Belarus, Slovenia seek to actively engage in Azerbaijan's energy sector
By Aynur Karimova
Belarus and Slovenia are in talks on possibility of jointly constructing energy facilities in third countries, including Azerbaijan.
Recently, Belarus and Slovenia have inaugurated the "Staroborisovskaya" sub-station in Minsk, where the two sides voiced intention to further continue their energy cooperation.
Janez Skrabec, Director General of the Slovenian Riko Company, which participated in the construction of the sub-station, said that Riko Company is ready to cooperate with Belarus to export services to Azerbaijan and Iran.
"Belarus and Slovenia professionally work together and trust each other. Now, we can jointly enter the markets of third countries with our proposals. Certain steps are already being taken in this regard," he added.
Belarusian Energy Minister Vladimir Potupchik, who talked to reporters during the inauguration ceremony, said that not only Slovenia, but also Germany, Austria and China and other countries, when entering the Belarusian market, became convinced of the high quality of the country's construction companies.
"Therefore, they are ready to enter the third countries together with us and to implement investment projects. Belarus has strong design institutes, and we are ready to establish appropriate consortia and to deal with investment in third countries through these institutes," he added.
Azerbaijan's energy sector has traditionally been the flagship of the country's economy. The republic established itself as a reliable supplier of crude oil and petroleum products long ago.
Also, one of the promising areas of energy development is Azerbaijan's electricity sector.
Today, Azerbaijan, working hard to develop the non-oil sector by diversifying the country’s economy, can be proud of its power sector. Being the most developed country of the South Caucasus region, the country is able to fully meet its own energy needs, and seeks to supply power to the European market.
The country was able to build a strong power potential in less than 20 years, conducting reconstruction and renovation of old generating capacities and creating new ones.
Azerbaijan is also keen to attract foreign investment and involve foreign companies in its electric energy sector. In this regard, Belarus and Slovenia's desire to be active in Azerbaijan'spower sector can be considered as possible.
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Aynur Karimova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Aynur_Karimova
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