ECONOMY
Baku hosts “Engaging private sector in agri-food chain development” forum
Baku, February 20 (AZERTAC). The “Engaging private sector in agri-food chain development” forum, co-organized by Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Black Sea Economic Cooperation Business Council (BSEC BC) and the National Confederation of Entrepreneurs (Employers) Organizations of Azerbaijan, has today been held in Baku.
The forum was held with the support of Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Economy and Industry, and the Ministry of Agriculture.
The event was organized with the view of paving the way for productive regional cooperation in agrarian and food industry. The objectives of the forum were discussions on the regional level in engaging private sector in agri-food chain development, exchange of experience, formation of the regional strategy to determine challenges and priorities, engaging small and medium-sized entrepreneurship through promotion of partnership between the private and state sectors.
Addressing the forum, chief of agrarian policy department of Azerbaijan’s Presidential Administration Azer Amiraslanov said development of agriculture was very important for Azerbaijan and the state strongly supports agrarian sector.
“The National Fund for Entrepreneurship Support has directed 65-70% of the loans to agriculture. Subsidies are given to farmers,” he said.
Amiraslanov said one of the major tasks of the country was the proper use of agricultural lands, increase of productivity in agriculture.
“The Head of State has given instructions to the agencies exercising agrarian policy. One of the fundamental requirements is the realization of e-agriculture, strengthening of the workforce capacity. With the launch of e-agriculture, e-registration of the lands will be exercised.”
He said development of cooperation in agriculture was one of the top priorities in Azerbaijan.
“Our top priority is to ensure food safety, and this requires a new strategy.”
Azer Amiraslanov said the state gives support to the farmers, this is not a humanitarian aid.
“The farmers are responsible for the distribution of the aid. We think this will ensure efficiency of the agrarian policy and agriculture. There are certain problems in the sphere of food chain in agriculture all over the world, no country can solve this problem,” he noted.
The Department chief said there was no direct interference in the food market in the country.
“There are numerous rings in the sale channels of agricultural products. I think some changes should be made in this field. Agri-food chain includes production, processing, sale and storage of agricultural products,” he said.
The forum was attended by representatives of agriculture and economy ministries of BSEC countries, chiefs of agricultural unions, associations, confederations, representatives of private sector.
At the end of the forum, BSEC Business Council and International Congress of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs signed an agreement on cooperation.