Successful Rural Business Development Project Draws to Close
On October 31, 2007, USAID hosted a reception in Baku to mark the culmination of its Azerbaijan Business Assistance (ABAD) program, which focused on supporting the growth of rural economic development in targeted regions of Azerbaijan.
The event included a presentation to highlight the ABAD program’s results and accomplishments, in addition to remarks from Scott Taylor, USAID Country Coordinator for Azerbaijan, Gurban Sadigov, and Head of Department for Problems of Refugees, IDPs, Migration and Work with International NGOs, Cabinet of Ministers; and Bahram Aliyev, Deputy Ministry of Agriculture. The speakers made remarks regarding the program’s tangible results, the significance of continued collaboration among all stakeholders, and the importance of progress made to Azerbaijan’s economic development.
The ABAD program, which began operations in August 2004, reached approximately 15,500 farmers and about 115 rural agribusinesses. It created almost 6,000 person-years of employment and increased client company sales by about $4.5 million during that time. The program was made possible through the support of the American people through USAID, and implemented by the International Rescue Committee (IRC), Chemonics, and Flag International LLC.
The ABAD program focused on assisting rural enterprises to increase sales and create new employment opportunities. ABAD achieved results towards this goal by assisting rural enterprises and local producers to create and strengthen market linkages, and to improve technical and business skills to enhance rural production through the provision of technical assistance and grants.
The closing reception was broadcast on a number of national TV and radio stations and received wide coverage in the local media.
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| The speakers made comments on the program’s tangible results, significance of collaboration of all stakeholders, and the importance for the economic development of the country. |
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