The official opening ceremony of the 31st Caspian Construction Week, one of the region’s leading industry platforms for the construction sector, was opened at Baku Expo Center on 14 October.
During the official opening ceremony, a welcome letter from the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mr Ilham Aliyev, addressed to the participants and guests of the Rebuild Garabagh and BakuBuild exhibitions held as part of Caspian Construction Week, was read out.
“I extend my heartfelt greetings to you on the occasion of the opening of the 6th Azerbaijan International Exhibition “Rebuild Garabagh” — “The Restoration, Reconstruction and Development of Garabagh” — and wish all participants every success.
The “Rebuild Garabagh” and “BakuBuild” exhibitions, held as part of Caspian Construction Week, provide broad opportunities to share this experience, showcase new technologies and establish business partnerships. I am confident that these partnerships will translate into concrete projects and make an important contribution to the Great Return and the region’s long-term development,” Mr Ilham Aliyev noted in his letter.
The opening ceremony then featured addresses by Masim Mammadov, Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the Lachin District; Bashir Hajiyev, Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the Kalbajar District; Luca Di Gianfrancesco, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Italian Republic to the Republic of Azerbaijan; Rahman Hajiyev, Chairman of the Executive Board of the Karabakh Revival Fund; Dovlatkhan Dovlatkhanov, Deputy Chairman of the State Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture of the Republic of Azerbaijan; Elbay Gasimzade, Chairman of the Board of the Union of Architects of Azerbaijan; and Edward Strachan, General Director of ICA Events.
Following the addresses, the participants and guests took part in a tour of the exhibitions.
Caspian Construction Week is being held from 14 to 16 October. Against the backdrop of 2026 being declared the “Year of Urban Planning and Architecture” in Azerbaijan, Caspian Construction Week is of particular importance in terms of sustainable urban development, modern architectural approaches, innovative construction technologies and infrastructure modernisation. With a 30-year history, Caspian Construction Week has established itself as a national brand and secured a well-deserved place in the business calendars of international companies.
As part of the Week, BakuBuild - the 31st Azerbaijan International Construction Exhibition, Rebuild Garabagh - the 6th Azerbaijan International Restoration, Reconstruction and Development of Garabagh Exhibition, Aquatherm Baku - the 18th International Exhibition for Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning, Water Supply, Sanitary and Swimming Pool, and Plastex Caspian - the 5th Caspian International Plastics and Polymers Industry Exhibition will all be organised at a single venue - Baku Expo Center. Road & Traffic - the 14th Caspian International Road Infrastructure and Public Transport Exhibition - will also take place on the same dates as Caspian Construction Week.
The President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mr. Ilham Aliyev, addresses a welcome letter to the participants and guests of the Rebuild Garabagh and BakuBuild exhibitions, which is read out at the exhibition’s official opening ceremony. In his letter to the participants of the 2025 exhibition, President Ilham Aliyev noted that the significance of Rebuild Garabagh for local and international participants was growing year by year:
“It is gratifying to see the growing significance of the “Rebuild Karabakh” exhibition for both local and international participants. The exhibition showcases cutting-edge technologies and innovative solutions, facilitates discussions on joint projects and partnership opportunities, and creates new prospects for the socio-economic development of the region. Held for the fifth time, this event not only demonstrates Azerbaijan’s achievements to the world but also strengthens our country’s position as a global hub for investment, technology, and innovation.
Held annually, this prestigious exhibition embodies the reality of sustainable construction, progress, and peace, while remaining a forward-looking, high-impact event. Partnerships forged here strengthen mutual trust among people and nations, build new bridges of cooperation, and place Karabakh at the heart of a sustainable development agenda,” Mr. Ilham Aliyev stated.
By combining business, social and cultural dimensions, the Rebuild Garabagh exhibition serves as an important platform for the exchange of experience and the formation of new ideas for the future development of Garabagh.
