Azernews.Az

By Nigar Abbasova

Azerbaijan and Iran, the two neighboring countries enjoying well-established relations, intend to further expand their cooperation in the sphere of information and communications technology (ICT).

The countries aim to create a joint platform for e-commerce and launch a web-site, which will allow the countries to sell local goods by means of the Internet.

Iran's ICT Minister Mahmoud Vaezi has informed about the offer during his meeting with his Azerbaijani counterpart Ramin Guluzade, who is on official visit to Iran.

The creation of e-commerce platform, which stands for a software technology solution that allows building storefronts, may further increase the trade between the two countries.

The sides also discussed further cooperation in the other sectors of ICT, including postal service and satellite communication. The ministers hailed the successful cooperation between the two countries and spoke about the further development of ties.

The document on cooperation in the field of postal services was inked between the two countries, as part of a visit of the Iranian president to Azerbaijan. Iran established a postal service center in Tabriz, through which it is possible to send and receive post from Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan is the leading country of the region in terms of ICT, while exchange of experience with other countries is considered to be a driving force of the development.

The volume of trade turnover between the countries increased by 70 percent in January-July 2016. Iranian companies have already invested some $2.6 billion to the economy of Azerbaijan, while some $145 million of the sum accounted for non-oil sector.

The volume of trade turnover between the countries amounted to $137.65 million in January-September 2016, with some $34.91 million falling to a share of export of Azerbaijan’s goods to Iran .

Iran recognized Azerbaijan's independence in 1991, and diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in 1992.

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Nigar Abbasova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @nigyar_abbasova

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