Azernews.Az

By Nigar Orujova

Azerbaijan and Japan have great potential for cooperation in the field of ICT.

The remarks were made by Tsuguo Takahashi, Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Japan at a workshop held in the ICT Ministry with the participation of Japanese specialists on February 13.

A delegation of Nippon Electric Corporation (NEC), Japan's leading corporation in the field of telecommunications and satellite, is on an official visit to Azerbaijan.

The workshop was aimed at establishing cooperation between the two countries, and enhancing relations in the field of ICT.

Takahashi noted that Azerbaijan is rich in natural resources, and the interest of other countries in Azerbaijan is growing every year.

Pointing out that diplomatic relations between the two countries was established in 1992 and grew stronger year after year, Takahashi stressed that there is a wide range of partnership opportunities in all areas, including the economic field.

Every visit is contributing to the development of bilateral relations, he noted.

"I am confident that NEC, which is offering a wide range of products and services all over the world, will also become a successful and reliable partner in Azerbaijan. This partnership will further strengthen the relations between Japan and Azerbaijan, and raise the relations to a new level."

General Manager of Europe, Middle East, and African Division of NEC Corporation Masahiro Ikeno spoke about the company's activities, products, and services, and expressed his country's great interest in Azerbaijan's market.

Ikeno stressed the importance of bringing into conformity with local requirements of products and services provided by the corporation and optimization of technologies to local conditions.

The presentation of NEC Corporation, sessions on ICT solutions, broadband Internet development projects, and sessions dedicated to the themes of basic network systems were also discussed at the workshop.

ICT targets in Azerbaijan

Azerbaijani ICT Minister Ali Abbasov spoke about future targets on building new, diversified, and sustainable economy based on the results of Azerbaijan's energy policy.

Abbasov noted the importance of the economic sector which was based on science-intensive, innovative, and advanced technologies, saying the ministry plans further development in these three main areas.

Azerbaijan is expected to develop information and network infrastructure, manufacture electronics and innovative products and services, make offers for regional markets, and expand information technology services in regional and domestic markets in the coming years.

Abbasov also talked about the creation of new mobile application and solutions and carrying out infrastructure projects, including the Development of National Broadband Internet that envisages access to the broadband Internet over high-speed fiber-optic cable networks and other advanced telecommunications services.

He pointed to the importance of international cooperation in implementing measures for the development of digital economic sector in the country and mass production of various innovative products and services.

Abbasov expressed his appreciation for NEC Corporation's visit to Azerbaijan and expressed confidence that the visit would contribute to successful cooperation between the two countries.

Possible cooperation

NEC CEO Masahiro Ikeno told journalists that the corporation has received an invitation to participate in the tender for the construction of a second telecommunications satellite in Azerbaijan.

Launching the Azerspace-2 satellite is scheduled for 2017. It will be designed to provide digital broadcasting, Internet access, data transmission, and creation of multiservice networks VSAT.

Ikeno said the corporation will give the final answer after assessing its capabilities for participating in this project.

"NEC Corporation has a number of technologies in the field of network infrastructure and is known worldwide for its solutions and services. Along with telecommunication systems, the corporation also has a capacity of satellite systems' production. In the next two days, we will consider the prospects for cooperation in many areas and will further define its priorities," he said.

Ikeno also touched on the issue of producing tablet computers in Azerbaijan, saying that this area has certain specifics.

"Before establishing such a production, you must estimate its contribution to the society," he said.

"KUR", Azerbaijani company for production of computer equipment earlier announced its plans for the production of tablet computers under its own brand.