A public discussion was organized to explore the development of the capital market and SMEs' access to alternative financial resources.

The first public discussion of 2025, titled "Development of the Capital Market: Current Opportunities and Prospects," was organized by the Public Council under the Small and Medium Business Development Agency (SMBDA).

The event, held at Baku SMB House with the support of SMBDA, the Baku Stock Exchange (BSE), and the National Confederation of Entrepreneurs (Employers) Organizations of Azerbaijan (ASK), aimed to discuss state policies, legislative frameworks, financial instruments, regulatory mechanisms, and opportunities for SMEs in this sector. Representatives of relevant government institutions, entrepreneurs, and capital market participants attended the discussion.

During the event, the Chairman of the Management Board of BSE, Ruslan Khalilov, Chairman of SMBDA, Orkhan Mammadov Chairman of the Public Council under SMBDA, Samir Abdullayev, and President of ASK, Mammad Musayev shared insights on the current state of the securities market, future perspectives of the sector, opportunities for SMEs, and the promotion of financial literacy.

Following this, The Chief Commercial Officer of the Baku Stock Exchange, Ogtay Gasimov, provided information on the ongoing efforts and future goals for the development of the securities market.

It was emphasized that the capital market plays a vital role in ensuring the growth and sustainability of SMEs. Alongside bank loans and internal financial resources, access to alternative financial sources enables SMEs to expand more rapidly and achieve long-term stability. Capital markets provide stable and long-term financing, transparency, improved corporate governance, and access to international markets, strengthening SMEs' position in the economy.

During the event, the Baku Stock Exchange delivered a presentation on the current state of the securities market, existing challenges, development efforts, and future objectives. Additionally, questions from entrepreneurs were addressed.

One of the key objectives of the Baku Stock Exchange is to enhance transparency, promote financial literacy, and strengthen market participation to create a more accessible financial environment, ensuring broader access to investors for issuers.