Current State of the Pension System in Azerbaijan and Reform Model

One of the key directions of social policy in Azerbaijan remains the improvement of housing and living conditions for the population. The institutional foundation of this policy is formed by the State Agency for Housing Construction, established by a decree of President Ilham Aliyev on April 11, 2016. The agency has become a central instrument for the development of the subsidized housing market and the implementation of a social housing model. However, nearly a decade after its establishment, demand for affordable housing still significantly exceeds supply.

Despite the presence of tens of thousands of vacancies in Azerbaijan, a significant portion of the unemployed population is unable to find work. Reports by international organisations indicate that the problem is related not so much to the number of jobs, but to their quality, suitability and the structural characteristics of the labour market.

The pharmaceutical market of Azerbaijan is structurally dependent on imports. In recent years, both import volumes and the overall market value have increased, while domestic production and exports remain limited. Local production mainly consists of generic drugs (low-cost copies of original branded medicines) and a limited range of other pharmaceuticals.

The World Bank is allocating a grant of $11.74 million as part of a large-scale project aimed at improving the environmental condition of the Caspian Sea and preserving biodiversity. According to experts, this support is important for strengthening regional cooperation at a time of sharply declining water levels and rising environmental risks.