Azerbaijan to Study Opening State Monopolies to Competition

Azerbaijan will study the possibility of gradually moving some markets where the state plays a dominant role, and specially regulated infrastructure sectors, to a competitive market model. Under the National Action Plan, measures are planned for 2028-2029, and first the product and service markets that could be opened to competition will be identified.

The process raises the possibility of fully or partially privatising state monopolies, expanding private sector access to markets and introducing new management models. Discussions focus in particular on postal services, internet infrastructure, road construction, energy production and other service sectors, where creating competition is being considered.

The article also asks which state monopolies in Azerbaijan could realistically shift to a competitive model first.