Azerbaijan, Slovakia mull cooperation in SMBs
By Ayya Lmahamad
Azerbaijan and Slovakia have discussed relations between small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) during the meeting held between Chairman of Azerbaijani Agency for Small and Medium-sized Business Development Orkhan Mammadov and Charge d'Affaires of Slovakia Milan Lajcak on March 11.
During the meeting, the parties exchanged views on possible cooperation in the field of mutual trade and investment. In addition, they discussed possibilities for cooperation, including an exchange of experience in the field of SMBs, implementation of joint projects with the participation of SMBs of both countries and SMBs support in this process.
Mammadov underlined the state support rendered to small and medium-sized businesses in Azerbaijan, activities and services of SMBs.
In turn, Milan Lajcak noted the active role of SMBs in the Slovak economy, stressing the need to expand cooperation between the Agency and relevant Slovak agencies.
It should be noted that the trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Slovakia resulted in $28.4 million in 2020, with the most amount of turnover accounting for import. In addition, the trade turnover between the two countries amounted to $1.8 million in January 2021.
Moreover, on March 12, Charge d'Affaires of Slovakia Milan Lajcak met with Azerbaijan's Export and Investment Promotion Foundation Acting Head Yusif Abdullayev.
During the meeting, Abdullayev briefed the participants on the favourable business and investment climate conditions created in the country. He noted the work done to promote the "Made in Azerbaijan" brand and expansion of exports geography.
In turn, Charge d'Affaires of Slovakia emphasized that his country attaches great importance to the development of relations with Azerbaijan and shared his views on the development of cooperation between business circles and the establishment of new ties.
The meeting focused on strengthening mutual export and investment partnerships between the two countries.
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Ayya Lmahamad is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @AyyaLmahamad
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