Azernews.Az

By Aynur Karimova

Azerbaijan is ready to boost cooperation with neighboring Iran in the agriculture sector.

Agriculture Minister Heydar Asadov has voiced the will at a meeting with Iran's envoy to Baku, Mohsen Pak Ayeen, the Iranian embassy told Trend on April 5.

Asadov, referring to an agricultural cooperation agreement signed between the two countries during President Ilham Aliyev's Tehran visit in February, said that Baku is ready to cooperate with Tehran in various fields of agrarian sector, including in research and training, soil and water, seed exchange and trade of agricultural products, as well as boosting the cooperatives.

The minister believes that Azerbaijan and Iran can widely cooperate in import and export of agrarian goods.

He also invited his Iranian counterpart Mahmoud Hojjati to pay an official visit to Baku in the near future.

Pak Ayeen, in turn, said that the two parties are determined to boost cooperation in the fields of veterinary and agriculture.

He believes that Tehran and Baku enjoy good potential in agriculture sector, and can exchange their capacities through mutual cooperation.

Last December, Azerbaijan and Iran agreed to set up joint ventures in the production and processing of agricultural products.

The enterprises are expected to be established on the territories of both countries. It is assumed that agricultural products at these enterprises will go to Russia by transit through the territory of Azerbaijan, as well as in the western direction, to the Black Sea, through the territory of Azerbaijan and Georgia.

The agricultural sector is of significant importance for Azerbaijan, which is keen to diminish its dependence on the oil sector.

Azerbaijan, being engaged in increasing its export potential and boosting and protecting the population's food security, sees the agricultural sector as a central direction in a bid to diversify the national economy.

Enjoying advantageous geographic location, Azerbaijan has all possibilities to increase export of high quality agro products, which are in great demand in neighboring countries.

Experts believe that with the further development of production of high quality agricultural goods, Azerbaijan will be able not only increase the supply to neighboring countries, but also enter markets in Eastern Europe.

In Iran, agriculture is also one of the most important sectors of the national economy, accounting over 10 percent of GDP. Agricultural and animal husbandry products have always provided the major part of the non-oil products, exported to foreign markets.

The main export regions include the Middle East, Central Asia and other CIS nations, Europe, and South America. The country is also increasingly importing food technology, including processing and packaging equipment.

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Aynur Karimova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Aynur_Karimova

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