Azerbaijan’s business opportunities presented in Verona

By Nigar Orujova

A presentation on "Azerbaijan: business opportunities for Italy" has been held in Verona.

Co-organized by the Azerbaijani Embassy in Italy and Verona Area Chamber of Commerce, the event brought together Italian businessmen and representatives of society.

Councilor of the Verona Area Chamber of Commerce Silvia Nicolis stressed the importance of the event in term of becoming familiar with Azerbaijan's economic opportunities.

She said holding the presentation and concert on Azerbaijan in Verona is vivid evidence to the close relations between the two countries' regions. The concert featured performance of Italian Orchestra Italiana del Cinema symphonic orchestra and Karabakh mugham ensemble, as well as Azerbaijani singers Mansum Ibrahimov, Aygun Bayramova and Azer Rzazade. It was conducted by Yalchin Adigozalov.

Azerbaijan's Ambassador to Italy Vagif Sadigov provided an insight into steadily economic development of Azerbaijan.

He said developing energy sphere, as well as non-oil sector was priorities of Azerbaijani government.

On "Baku White city", "Khazar Islands" and other projects, Sadigov said progress achieved in relevant sphere was the indicators of Azerbaijan's dynamical development.

He also touched upon the importance of Trans Adriatic Pipeline that is projected to supply the Caspian gas to Europe.

Speaking about Azerbaijani-Italian relations, the diplomat praised these ties.

Commenting on steadily development of economic cooperation, Sadigov said Italian companies were interested in functioning in Azerbaijan in the non-oil, construction, infrastructure, agriculture, tourism, ICT spheres.

He added President Ilham Aliyev`s recent official visit to Italy has notably contributed to further boosting the relations.

Being one of Azerbaijan's major partners in Europe, Italy is Azerbaijan's number one trade partner for last seven years. It is the largest importer of Azerbaijani goods. Almost a quarter of Azerbaijan's export went to Italy in January-July 2013, compared to 22 percent in the same period in 2012.

Currently, 45 Italian companies are operating in Azerbaijan in insurance, banking, trade, and other areas.