An essential part of the exhibition is its social mission. Each year, as a long-standing tradition and at the initiative of the organisers, every exhibitor contributes to the Karabakh Revival Fund through a donation in support of the ongoing restoration and reconstruction of the liberated territories.
Since 2021, a total of 166,272.16 AZN has been donated. This tradition has become a key element of the exhibition and will continue in the years ahead.
A new stage of development for Rebuild Garabagh — From Rebuilding to Development
In his address to the 8th Congress of the New Azerbaijan Party in October 2026, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mr Ilham Aliyev, stated that the Great Return to Garabagh would accelerate further in the coming years:
“Naturally, one of the primary tasks is the restoration of Garabagh and East Zangezur. According to the latest data presented to me, 96,000 people are currently living, working, and studying in Garabagh and East Zangezur. To date, we have allocated 28 billion manats toward the development of these regions. The vast majority of those funds have been directed toward infrastructure projects, most of which are now complete. At the same time, former displaced persons have already settled in 48 residential areas, and the “Great Return” process will accelerate further in the coming years.”
Alongside the continuation of restoration and reconstruction work in Garabagh, the issues of permanent settlement, economic activity, attracting investment and long-term sustainable development in the region are becoming increasingly important. This new stage is also reflected in the concept of the Rebuild Garabagh exhibition.
Thus, while continuing its social mission and its contribution to the development of Garabagh, the Rebuild Garabagh exhibition is itself entering a new stage. From 2027, the exhibition will be organised under a new concept expressing the transition from rebuilding to development.
This transformation reflects the transition from the large-scale restoration and reconstruction process in the Garabagh region to a stage of long-term development and the creation of new opportunities for cooperation. The change in concept does not mean the completion of the restoration and reconstruction process; rather, it means that the scope of the exhibition is being expanded to include the long-term economic, social and infrastructural development of Garabagh.
In accordance with the concept, the event will be held in 2027 under the title “7th Azerbaijan International Garabagh Development Exhibition”. A new logo for the exhibition has also been created accordingly. The “From Rebuilding to Development” concept featured in the logo expresses the transition from the large-scale restoration work being carried out in Garabagh to the stage of creating sustainable development, investment and new business opportunities.
Under the new concept, the exhibition will further strengthen its role as an international platform for presenting Garabagh’s economic and investment potential to an international audience, attracting modern technologies and business initiatives to the region, promoting local production and expanding cooperation between the public and private sectors.
The organisations supporting Caspian Construction Week include the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the State Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Baku City Executive Authority, the Special Representation of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the Shusha district, the Special Representation of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the Aghdam, Fuzuli and Khojavand districts, the Special Representation of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the city of Khankendi, Aghdara and Khojaly districts, the Special Representation of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the Jabrayil, Gubadli and Zangilan districts, the Special Representation of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the Lachin district, the Special Representation of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the Kalbajar district, the Karabakh Revival Fund, the Union of Architects of Azerbaijan, the National Confederation of Entrepreneurs (Employers’) Organisations of the Republic of Azerbaijan (ASK), the Azerbaijan Construction Manufacturers Association (ATIA) and the Azerbaijan Construction Materials Manufacturers Association (ATMIA). Caspian Construction Week is also actively supported by the Azerbaijan Exhibition Organisers Association (ASTA).
As part of the Week, BakuBuild will showcase products and technologies across such areas as construction and manufacturing equipment, construction materials, flooring, interior and architectural solutions, lighting and insulation systems, ceramics and facing stone, metal products, windows and doors, landscaping solutions and other areas. Rebuild Garabagh will contribute to attracting international companies, technologies and investment to the large-scale restoration and reconstruction process being carried out in the territories liberated from occupation. Aquatherm Baku will cover heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, water supply and sanitary systems, while Plastex Caspian will cover raw materials, production technologies and ready-made solutions in the plastics and polymers industry.
