Azernews.Az

The Azerbaijani government has impressive achievements in the area of market reforms, which is reflected in recently released reports by the World Bank and the International Finance Corporation, according to US Deputy Commerce Secretary John Sullivan.
At the same time, Sullivan said urgent action needs to be taken in the fast-growing South Caucasus republic in fighting corruption and eliminating red tape. "It is also important to conduct legal reforms, support economic diversification, and strengthen the infrastructure and education," he told a news conference at the end of a visit to Baku last week.
Sullivan added that reforms would be supported by the US Department of Commerce. "In mid-2009, the position of a commercial adviser will be established within the US embassy to facilitate those interested in doing business with Azerbaijan. We hope that the measure will help expand commercial relations between the two countries."
Although more than 100 US companies are already working in Azerbaijan, Sullivan said those dealing with communications, agriculture and construction would also seek business in Azerbaijan in the future.
Additionally, the US deputy commerce secretary indicated that he had discussed different energy projects with the country`s leadership. "One of our objectives is to enable the multiple-option transportation of Caspian oil and gas resources. Our aim is to supply Europe with oil and gas coming from different directions. I can say with confidence that the Azerbaijani government is sharing this position."
During Sullivan`s October 28-29 visit to Baku, he met with President Ilham Aliyev, the ministers of economic development and finance, and the president of the state oil company.
In a meeting with the head of state, Sullivan said a very conducive environment had been created for healthy business dealings in the country due to the successful programs and policies pursued by the government.
President Aliyev emphasized the importance of the high assessment of the business climate issued by a leading international financial institution such as the WB. He called this a result of the successful economic policy pursued in the country, saying the government`s focus at this point was further boosting economic reforms and maximally reducing the oil-rich republic`s dependence upon revenues from the energy sector.
Further, Aliyev stressed that US-Azeri relations were being successfully developed in a variety of fields. "This visit by the US delegation has created a good opportunity to discuss economic cooperation, which is an integral part of broad bilateral relations."