This is a massive industrial development in Baku, Azerbaijan of approximately 8,500,000m2, designed to encourage trade in the area and foster an entrepreneurial mindset in future generations.
The ongoing development of Azerbaijan’s non-oil sector is crucial in ensuring future economic growth, with a greater focus on economic diversification, innovation, increased quality of human development, protection of the environment and entry to the World Trade Organisation.
Although the government of Azerbaijan has already developed a number of industrial parks and zones, none of these zones have a clear export orientation, and the Alat Free Economic Zone (AFEZ) is designed to speak to this need for an export-focused industrial zone.
It is adjacent to the new Baku Port and is the focal point for the Government of Azerbaijan’s efforts to attract and grow export lead value-added and manufacturing activity. The AFEZ has unique, government-approved legislation which allows it to offer a range of incentives and advantages that aren’t currently available in any other location in Azerbaijan. This includes exemptions from taxes and customs duties, a one-stop-shop and self-regulated arbitration process.
To drive the development of this new Free Economic Zone, the government has established a new Alat Free Economic Zone Authority (AFEZA) – responsible for all aspects of promotion, client facilitation, approvals, licensing and client development.
Fewer Harrington & Partners was appointed by GARLAND (Consultant Engineers) as master planners and architects for the overall development as part of the Pivotal International team which also includes Lawler Consulting (Mechanical and Electrical Engineers) and Carron + Walsh (Quantity Surveyors).
