Azerbaijan is located in the South Caucasus and is characterised by rich natural resources, diverse climate zones, and deep-rooted agricultural traditions. Agriculture - particularly the fruit sector - has long played a crucial role in regional socio-economic development, employment generation, and the formation of export potential. Pomegranate and persimmon production represent value chains of both historical and economic strategic importance for Azerbaijan and are a central focus of the PROGRESS project.

In Azerbaijan, the PROGRESS project is implemented by a consortium led by GIZ together with OECD and other partners. The project is carried out in close cooperation with relevant public institutions, financial organisations, business associations, cooperatives, and local communities. It aims to contribute to Azerbaijan’s transition towards a climate-oriented, resilient, and green economy.

Key areas of work

• Policy Support – Supporting the development of evidence-based policies and strategic frameworks aligned with national priorities and the EU Green Deal and Farm to Fork approaches, integrating climate resilience, sustainable land and water management, and biodiversity conservation. This includes the analysis of agro-value chains and the preparation of targeted policy recommendations.
• Business Engagement and Demonstration Projects – Implementing pilot and demonstration activities together with smallholder farmers, SMEs, and agribusinesses to introduce climate-smart agricultural practices, resource-efficient production and processing technologies, and circular economy solutions. These activities are designed with strong potential for replication and scaling.
• Community Awareness and Engagement – Promoting the benefits of sustainable production and consumption through cooperation with local associations, women’s organisations, and civil society actors. Particular emphasis is placed on strengthening the role of women and youth in the green transition.
• Green Finance – Expanding access to environmentally responsible financial instruments for farmers and businesses, improving financial literacy, and providing technical support for preparing climate-oriented and green investment projects. Cooperation with banks and other financial institutions supports the development of green finance mechanisms.
• Regional Cooperation and Knowledge Exchange – Facilitating the sharing of experiences, peer learning, joint training, and knowledge platforms among Eastern Partnership countries to disseminate successful approaches and enhance regional impact.

Through these efforts, the PROGRESS project contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Azerbaijan, strengthening rural livelihoods, protecting agrobiodiversity, and ensuring long-term environmental and economic sustainability.