The State Oil Fund of the Republic of Azerbaijan (SOFAZ) held an award ceremony, in which the results and winners of the research article competition on “The role of the sovereign wealth funds in the economy of emerging countries: on the basis of the State Oil Fund of the Republic of Azerbaijan (SOFAZ)” were announced on July 19, 2019.

The Chairman of the Azerbaijan Press Council, Member of Parliament Aflatun Amashov, Executive Director of SOFAZ Shahmar Movsumov, members of the Press Council and journalists taking part in the competition attended the award ceremony.

At the beginning of his speech, Shahmar Movsumov informed the attendees on SOFAZ’s 20 year activity. Speaking about the results of the competition, the Executive Director said that the 31 articles submitted to the competition were evaluated by the jury consisting of representatives of the Press Council and SOFAZ. Since evaluation results of some articles were very close and similar, the relevant changes were made in the awarding places. Accordingly it has been decided to award I place to 1 person, II place to 2 people, III to 3 people and 10 persons with consolation prizes.

Speaking at the event, Aflatun Amashov said that such competitions strengthen journalistic professionalism. Referring to the role of the Azerbaijani media in public, A. Amashov also noted that awarding journalists prior July 22 - National Press Day, demonstrates the value to our media. Therefore, he expressed his gratitude to the Oil Fund.

Finally, the names of winners were announced and they were awarded with prizes.

In total, 31 journalists have submitted their articles. Following journalists made it to the top three: Megrur Aliyev from “Kaspi” newspaper (1st place), Flora Sadigova from “Azerbaijan” newspaper and Nurlana Guliyeva from the magazine “Region plus” (2nd place) and Javid Akberov from “Iki sahil” newspaper, Ilhama Abdullayeva from “Economic News Agency” and Dunya Jamalova from “Yeni Musavat” newspaper (3rd place).

In addition, runners-up including, Seymur Aliyev from “Moderator.az”, Jeyhun Piriyev from “Iki sahil” newspaper, Tunjay Turbandazade from “Fins.az”, Mubariz Abdullayev from “Yeni Azerbaijan” newspaper, Matanat Huseynova from “Iqtisadiyyat” newspaper, Pasha Amirjanov from “Xalq” newspaper, Gashgay Ramazanov from “Yeni Azerbayjan” newspaper, Suleyman Ismayilbeyli from “Olaylar” newspaper correspondent of “525-ci” newspaper Sevinj Jafarova and Vafa Guliyeva from CBC TV also received awards.

The guests were acquainted with SOFAZ’s administrative building and museum.