BAKU HOSTS AZERBAIJAN-FINLAND BUSINESS FORUM
The Azerbaijan-Finland business forum organized by the Economic Development Ministry and Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion Foundation (AZPROMO) is under way at the Park INN hotel.
The forum gathered some 20 businessmen engaged in finance, health, information technology, environment, construction, logistics and some 60 entrepreneurs from Azerbaijan.
Economic Development Minister Heydar Babayev said Azerbaijan got out of the crisis thanks to national leader Heydar Aliyev`s forward-looking policy. He highlighted the accomplishments achieved over recent years, successful economic reforms, projects to develop business in the country. He pointed out GDP has risen four times for the past four years, and 25% on the same period last year. Share of the private sector in GDP reached 84%.
Non-oil sector, according to him, increased by 11 percent. The government of Azerbaijan announced this sector the priority area. Babayev said Finnish businessmen`s experience in this sphere is important for Azerbaijan.
Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Paavo Väyrynen said reciprocal visits play important role in developing bilateral relations between the two countries. He praised rapid economic growth in Azerbaijan. He said Finland is keen on economic and cultural cooperation with Azerbaijan. Minister expressed hope the world financial crisis will avoid Azerbaijan because of the sustainable economic development here.
Väyrynen stressed the importance of the forum of business networking.
AZPROMO President Emil Majidov told of the prospects for Finnish investments in Azerbaijan. Mr Christoph Vitzthum, Group Vice President and head of Wärtsilä Power Plants, introduced members of the Finland delegation. Finpro Director for Industry Antti-Jussi provided information about the country`s economy.
The forum was followed by the bilateral meetings of Azerbaijani and Finnish businessmen.
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