Small entrepreneurs face challenges accessing large markets, says head of KOBIA

In Azerbaijan, small entrepreneurs often struggle to secure
space, particularly in large markets, and, in some cases, face
outright exclusion.

Orkhan Mammadov, Chairman of the Board of the Small and Medium
Business Development Agency under the Ministry of Economy,
highlighted this issue at the Summit of Supply Chain Leaders,
Azernews reports.

According to him, every major entrepreneur operating in
Azerbaijan has a responsibility to provide opportunities for local
small businesses.

“To address this challenge, as KOBIA, we purchase shelves in
markets and facilitate free space for SMEs to sell their products.
However, there are problems with supply issues, especially in SMEs.
Large markets procure goods from suppliers at low prices, while
small entrepreneurs must source from the same suppliers at higher
rates. Consequently, their profit margins are lower compared to
larger markets,” he said.

It should be remembered that, established under the Ministry of
Economy, KOBIA is dedicated to supporting the development and
sustainability of SMEs across various sectors of the economy.
Through initiatives such as providing financial assistance,
offering business development services, and facilitating market
access, KOBIA aims to create a conducive environment for
entrepreneurship and innovation. By empowering SMEs, KOBIA
contributes to job creation, economic diversification, and overall
socio-economic development in Azerbaijan.

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