To create a favourable and healthy business environment for food businesses in the country, ABAD public legal entity, AQTA, the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Population, and the Agency for Development of Small and Medium Businesses have launched a new project. The purpose of the project is to ensure the construction of various establishments engaged in food production in line with technical normative legal acts and international standards.

This project will be realised on the joint initiative of the Food Safety Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Azerbaijan Food Safety Institute. The implementation period of the project will cover three years between 2020-2021. Initial work is underway to rehabilitate 20 enterprises that of 10 enterprises in the capital, 10 in other cities and regions.

ABAD public legal entity will take a part in the selection of project participants and evaluate their capacities as well as administrative potential and conduct a SWOT analysis of their businesses taking into account its wide experience in working with micro and small businesses. Besides, participants who decide to become ABAD members in the future will be provided with services included in the ABAD’s support package regularly.

Preparation of required project documents, graphic design works, control charts for management, preparation of training materials, restoration and reconstruction works, provision with the necessary equipment, instruct food safety staff, as well as periodic inspections for quality control, will be implemented by the Food Safety Agency and the Azerbaijan Food Safety Institute.

The State Employment Agency will provide the necessary equipment for the operation of these food facilities under the project. At the same time, it is envisaged that vulnerable people will start working in these enterprises with an employment contract for at least two years.

The Small and Medium Business Development Agency will provide preferential communication and advertising services for revolving facilities under the project, as well as the development of business plans for the training strategy of entrepreneurs.

As a result, the project will contribute to the rehabilitation of food facilities, to further developing public-private partnership, creating a sustainable competitive environment, provide healthy catering services to the population, and improve the food chain control system.