The 2^nd Azerbaijan International Infrastructure Exhibition, Gandja Infrastructure, and the 2^nd Azerbaijan Regional Construction Exhibition, WestAzBuild, were held on 22-23 September 2008 in the Gandja City Olympic Sports Complex.

The exhibitions were timed to coincide with a public holiday in Ganja, during which a number of official events take place, organised by the Executive Authority of the City.  The Head of the Executive Authority, Mr. Eldar Azizov, led a delegation at the official ceremony of the Gandja Infrastructure Exhibition.

The first to speak at the opening ceremony was Mr. Bahruz Hidayatzade, Deputy Director of Iteca Caspian LLC.  He welcomed the exhibitors and visitors to the exhibition and explained that he was pleased that two events could be celebrated simultaneously: a cultural event (the ‘Gandja Days’ public holiday) and an economic event (the exhibitions).  As a result, the exhibitors, 40 in total, would be able to find out more about the city.  Mr. Hidayatzade also thanked the Ministry of Economic Development of the Azerbaijan Republic, the Ministry of Agriculture of the Azerbaijan Republic, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Azerbaijan Republic, the Export and Investment Promotion Foundation in Azerbaijan, the Gandja Entrepreneurs’ Association and the management of the Olympic Complex of Gandja City for their support.  He also expressed his particular thanks to Mr. Eldar Azizov.

In his speech, Mr. Azizov emphasised the contribution of the President of Azerbaijan, Mr. Ilham Aliyev, in the development of the Gandja-Gazakh region, “Gandja has experienced a period of rapid development recently.  According to statistics, Gandja is the leading region in Azerbaijan, with a 39% increase in GDP registered this semester.  This is a tribute to the political strategy chosen by the President of Azerbaijan, Mr. Ilham Aliyev”.  Mr. Azizov also noted that the exhibitors and visitors would be able to see Gandja’s economic achievements for themselves through the local companies’ stands.  Mr. Azizov closed by thanking the organisers of the exhibition, Iteca Caspian, for organising this important event.

A ribbon was cut by Mr. Azizov, Mr. Hidayatzade, the ambassadors of Turkey, Russia and Belarus and the mayor of Derbent, to symbolise that the exhibition was open to visitors.  A VIP tour around the exhibition then took place, involving state officials, ambassadors, representatives of major companies and the press.

Gandja Infrastructure gathered together leading companies from all over Azerbaijan.  This year, the exhibition hosted 40 companies from various sectors of the economy, including food, banking, insurance and leasing.  Many companies participating in the event were looking to expand their activities in the region following its recent development.  Exhibitors included Azersun Holding, Fatoglu, Azercell, Bank of Republic, Bank of Azerbaijan, AtaBank, MBask, BakiSigorta, GarantSigorta, and Parex Leasing.

The construction sector is booming in Baku and in the regions, and this was no more obvious than at WestAzBuild.  Construction of residential buildings is under way in Gandja, Dashkesan, Shamkir, Gazakh, Khanlar, Yevlakh, etc.  The development of the Gandja region, particularly in the construction sector, is attracting both local and foreign investors.  The exhibition covered the whole industry, including construction materials, heating and ventilation, interior, equipment, ceramics and decorative stone, windows and doors, roofing and flooring.  The exhibition gave construction companies an opportunity to build relationships with business people in Gandja and discuss potential joint-ventures.  Accord, Matanat-A, Kartash, Balakan Karpich, Ghilazi Karpich and Arazplast all presented their products.

The state programme for regional development in 2004-2008 was successfully implemented in the North-West of Azerbaijan.  The President of Azerbaijan, Mr. Ilham Aliyev, has already given instructions for developing a new programme for 2009-2013, paying particular attention to regional development and the renovation and modernisation of the road network.  This will then lead to a further increase in industrial production.  These developments have made the exhibitions even more relevant.

West Azerbaijan Infrastructure and WestAzBuild showcase the latest achievements in the region, giving exhibitors and visitors an insight into the economic capacity and potential of Gandja and promoting integration and cooperation between Gandja and the rest of Azerbaijan.  The exhibitions provide a forum for exchanging ideas and experiences, and promoting the integration of modern technologies into everyday products.

The exhibitions were officially supported by the Ministry of Economic Development of the Azerbaijan Republic, the Ministry of Agriculture of the Azerbaijan Republic, the Executive Authority of Gandja City, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Azerbaijan Republic, the Export and Investment Promotion Foundation in Azerbaijan and the Gandja Entrepreneurs’ Association.