ARAZ AGALAROV: “I LOOK WITH OPTIMISM TO FUTURE OF AZERBAIJAN”
Among participants of Congress there will be a large group of Azerbaijanis living in Russia. And one of them is Araz Agalarov, the known Moscow businessman, whose activity has received wide recognition of the Russians. The president of Joint-Stock Company “Crocus International”, vice-president of the Moscow International Business Association, the full member of the International Academy of Information, the editor-in-chief of magazine “Business and Exhibitions”, the author of books about the Russian economy on its way to the market, at last, candidate of economic sciences. He is from those who, being an expert, the eyewitness and the participant of new forms of economic activities, and not by hearsay.
In his interview with AZERTAC correspondent, the renowned businessman shared his views on some questions, connected with activity of the Azerbaijan Diaspora in Russia.
-Q. What is the role of the Azerbaijanis who have located in Russia, many of which already became citizens of this country, in its all-around development, and also in strengthening the traditional friendship between Azerbaijan and Russia?
-A. I would expand the question a little and speak not only about ethnic Azerbaijanis, but also about our compatriots - representatives of other nations considering Azerbaijan where in one family at all times there lived people of different nationalities and faiths, the historical Motherland. And so, all we, who appeared outside of Fatherland, probably, should serve one noble purpose - more organizationally and more adequately to represent the Motherland - Azerbaijan in all corners of Russia. To use for the good of the country, which have accepted us, the abilities, skill, talent, putting the work to development of its economy, science, culture, and business. And for the sake of justice, I would tell: the overwhelming majority of our compatriots successfully cope with this task.
And here, it appears, the greater role belongs to the All-Russia Azerbaijan Congress (ARAC) founded by the initiative of the great leader of Azerbaijan people Heydar Aliyev, mission of which includes creation of authoritative Azerbaijan Diaspora able to become basis for formation of our influential lobby, capable to promote formation of the policy directed on benefit to Fatherland and compatriots.
As if to assistance to development and strengthening of the Russian-Azerbaijan relations - trade and economic, cultural and other, realizations of joint large economic and social projects, it is necessary to emphasize: our compatriots show big interest to socio-economic processes taking place in Azerbaijan, live with huge desire to make contribution to economic changes in Azerbaijan. The Fund of Economic Development created under ARAC pursues this goal. Somewhat, such aspiration is dictated as well by command of time, characterized by the process, which has captured the world of integration, consolidation of forces and opportunities. Together, as is known, it is always easier to solve problems, to overcome obstacles.
-Q. Well, as we touch the affairs of economy, what you will tell about the views of enterprising and active person trying in the daily life to connect the theory with practice (as the American scientist, apparently, has characterized you), how seems today Azerbaijan aspiring, as well as other countries of the post-Soviet space, to construct a free enterprise economy?
-It is pleasant to me to note, that the line taken in this direction by our Motherland - Azerbaijan, is rather successful. Azerbaijan is in the lead, and not only in the region, with which we are very proud of. I shall not bring figures, they are known. Azerbaijan leaves behind many countries and GDP, and on manufacture of industrial output, and on investments into its economy, and on a number of other parameters. Tax and customs systems are improved, solved questions of stimulation of investors, the investment climate becomes better and better, and it, as is known, is a guarantee of growth of capitals, new progressive laws adopted, and many other thins done. And all this for the sake of one, an overall objective - to improve well being of people, to make the life more richly and more beautifully.
And President Putin has noted the Progress observed in Azerbaijan in all spheres, as you remember, also during his visit to Baku in connection with opening of the Year of Russia in the Azerbaijan Republic.
Naturally, there may be also errors. But in fact, it is illness of growth through which pass all. And, fortunately, it does not become here chronic, there is an aspiration, and very persistent - to eliminate it operatively, cardinally.
In a word, I with great optimism look to future of Motherland.
-Q. What you would wish to participants of the Second Congress of Azerbaijanis of the world?
-A. I wish all participants of Congress health and well being. I would like to call all of them together and everyone - to remember the far and close Motherland, to support it in all affairs and serve it.
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