Farid Babayev

The purpose of the article is to study the impact of investment flows on the economic development of Ukraine, Azerbaijan, and Uzbekistan, considering foreign investment, as well as to assess their contribution to the formation of sustainable economic growth. The methodology is represented by such methods of scientific knowledge as economic analysis, as well as SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats). The results of the study showed that foreign investment has a positive impact on the economic growth of developing countries, contributing to an increase in gross domestic product, reducing unemployment and stimulating technological progress. In addition, investment flows influence structural changes in the economy, facilitating the transition to more innovative and competitive arrangements. Additionally, successful attraction of foreign investment can improve the infrastructure and environmental situation in countries, which also favours their economic development. At the same time, the results of the study highlight the importance of creating a favourable investment climate to attract foreign investment and ensure sustainable economic growth, both now and in the future. However, it is important to understand the possible negative aspects of the impact of investment on the economy, including the issue of increased risks in the formation of dependence on foreign subsidies. The findings highlight the importance of seeking and attracting foreign investment to improve the economic performance of emerging market economies, as well as to stimulate sustainable economic growth and promote the integration of these economies into the global economic system, while minimizing negative impacts.

Purpose. The purpose of this study is to provide food industry professionals, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders with valuable insights and actionable strategies to enhance the competitiveness of their enterprises. By exploring various approaches and methods, we aim to empower individuals and organizations within the food industry to thrive in a highly dynamic and competitive environment. Through this study, readers will gain a deeper understanding of the critical factors influencing competitiveness and learn practical ways to stay ahead, adapt to consumer trends, optimize operations, and foster innovation within their food businesses. Ultimately, our goal is to facilitate the growth and sustainability of food industry enterprises in an ever-evolving market landscape. Results. In the dynamic food industry, competitiveness is pivotal for survival and success. It goes beyond mere participation; it's about thriving amidst intense competition, meeting consumer expectations, and outperforming rivals. Competitiveness is defined as a food enterprise's ability to strategically position itself, surpass competitors, and consistently exceed consumer expectations. Key factors in competitiveness include maintaining stringent quality and safety standards, ensuring operational efficiency and cost management throughout the supply chain, continuous innovation and product development, understanding evolving consumer preferences through market research, and fostering efficient supply chain management through strong supplier relationships, inventory optimization, and logistics. To bolster competitiveness, companies invest in improving product quality and safety through Quality Assurance programs and adherence to regulatory requirements. They also prioritize cost efficiency strategies such as lean manufacturing, supply chain optimization, and sustainability initiatives. Additionally, innovation and product development efforts focus on consumer-centric design, R&D investments, and strategic new product launches. Scientific novelty. The scientific novelty of this study lies in the comprehensive synthesis and application of multidisciplinary strategies for increasing the competitiveness of food industry enterprises. While previous research has explored individual aspects of competitiveness, such as quality control, cost efficiency, or market analysis, this article uniquely integrates these facets into a holistic framework. By doing so, it offers a novel perspective on how food businesses can thrive in a complex and ever-changing environment. Practical value. The practical value of this study is twofold: it empowers food industry professionals with actionable strategies to enhance competitiveness, helping them stay ahead in a rapidly changing market. Additionally, it provides insights into risk mitigation and resource optimization, enabling businesses to navigate challenges effectively and maximize profitability.

This article aimed to empirically substantiate the development of priority sectors to improve the economic security of the regions in Azerbaijan to achieve the goals of diversifying the national economy. We calculated an integral indicator of the economic security of areas by combining various socioeconomic development indicators, accounting for their variations from 2005 to 2022. The research established the relationship between the integral indicator of economic security in Azerbaijan's regions and the availability and efficiency of production factors in critical sectors of the economy, including Mining and quarrying, Manufacturing, Construction, Agriculture, forestry and fishing, and Trade. By applying the regression method, we concluded that agriculture and trade play a decisive role in increasing regional economic security in modern conditions. The research highlighted those growing factors: the number of employees, wages, and investments in fixed assets in these sectors, would be instrumental in achieving the adequate diversification of the country's economy.