Azerbaijan adopts ISO-based standard to boost sustainable event management

Azerbaijan and Japan are taking steps to strengthen bilateral trade relations following the signing of a cooperation memorandum between the state-backed Azexport platform and Japan’s Shinseikai business network, which объединяет more than 5,000 companies. The agreement aims to expand access for Azerbaijani products to the Japanese market and promote direct business-to-business (B2B) links.

The decree signed by President Ilham Aliyev introducing amendments to the Law “On Cinematography” appears to be a long-awaited step toward modernization. Definitions of “national film,” “foreign film,” and “co-produced film” have been clarified; stages of film production have been formalized; and a mechanism for partial reimbursement of expenses for foreign producers has been introduced. Authorities declare their intention to turn Azerbaijan into a “regional film production hub.”

According to data from the Central Bank of Azerbaijan, the total volume of Azerbaijan’s services trade with foreign countries reached $18.9 billion in 2025, underscoring the growing role of transport and tourism in the country’s external economic relations.

Azerbaijan recorded a current account surplus of $3.5 billion in 2025, equivalent to 4.6% of gross domestic product, the Central Bank said on Tuesday, although the figure declined compared with the previous year amid shifts in external flows.