ECONOMY
AZERBAIJAN-BELGIUM BUSINESS FORUM LAUNCHED IN BAKU
Baku, November 23 (AZERTAC). Azerbaijan-Belgium business forum started in “Kavkaz Point” Hotel, in Baku with organizational support of Azerbaijan`s Economic Development Ministry and Investments and Export Promotion Foundation (AzPromo).
The event brought together specialists engaged in agriculture, consulting, logistics, construction and industry areas.
Opening the meeting, head of administration of Azerbaijan`s Ministry of Economic Development Samir Valiyev told of large-scale projects, development of entrepreneurship and achievements in the country`s economy.
He said in spite of global financial crisis, GDP in Azerbaijan stood at 8.3%, industrial production at 7.4%, agriculture at 3.6%, income of population at 6.4% and currency reserves at 19.1% over the past ten month of 2009. Mr. Valiyev said after regaining its independence, about US $ 70 bln was invested in Azerbaijan`s economy.
He said Azerbaijan and Belgium have solid legal foundations for cooperation and signed various documents in investments, customs, taxes and air transport areas. He underlined that foreign commodity turnover between the two countries reached 66 mln dollars over the past ten months against $ 61 mln in 2008.
Belgium Ambassador to Azerbaijan Phillip Jottard said economic development of Azerbaijan is higher than in other European countries. He said that Belgium businessmen, who first arrived in the country, praised the economic achievements.
Acting head of AzPromo Adil Mammadov briefed about favorable business milieu of Azerbaijan and the investment opportunities.
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