ZANGILAN, Azerbaijan, August 2. The Great Return process underway in Eastern Zangezur is not limited to the return of former internally displaced persons to their native lands, Azerbaijan's Presidential Special Representative for Jabrayil, Gubadli, and Zangilan districts Vahid Hajiyev said, Trend's correspondent reports from the event.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Seventh Summer Camp for Diaspora Youth in Zangilan, Hajiyev said that it is also bringing businesses, education, services, and new opportunities back to the region.

According to him, the Azerbaijani diaspora plays a vital role in promoting the country internationally, defending its national interests, conveying the truth about Azerbaijan to the global community, and preserving its cultural heritage. He noted that diaspora youth bear a significant responsibility in fulfilling this mission.

The presidential envoy said the results of the first phase of the Great Return State Program, launched on the instructions of President Ilham Aliyev, are already becoming visible.

According to Hajiyev, resettlement has already taken place in the cities of Jabrayil and Zangilan, as well as in the villages of Aghali, Mammadbayli, Shukurbayli, Gorovlu, and several other settlements. Large-scale reconstruction and development projects are continuing in the city of Gubadli and other communities across the district.

He noted that the government is supporting entrepreneurship in the region through tax and customs incentives, dedicated financial mechanisms, and comprehensive assistance for investors. As a result, new opportunities are emerging in agriculture, logistics, services, tourism, and culture.

Hajiyev added that more than 19 resident companies are already operating in the Araz Valley Economic Zone established in Jabrayil, with ongoing projects contributing to job creation across the region.

He described Eastern Zangezur's agricultural potential as one of its greatest strengths. The Araz, Hakari, Bargushad, Basit, and Okhchu rivers, together with modern pivot irrigation systems and the commissioning of a 12,000-hectare irrigation network, provide significant opportunities for agricultural development.

According to Hajiyev, traditional horticulture is also being revived, with agricultural products supplied not only to the domestic market but also exported abroad.

He also highlighted the rapid implementation of renewable energy projects under the Green Energy Zone concept initiated by President Ilham Aliyev.

Hajiyev said bp is constructing a 240-megawatt solar power plant in Jabrayil, while other investors are also developing solar energy projects in the region. Solar panels are already being used in residential areas and administrative buildings, and four hydropower plants are currently operating in the Zangilan district.

The presidential envoy also pointed to the region's rapidly expanding transport and logistics infrastructure.

"The construction of the Khudafarin–Aghband highway is nearing completion, the railway line is ready to be commissioned, and Zangilan International Airport is significantly enhancing the region's logistics capacity. These developments are increasing investor interest and creating favorable conditions for the establishment of logistics hubs," he said.

Concluding his remarks, Hajiyev said the primary mission of Azerbaijani youth living abroad is to provide the international community with objective information about Azerbaijan's historic victory, the reconstruction of the territories liberated from occupation, and the country's ongoing development, while further strengthening the solidarity of Azerbaijanis worldwide and contributing to the achievement of the country's strategic goals.