Ceyhun Qarayev, a resident of Tulu village in Balakan District, has been a carpenter for 25 years. For the past three years, he has been an “ABAD” craftsman. He joined “ABAD” in 2017, along with 44 selected families, through the “Support for the Development of Small Family Businesses in the Sheki-Zagatala Economic Zone” project, implemented via the Balakan Regional ABAD Center by “ABAD” in collaboration with UNDP and the European Union.

“I have been engaged in carpentry since I was fifteen years old. I can make anything from wood, and of course, the art of artistic wood carving is not foreign to me. I create my handmade works using this technique. I love my profession dearly and always take pleasure in this work,” Qarayev said.

According to Qarayev, he participated in 13 training sessions together with the selected families to enhance knowledge and skills. As a result of these trainings, he acquired knowledge in areas such as the development of small and medium businesses, product certification and monitoring, packaging and logistics, branding and sales, international trade for small and medium-sized businesses, international communication, combating corruption, integrity, and gender equality issues.

“In my future plans, I aim to expand my work and access larger markets,” he said.

It should be noted that, within the framework of the “Support for the Development of Small Family Businesses in the Sheki-Zagatala Economic Zone” project by “ABAD,” UNDP, and the EU, the products of 44 “ABAD” craftsmen are sold through “ABAD” ethno-boutiques and stores.