More than 270 companies are participating in Caspian Construction Week. Alongside Azerbaijan, the participants include companies from Germany, Austria, Belarus, China, Iran, Italy, Uzbekistan, Romania, Russia, Türkiye and Ukraine. Germany, Italy and Uzbekistan are represented at the exhibition by national pavilions.
Italy’s participation in Caspian Construction Week deserves special mention. In 2026, Italy has expanded its participation in Caspian Construction Week and, represented by the Italian Trade Agency (ITA), is acting as a
partner of the event. ITA is also the sponsor of the exhibition’s Presentation Zone. At the same time, Italy is represented at the exhibition by two pavilions this year. One of them is a separate display showcasing the potential and products of Sicily. In the official collective pavilion organised by the Autonomous Regional Government of Sicily, 18 companies representing Sicily are presenting the island’s manufacturing traditions, industry expertise and technological innovations. The Sicilian regional display showcases products and solutions in natural stone processing, advanced materials engineering, decorative finishing solutions, interior design, energy efficiency and modern construction technologies.
In addition, an open-air display has been organised this year as part of the Rebuild Garabagh exhibition. The display will operate on 14 October from 11:00 to 18:00. Modern Russian-made agricultural machinery and equipment, as well as manufacturers’ innovative technological solutions, are being presented here. The main purpose of organising this display is to contribute to the development of Russian–Azerbaijani cooperation in agricultural machinery manufacturing, promote Russian-made machinery in the Azerbaijani market and expand the export opportunities of manufacturing companies. As part of the exhibition, business meetings and negotiations will be held between Russian manufacturers and representatives of Azerbaijan’s agro-industrial and business communities, and new partnership and supply opportunities will be discussed.
Government bodies and institutional participants
Government bodies and the country’s leading institutional organisations are also widely represented at Caspian Construction Week with their own stands. The participants include the Economic Zones Development Agency (IZIA), the Karabakh Revival Fund, the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, AzerGold CJSC, the Small and Medium Business Development, Investment and Export Promotion Agency — KOBITA, as well as the Alat Free Economic Zone (AFEZ).
The participation of these organisations will enable exhibitors and visitors to obtain direct information about industrial, investment, export, entrepreneurship development and Garabagh revival projects being implemented in Azerbaijan. At the same time, companies will have an opportunity to establish contacts with representatives of government bodies, learn about the available support mechanisms and discuss potential areas of cooperation.
Alat Free Economic Zone — a regular participant in Rebuild Garabagh
For several consecutive years, the Alat Free Economic Zone has participated in the Rebuild Garabagh exhibition with its own stand, providing the exhibition’s professional audience with information about its activities and investment opportunities.
Located close to the Baku International Sea Trade Port, at the intersection of the North–South and East–West international transport corridors, AFEZ is focused on attracting high-value-added and export-oriented manufacturing projects. The organisation offers investors ready industrial land plots, engineering, utility and logistics infrastructure, as well as fiscal and non-fiscal incentives.
AFEZ’s participation in the exhibition enables local and foreign companies to obtain direct information about establishing export-oriented manufacturing in Azerbaijan, localising production and using regional logistics opportunities. This participation strengthens the role of Caspian Construction Week not only as a venue where restoration and construction projects are showcased, but also as a business platform where opportunities for investment, industrialisation and long-term economic development are discussed.
Holding several exhibitions at the same venue as part of Caspian Construction Week gives participants access to a broader professional audience in the fields of construction, architecture, engineering systems, water supply, industrial production and infrastructure.
Road & Traffic exhibition
Road & Traffic – the 14th Caspian International Road Infrastructure and Public Transport Exhibition – has also been organised on the same dates as Caspian Construction Week. The exhibition brings together professionals in road infrastructure, public transport, road safety and information technologies. It showcases the design and construction of roads, bridges and tunnels, urban planning, road construction machinery, geodesy and GIS systems, parking systems, intelligent transport systems, traffic management, public transport, payment systems, cycling infrastructure, road signs, lighting and safety solutions. Companies from Azerbaijan, China, the Russian Federation and other countries, including Bohnenkamp, Fujian Tietuo Machinery Co., Ltd, Geoid, Global Automobiles, K Group (Bakıkart), Miakom SPB and STP-BTECH, took part in the exhibition. At the same time, the Main State Traffic Police Department of the Republic of Azerbaijan is represented with its own stand at Road & Traffic.
