious and responsible leaders. Many simply do not know how to manage in a different way.

12/10/2017 Regular meeting of the consortium was held in Minsk in the business center at Prospect Zhukov, 44. During the meeting was planned to complete organizational issues to determine the mission of the consortium, the vision, the development of an organizational structure and an action plan.

For the Eastern Partnership countries in the field of Sustainable industrial processes plan grants competitions of the EU.

The budget of the competitions is 200 000 euros.

On October 10, Natalia Garbuz met with Zhanna Tarasevich in the Business Union of Entrepreneurs and Employers named after Professor Kunyavsky. During the meeting, the preparations for the business forum in Tallinn and its program were discussed. Also raised the issue of how to present a RPP to the greatest number of participants.

It was decided to hold a consortium meeting on 12.10.2017 at 18.00 in the RCP.

Naum Kats is a regular participant of East Invest II projects in Belarus. He is a vivid representative of the Belarusian business, combining the experience of the practice-producer and the knowledge of the analyst-expert. He has a Ph.D. in economic sciences, is a deputy chairman of the highest coordinating council of the Republican Confederation of Entrepreneurship, and also has a successful experience of practical business in business for more than 25 years.

On October, 03 was held the meeting at the Republican confederation of entrepreneurs. Vladimir Karyagin, Natallia Harbuz and 2 more representatives of the RCE attended this meeting. There was a discussion of the participation program in the Business Forum in Tallinn.

The participants discussed the possibility of presenting an international consortium to promote the RPP as a successful story of the East Invest 2 project during The 4th Eastern Partnership Business Forum in Tallinn on October 26-27, 2017.

In Kiev on September 23, 2017, a meeting of the BCOs / BMOs representatives from Belarus, Ukraine and Austria was held with a view to discussing further cooperation in the RPP, as well as the creation of an international consortium.

09/21/2017 A meeting of consortium participants was held at the Business Center of the RCP (Zhukov Ave., 44-404, Minsk).

 Three issues were considered at the meeting:

1. Summing up the preparations for the Eastern Partnership Business Forum in Tallinn on 26-27.10.2017, the achievements of the working group, the contribution of the participants of the working group, the ways of development. Discussion of the action plan.

2. Analysis of the results of the mailing to inform the business community of the Republic of Belarus about the possibility of joining the implementation of the provisions of the Regional Position Paper through the Consortium.

3. Participation in the organizational meeting in Kiev on September 22, 2017 of the Belarusian delegation.

Contact person: Katerina Safonova, katerina.safonova@ppd-network.org

On July 25, 2017 launch meeting of European Business Association was held in Nato &EU Information Center in Tbilisi, Georgia.
H.E. Janos HERMAN, Ambassador of the European Union to Georgia opened the meeting.
John Braeckeveldt, Chair of the Board of EBA presented the vision and mission of the Association, Board Members and Executive team.
David Lee, Chief Executive Officer of EBA discussed objectives and conditions of membership.
Ambassadors from France, Great Britain, Netherlands, Sweden, Italy, Romania, Hungary, Greece, representatives of private sector and international organizations attended the event.

European Business Association is a non-profit, membership-based organization, registered under the laws of Georgia to advocate European business in the country and facilitate trade between Europe and Georgia.

The two-year project of Technical Assistance for DCFTA Implementation with €2.8 million of the EU funding has been finalized. "It is one of the most successful EU projects in the Republic of Moldova", said Chief of the EU Delegation to Chisinau, Pirkka Tapiola, today, at a press conference at the Ministry of Economy and Infrastructure (MEI) by the end of the project.

Strong and systemic changes are needed to develop private business in Belarus. By October 1, a number of activities will be held to stimulate the business system. In the discussion involved ministries, departments and, of course, business associations.

According to Zhanna Kazimirovna, the main document that can affect the business climate in Belarus - draft resolution of the President "On the development of entrepreneurship and the elimination of unnecessary requirements for business."  In addition, it was proposed to amend presidential decrees concerning issues of licensing, regulation of individuals, development of handicraft and agrotourism.

On August 10, 2017 in the Business Center of the RCP (Zhukova Avenue, 44-406, Minsk), a regular meeting of the working group on the creation of an international consortium was held. The meeting discussed the draft Agreement on the establishment of an international consortium, a PR campaign. The meeting participants were informed that the Regional Position Paper in Belarus was supported by more than 20 business associations and SMEs. It was decided to continue collecting logos and informing stakeholders about the Regional Position Paper, as well as initiatives of Belarusian business associations and representatives of SMEs to create an international consortium.

(пожалуйста кликните на название статьи для чтения текста на русском языке)

Contact person: Katerina Safonova, katerina.safonova@ppd-network.org

July 28, 2017 the second meeting of the members of the initiative group for the creation of an international consortium was held.

The meeting discussed the tasks, issues of organization of work, as well as problematic issues. Then decisions were made. The main decisions are the preparation of a draft agreement on the creation of an international consortium and the formation of a working group with the participation of representatives of the Eastern Partnership countries.

(пожалуйста кликните на название статьи для чтения текста на русском языке)

Contact person: Katerina Safonova, katerina.safonova@ppd-network.org

On July 25, European Business Association was launched in Georgia to lobby for European Businesses in Georgia and to broker the development of trade between Georgia and Europe.

The Board comprises only European Businesses and market leaders in many sectors of the Georgian market are represented.

The European Business Association was formed in Georgia to lobby for European Businesses in Georgia and to broker the development of trade between Georgia and Europe.

The Board comprises only European Businesses and market leaders in many sectors of the Georgian market are represented. The board believe that doing business in Georgia will be the same as doing business in Europe.

On July 13, 2017 was held a meeting of representatives of business associations at the Business Center of the RCP (Zhukov Ave., 44-404, Minsk).

