Azernews.Az

By Amina Nazarli

Falling oil prices have set new challenges for Azerbaijan and now the country is looking for additional opportunities to restore and develop its economy.

And now Azerbaijan is keen to penetrate widely in the international commodity markets with its products branded 'Made in Azerbaijan'.

In order to bring the economy to a new level Azerbaijan started promoting the ‘Made in Azerbaijan’ brand in foreign markets.

The presidential decree, dated October 5, approves the form of the report “On the work carried out to encourage the export of non-oil products of Azerbaijani origin” and helps promoting ‘Made in Azerbaijan’ brand in foreign markets.

In order to finance the support of these measures, some 3 million manats (about $1.7 million) were allocated from the Azerbaijani President’s Reserve Fund in the 2016 State Budget.

Currently, Azerbaijan's export mission is in Dubai, the UAE, to promote the national brands in this country.

The delegation includes representatives of 20 companies engaged in natural juices, mineral beverages, agricultural products, meat and meat products, honey, milk and dairy produce, Trend reported.

During the visit the national companies by organization of AZPROMO and "Dubai Exports" met with representatives of about 20 companies of the UAE. The sides discussed issues such as expansion of relations between the companies of the two countries, opportunities of export to the UAE and more.

Within the visit Azerbaijani businessmen visited gigantic markets of Dubai such as “Carrefour”, “Spinneys” and “Union Co-op”.

This is the second export mission organized by the Economy Ministry in order to promote 'Made in Azerbaijan' brand in foreign markets. The mission will last until November 30.

Today Azerbaijan outputs more than 250 kinds of home-made products in food, light, heavy and construction industries.

Wine produced in France is considered one of the best in the world. However, many wine lovers will agree that Azerbaijani wine is no way inferior to French one -- if not even superior in taste.

Currently, there are nearly 10 wineries and vineyards that produce wine in the country, which are exported to Russia, Ukraine, Baltic States, Poland, Belarus, the UAE and China. More and more countries such as France are taking interest in the national brandy.

Another important sector of industry is metallurgy with an import rate of $1.2 billion.

Recently the Azerbaijan Steel Production Complex open joint-stock company was created to orient the industry to exports.

In the near future, the Mingachevir High Tech Park will start production of various high-tech products under the brand 'Made in Azerbaijan'.

National cosmetics Gazelli is a unique and innovative brand, surrounded by a world of education, diagnostics and realistic advice. Today Gazelli is focused on building exclusive partnerships around the world.

In addition, Azerbaijan can also be famous in the world for its skilled craftsmen. Grand
Bazaar, Resm Jewellery, Faig Ahmadov’s carpets, Chelebi Furniture&Decor and many others can serve as an example.

Thus, the country possesses significant potential to establish local production of goods under ‘Made in Azerbaijan’ brand. But this requires hard work, which is well thought-out marketing campaign to promote Azerbaijani goods, as well as in the training of highly qualified personnel.

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Amina Nazarli is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli

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