Consul Otto Hauser: Germany, Azerbaijan could co-op in automotive industry
By Leman Mammadova
Germany and Azerbaijan are keen to develop bilateral economic cooperation in the non-energy sector.
Germany and Azerbaijan could cooperate in automotive industry, Honorary Consul of Azerbaijan in Stuttgart Otto Hauser told Trend.
He said that economic relations between the countries are at a good level and the bilateral trade turnover is in favor of Azerbaijan, since the country exports more to Germany because of oil supplies.
"So, there is still potential for improvement in the non-energy trade. I see opportunities in the automotive, plastics, machinery and agriculture sectors," Hauser noted.
He further said that plastics and their processing is a very interesting sector for Germany.
"I see good prospects of Germany’s building such production in Azerbaijan. The raw materials can be processed immediately in Azerbaijan. For Azerbaijan, I see sales markets in the Caucasus, Russia, Iran and Europe," he said.
Hauser also noted that Germany can transfer know-how to Azerbaijan, which would help build production in the country.
Speaking about the relations between Azerbaijan and Germany, Hauser said they are good and the cooperation is diverse. "I expect the relations to intensify much more in 2019. Also, there is a significant Azerbaijani community in Germany, which we would like to integrate more," he added.
Recently, Baku hosted the eighth meeting of the Azerbaijani-German high-level working group.
Last year Azerbaijan’s share among Germany’s partners in the South Caucasus was 70 percent. The trade turnover between the countries increased by 61 percent and reached $1.4 billion in 2018, about $780 million of which accounted for the export of Azerbaijani products, while $660 million for the import of German goods.The main share of Azerbaijan's exports to Germany is oil and oil products. Last year, SOCAR supplied over 2.2 million tons of crude oil to Germany.
Currently, 154 companies with German capital are operating in Azerbaijan. German companies invested $570 million in the Azerbaijani economy, most of which was directed to the non-oil sector.
Germany is currently negotiating the issues regarding the supply of hazelnuts, pomegranates, juices, wine, canned products from Azerbaijan, and also interested in the import of chemical products.
Recently, German capital Berlin hosted International Green Week exhibition for the food, agricultural and horticultural industries. Herba Flora of Azerbaijan has reached the agreement on the export of medicinal herbal tea with Germany's Herbacon GmbH and Tramontabio within the framework of this exhibition on January 18-27.
Currently, Azerbaijani products are being demonstrated at FRUIT LOGISTICA 2019, International Trade Fair for Fruit and Vegetable Marketing in Berlin, Germany. As many as 14 local companies operating in the field of fruit and vegetable production in Azerbaijan present their products at "Made in Azerbaijan" stand.
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Leman Mammadova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @leman_888
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