5TH MEETING OF AZERBAIJAN-FRANCE INTERGOVERNMENTAL ECONOMIC COMMISSION UNDERWAY IN BAKU
Baku, March 19 (AZERTAC). The 5th meeting of the Azerbaijan-France intergovernmental economic commission has commenced here today with an opening remarks of Azerbaijan Minister of Finance Samir Sharifov, who described it as an event aiming to boost development of bilateral ties.
He said that Azerbaijan pays particular attention to cooperation with France in both bilateral and regional level. “Azerbaijan is cooperating with France in a number of fields, including energy, infrastructure, high technologies and tourism”, the Minister noted.
He mentioned that in 2008, France was fifth largest partner of Azerbaijan in trade and one of the biggest investors in the country`s economy.
Mr. Sharifov said the trade between the two states has doubled between since 2004.
He mentioned that Azerbaijan`s GDP increased 10.8% last year despite the global economic crisis. “The World Bank named the country a top reformer in 2008,” Minister added.
He also stressed role personal friendship between the two countries` presidents in development of bilateral ties.
French Minister of State for Foreign trade Anne-Marie Idrac said France will continue to assist Azerbaijan to develop its economy. She said the trade between France and Azerbaijan was 1.8 billion euro last year. The French minister noted that France and Azerbaijan are now working together on a number of projects in various fields, including environment, air transportation, insurance, civil defense, construction, logistics, telecommunication and agriculture.
The talks also focused on other questions of mutual interest.
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