Azernews.Az

By Nazrin Gadimova

Baku Business Center hosted a business meeting between Azerbaijani and Italian delegations on March 14.

The meeting was part of the visit of the Italian delegation led by president of Friuli-Venezia Giulia region Debora Serracchiani.

The event also brought together representatives of Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion Foundation (AZPROMO), Azerbaijan's Investment Company, Sumgayit chemical industrial park and the National Confederation of Entrepreneurs (Employers).

During the meeting, Head of AZPROMO Rufat Mammadov spoke about Azerbaijan's economic achievements, large-scale regional projects, the various sectors of the economy, as well as business and investment environment created in the country and on the activities of AZPROMO.

Serracchiani, in turn, emphasized the importance of bilateral meetings and business forums in expanding ties between entrepreneurs of the two countries, adding that such activities will contribute to the development of economic relations.

Then, the meeting was followed by a presentation on the economy, business and investment environment of the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region. The sides exchanged views on prospects of cooperation in various fields.

Italian delegation further met with Azerbaijan's Economy and Industry Minister Shahin Mustafayev. During the meeting, the minister said Azerbaijan attached great importance to the development of relations with the EU. He added that Azerbaijan is the main trading partner of Europe in the South Caucasus, playing an important role in Europe's energy security.

Mustafayev said the two countries have already signed about 20 documents in the economic sphere, adding that there are more than 50 Italian companies in Azerbaijan operating in various spheres.

He also said that the trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Italy increased by more than seven percent in 2013. He called for the participation of Italian companies in the industrial parks of Azerbaijan, cooperation in the field of agricultural production, exchange of information for the study of investment opportunities, as well as participation of Azerbaijani companies in Italian exhibitions and business forums.

Serracchiani expressed satisfaction with the visit to Azerbaijan. He called for the efficient use of existing potential for expansion of economic relations between states and interest in developing relations between her region and Azerbaijan.

Then, Serracchiani met with Azerbaijan's Deputy Foreign Minister Khalaf Khalafov.

During the meeting, Khalafov expressed his satisfaction with the current level of Azerbaijan-Italy relations, adding that the two countries have great potential for cooperation in different areas.

Italian representative, in turn, expressed satisfaction with the visit to Azerbaijan and emphasized the interest to cooperate in the fields of energy, environment, education, health and industry.

Moreover, an Azerbaijani-Italian music night was held as part of the visit of Debora Serracchiani at ADA University.

Being one of the most developed regions of the northern Italy, Friuli-Venezia Giulia has economy based on small and medium size industries, specialized agriculture, high-quality tourism industry and a strong tendency to export.

Italy remains the largest importer of Azerbaijani goods, and almost a quarter of Azerbaijan's exports went to Italy in the first 6 months of 2013, compared to 22 percent in the same period in 2012.

Currently, 45 Italian companies operate in Azerbaijan in insurance, banking, trade, and other areas.