Two issues were considered:

• the Regional position paper and the contribution of Belarusian business organizations to its preparation,
• and the second question - participation Belarusian representatives at the Business Conference in Tallinn, Estonia, October 26-28, 2017.

The delegation consisting of members of Marathi Bandhkam Vyasayik Association (Maratha Construction Business Association) ( MBVA) visited Azerbaijan in order to explore possibilities of joint projects and mutual investment opportunities in Azerbaijan. During the visit, Indian businessmen were acquainted with architecture pieces in Baku, innovations in our country's construction sector and real estate market. For this purpose, Azerbaijan-India Business Forum was organized by the National Confederation of Entrepreneurs (Employers) of the Republic of Azerbaijan at Fairmont Baku Hotel. During the event, presentations were made on current state of entrepreneurship, investment and partnership opportunities in both countries and discussions held on future cooperation possibilities. to entrepreneurship, measures taken by ASK to attract foreign investments into to non-oil sector of the country and invited Indian businessmen for an active cooperation.

Mr. Vugar Zeynalov spoke about the development trends in the construction sector of Azerbaijan. He informed Indian businessmen about investment procedures, the privileges, as well as existing legislation in our country. Mr. Zeynalov noted that the main purpose of bringing together Azerbaijani and Indian businessmen is to explore opportunities for business cooperation, investment and trade in two countries. He added that joint cooperation would be useful in terms of expanding business relations, attracting mutual investment and establishing joint ventures.

Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of India to Azerbaijan H.E. Mr. Sanjay Rana touched upon the development of friendly relations between Azerbaijan and India. According to Ambassador, serious political, economic, cultural cooperation and exchange projects are being implemented between two countries. Noting that the Azerbaijani economy is attractive for Indian businessmen, he mentioned that a large number of Indian entrepreneurs are engaged in entrepreneurial activity in Azerbaijan.

Author: http://ask.org.az/

Contact: office@ask.org.az

On July 7th of 2017 Baku workshop of “Benefitting from EU open market: SMEs practical guide to DCFTA learning from experience of Latvia” project which is financed by Eastern Partnership Countries Civil Society Forum and organized by Social-Strategical Researches and Analytical Investigations Public Union took place. Project is implemented by Georgian Association Women in Business in cooperation with Social-Strategical Researches and Analytical Investigations PU in Azerbaijan and NGO Bios in Moldova.

On Monday, July 3, 2017, the Business Forum "Moldova: Together for Strengthening Economic Growth", organized by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Moldova (CCI of RM), was held in Chisinau in cooperation with the Black Sea Trade and Development Bank BCDMN), the European Business Association (EBA) under the patronage of the Government of the Republic of Moldova. More than 200 people were present at the event.

The Cabinet of Ministers approved at the June 23 meeting a series of amendments and additions to the Labor Code of the Republic of Moldova. The measure aims to improve the business environment and the investment climate by improving labor law and redefining employees' obligations.

The experience and good practices of the Danube countries on the development of dual education were presented on June 22, 2009 in the workshop "Dual education and other modern forms of workplace training in the countries of the Danube region". The event was attended by representatives of central public authorities, development partners and representatives from Slovakia, Serbia, Germany and Austria.

Economic Policy Advocacy Coalition organised discussion regarding the planned changes and amendements in Georgian Constitution.

Changes was about tax issues and the right of agriculture land ownership by foreign citizens.

Different Business Associations and Business Support organisations participated in the discussion. After the discussion, written position paper was suggested to the government.

For more information please contact : Maya Eristavi, meristavi@g4g.ge

Over 500 high-level representatives from European and Azerbaijani business and government gathered at the EU-Azerbaijan Business Forum on 8 June, and had the opportunity to discuss the current business climate and to establish business relationships, focussing on a large number of sectors that offer opportunities for EU and Azerbaijani companies.

The EU-Azerbaijan Business Forum, organised by the EU Delegation to Azerbaijan, in cooperation with the Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion Foundation (AZPROMO) and the German-Azerbaijani Chamber of Commerce, aimed at increasing networking and contacts between the EU and Azerbaijan companies, and at discussing jointly with government representatives, the business climate.

Mr. Shahin Mustafayev, Minister of Economy of Azerbaijan, Mr. Lawrence Meredith, Director Neighbourhood East of Directorate-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations (DG NEAR, European Commission), and Mrs. Malena Mård, Head of the EU Delegation to Azerbaijan joined the inauguration of the Forum.

Head of the EU Delegation, Ambassador Malena Mård, said: "The EU accounts for close to 50% of Azerbaijan's total foreign trade and the EU is the biggest investor in Azerbaijan both in the oil and non-oil sector. The EU-Azerbaijan Business Forum provided an excellent platform to discuss how to further facilitate and increase trade and investment opportunities between EU and Azerbaijan."

Dr. Vusal Gasimli, Executive Director of the Center of Analyses of Economic Reforms and Communication introduced the plenary sessions and deliver the keynote speech on the achievements and prospects of Azerbaijan's economic reforms agenda. This was followed by a discussion in a panel on the same theme, opened by Mr. Sahil Babayev, Deputy Minister of Economy.

In the afternoon, after business-to-business sessions with EU and Azerbaijani companies, the parallel panels focused on: Agriculture and Food, Environmental Technologies, Transport and Logistics, and ICT and E-commerce. The participants exchanged experiences, challenges and opportunities, and established new business relationships.

The participants of the Forum also got familiarized with the results of the second EU Business Climate Report conducted among 100 EU companies operating in Azerbaijan in 2017.

Author: http://www.euneighbours.eu/

Contact: http://www.euneighbours.eu/

Link : http://www.euneighbours.eu/en/east/stay-informed/news/eu-azerbaijan-business-forum-opens-doors-future-cooperation