Azerbaijan and Japan Deepen Trade Cooperation with Focus on Niche Markets

Azerbaijan has adopted a new national standard on sustainable event management, AZS ISO 20121, in a move aimed at aligning its rapidly growing events industry with international sustainability principles and strengthening its position as a global host of major forums.

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.