Current aspects of small and medium entrepreneurship development in the agro-industrial sector of Azerbaijan

The article discusses current aspects of small and medium entrepreneurship development in the agro-industrial sector of Azerbaijan. The problems of agro-industrial complex development are explained. The factors that determine the need for small and medium enterprises development in the agro-industrial complex are identified and systematized. The advanced world experience in the field of agribusiness is studied and summarized. The advantages of agribusiness development as one of the main elements of economic diversification are presented. A classification of business en-tities in the agro-industrial complex based on the criteria of legal status and size has been devel-oped. The characteristics of small and medium-sized businesses have been identified. The organiza-tional structure of small and medium-sized enterprises in the agricultural sector has been provided. The main macroeconomic indicators of small businesses in the Republic of Azerbaijan have been ana-lyzed. The structure of the number of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises in the country by eco-nomic sectors has been prepared. The dynamics of investments in agriculture in Azerbaijan have been analyzed. Given the relevance of economic diversification, the fact that agro-industrial enterprises are one of the main components of the national economy has been scientifically substantiated. The fac-tors hindering the competitiveness of enterprises in the processing industry of the agricultural sec-tor of the Republic of Azerbaijan in foreign markets have been considered, and solutions to these problems have been provided. Taking into account new challenges and tasks for the revival of post-conflict territories, priority areas of activity for the development of small and medium entrepre-neurship in the agro-industrial sector of Azerbaijan have been identified and proposals have been prepared.