Azernews.Az

Bilateral trade between Ukraine and Azerbaijan could reach $1 billion by the end of 2008, Boris Klimchuk, Ukrainian ambassador to Baku, has said.
He told a press conference last week that economic relations between the two countries were rapidly developing. Bilateral trade reached $485.2 million in the first half-year, compared to $279 million in the same period of 2007.
Klimchuk said Ukrainian and Azerbaijani presidents have instructed government agencies to assist in raising the trade figure to $1bn. "If our relations continue developing like this, we can accomplish the goal by the year-end," he predicted.
Klimchuk said Ukrainian businessmen were taking great interest in Azerbaijan. He said a group of entrepreneurs from his country would visit the South Caucasus republic in the coming days. The delegation, which will mainly comprise people working in the oil sector and the basic goods field, is due to visit Baku and the northwestern city of Ganja.
"They will hold talks on forging cooperation with the major industrial companies of Azerbaijan. Ukrainian businessmen are looking to engage in areas ranging from the refining of oil products to the production of milk and dairy products, as well as furniture."
The delegation would also hold talks with Azersun Holding on launching production of sugar processing. Ukraine further intends to supply Azerbaijan`s market with tomato products, including ketchup.