ECONOMY
State Secretary at Latvian Economics Ministry: Azerbaijan is our main partner in the region
In an interview with AZERTAC`s Riga-based correspondent, Mr. Lazdovskis said Latvian President Andris Berzins’ visit to Baku this summer boosted business and commercial relations between the two countries. “Trade between Azerbaijan and Latvia was 31 million euros last year, which is 30 percent more than in 2012.” The State Secretary noted that an increase in the bilateral trade was “a vivid evidence of the intensive economic relations”. “However we still fall behind the full potential of our countries.”
Mr. Lazdovskis hailed Latvian-Azerbaijani political ties. “Latvia has high hopes of improving the institutional basis and executing concrete projects in the future.”
He said Latvia was very optimistic about “effectiveness of the activities of the two countries` entrepreneurs”. “Latvian entrepreneurs are actively involved in Azerbaijan`s financial and banking market.”
The Latvian State Secretary said Latvia was interested in developing transport infrastructure with Azerbaijan. “Azerbaijan can benefit from Latvia’s transport infrastructure, port-related services and the country`s experience in railway transportation,” said Mr. Lazdovskis, adding “this would open up wide opportunities for Azerbaijan to boost exports of its products to Europe”. “We are ready to offer Azerbaijani transportation and logistics companies opportunities to open their logistics and distribution centers in Latvia.”
Mr. Lazdovskis said partnership in air transportation was one of the key areas of the bilateral economic relations, adding Latvia was interested in expanding cooperation with Azerbaijan in cargo and passenger transport by air.
The Latvian State Secretary noted that amid latest events in Ukraine the Azerbaijani market was a potential one for Latvian agricultural products.
He said Latvia could assist Azerbaijan in increasing its exports to the European markets.
Mr. Lazdovskis also shared his impressions of Azerbaijan. He said he first visited Baku in 2006. “I’ve been to many countries of the former Soviet Union. I thought I will see a similar situation in Baku as well. But already in 2006 Azerbaijan was developing on many fronts. When I watched Eurovision song contest in Baku two years ago I was very impressed and got convinced once again that Azerbaijan has gone through a great development path.”
Nigar Jafarly
Special Correspondent
Riga