Azerbaijan, WB eye issue of agriculture sector
By Sara Rajabova
Azerbaijan`s agricultural potential was topic of the talks between Azerbaijani Agriculture Minister Heydar Asadov and World Bank Country Manager for Azerbaijan Larisa Leshchenko, and Manager at the WB Dina Umali-Deininger.
The sides discussed prospects for cooperation between the country and the bank in the field of irrigation, AzerTag state news agency reported.
Asadov stressed the importance of restoring the irrigation and drainage systems in terms of the development of the agricultural sector, praising the WB`s support on this front.
The bank has financed more than 50 projects worth more than $3 billion after Azerbaijan joined it in 1992.
The WB previously announced the start of drafting a new strategy of operation in Azerbaijan, while the implementation of the previous strategy for the period of 2011- 2014 will be completed in the middle of this year.
The new strategy will include several new spheres of activity. New directions could include the development of alternative energy sources and reform of higher education with an emphasis on technical and vocational education, as well as a healthcare financing system.