Azernews.Az

By Aynur Karimova

The Azerbaijani and Belarusian businessmen need to cooperate more closely in the fields such as industry, agriculture, ICT, pharmacy and others.

This was noted by Azerbaijan's Economy and Industry Minister Shahin Mustafayev at the Azerbaijani-Belarusian business-forum held in Minsk on November 26.

"The relations between Azerbaijan and Belarus are successfully developing. The necessary legal framework was established between our countries. So far, up to 90 documents were signed in various fields, including the economic field. I believe that it is important to boost joint efforts in order to expand and diversify trade between the two countries," he noted.

Currently, 30 Belarusian companies are operating in Azerbaijan, while 60 Azerbaijani companies are operating in Belarus, he said also noting successful cooperation of the two countries in the industry sector.

"I want to stress that the Ganja Automobile Plant and Minsk Tractor and Car Plant are effectively cooperating. The tractors, trucks, trailers and other equipment are assembled in Azerbaijan on the basis of the Belarusian technology," Mustafayev added.

Belarusian Industry Minister Vitali Vovk spoke about the current economic relations and cooperation perspectives between Belarus and Azerbaijan, and highlighted the significance of bilateral meetings and business forums for the expansion of relations between the businessmen of the two countries.

"The continuation of such measures will contribute to the development of economic cooperation, as well as establishment of new relationships," he noted.

Belarus-Azerbaijan business forum started its work in Minsk on November 26. Along with officials, businessmen operating in the fields of agriculture, industry, ICT, construction, tourism, finance, etc. participate in the forum.

The business forum which involved over 40 companies from Azerbaijan continued its work on November 27 as well.

Prior to the business forum Rufat Mammadov, the President of the Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion Foundation, told journalists on November 27 that Azerbaijan and Belarus are able to increase the tourist flow.

"I know that a lot of our tourists visit Belarus and not only Minsk,” he said. “Azerbaijan and Belarus have the opportunity to increase a mutual tourist flow, because both countries have something to present each other."

Talking about other promising areas of cooperation of the two countries, Mammadov stressed a plenty of sectors, particularly agriculture and agro-industry, mechanical engineering, pharmaceuticals, and financial sector.

"The information technologies should also be mentioned,” he said. “The industry is being actively developed in Azerbaijan. Perhaps, it will become one of the main areas in our economy. I think the same situation is in Belarus. There is great potential for developing the cooperation, as well as the interest of both countries."

Diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Belarus were established in 1993, but Azerbaijan and Belarus started to get closer during past decade.

Currently the two countries enjoy high level ties in various fields and closely cooperate within international organizations. Belarus opened embassy in Azerbaijan in February 2006, Azerbaijan opened embassy in Belarus in August 2006.

According to the Belarusian government, the Belarus-Azerbaijan mutual trade turnover totaled $330.8 million in 2014. This figure stood at $74.95 million in January-October 2015.

Belarus' main exports include products of wood working, mechanical engineering, foodstuffs, medications, ferrous metals and glassware. Azerbaijan's exports comprise oil products, hydrocarbons, juices, agricultural products, aluminum goods.

Currently the two countries are implementing the long-term social and economic cooperation program through 2015. Belarus has been implementing projects in logistics, public catering, and trade with a total amount of Azerbaijani investment of over $20 million. Minsk and Baku operate regular flights.

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Aynur Karimova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Aynur_Karimova

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