Business programme of the exhibitions
Alongside the exhibition displays, Caspian Construction Week will also attract attention with its extensive three-day business programme. The programme will include panel discussions, thematic sessions, presentations, B2B and B2G meetings, as well as a 44-hour hackathon aimed at the sustainable and innovative development of Garabagh and East Zangezur. As in previous years, discussions on current topics will be held this year with the participation of leading construction specialists. The programme will cover such areas as the restoration and development of Garabagh, modern urban planning and architecture, innovative construction technologies, environmentally friendly materials, energy efficiency, the protection of cultural heritage and university–industry cooperation.
Sessions held on the first day of the exhibition will discuss the role of young people in the revival of Garabagh, environmentally friendly construction materials and energy-saving solutions, as well as innovations and new trends shaping the future of the construction sector.
The second day of the programme will be devoted to promoting the realities of Garabagh through digital media and their social impact, university–industry cooperation in the development of the construction industry, and flexible interior and exterior solutions adapted to changing lifestyles. On 15 October, bilateral business meetings in B2B and B2G formats will also be organised for exhibitors and invited companies. These meetings will enable companies to establish direct contacts with representatives of government bodies and the private sector, discuss cooperation opportunities and create new partnerships.
On 16 October, the main topics of discussion will be architectural policy and the protection of cultural heritage in modern construction conditions, a new perspective on urban spaces and the future of urban planning in Azerbaijan.
Agro Hackathon 2026 competition
As part of Caspian Construction Week, a 44-hour hackathon is being held under the organisation of the Agrarian Innovation Centre of the Ministry of Agriculture with the aim of contributing to the development of the liberated territories based on modern, sustainable and innovative approaches. During the hackathon, which will be organised in an intensive competition format, participants will not be limited to presenting their ideas; they will develop practical solutions, prototypes, digital products and applicable concepts addressing the identified challenges.
Organised as part of the “Year of Urban Planning and Architecture”, the hackathon is expected to focus on “smart city” and “smart village” solutions, the digital management of settlements, the optimisation of road and transport infrastructure, intelligent transport systems, road safety, the efficient use of water and energy resources, innovative construction technologies, the digitalisation of agriculture, waste management, the protection of the environment and biodiversity, and the digitalisation of tourism and cultural heritage.
The ideas and solutions developed as part of the hackathon are expected to be transformed in the future into pilot projects through cooperation with the relevant government bodies, companies and investors. Alongside strengthening the exhibition’s innovation and technology component, this initiative will directly involve participants in addressing real challenges related to the future development of Garabagh and East Zangezur. The concept of the hackathon is also aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals of “Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure” and “Sustainable Cities and Communities”.
Panel discussions, innovation and insight sessions, architectural discussions and business meetings will bring together representatives of government bodies, leading companies, higher education institutions, professional associations and the expert community. Detailed information about the event programme is available on the official website: https://rebuildgarabagh.az/az/events-programme.
PASHA Bank, the country’s leading corporate financial institution, is the Official Bank of the exhibitions. Absheron Hotel Group is the Official Hotel Partner, Accurate LLC is the Official Furniture Partner, and Bilbord.al is the Official Outdoor Advertising Partner.
The events are organised by Iteca Caspian, Caspian Event Organisers and their international partners, ICA Events and Caspian Event Management FZ-LLC.
Further information about Caspian Construction Week is available through the exhibitions’ social media accounts and official websites: www.caspianconstructionweek.az and www.roadtraffic.az.
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