Azerbaijan highly evaluates IT co-op with Japan
By Nigar Orujova
Azerbaijan attaches great importance to cooperation with Japan, a leading country in the field of technology-oriented and innovative economy.
The remarks were made by Azerbaijani Communication and Information Technology Minister Ali Abbasov while assessing the results of the Azerbaijani delegation's recent visit to Japan.
The delegation headed by Abbasov visited the country at the invitation of Japan's Foreign Ministry to further expand ties between the two countries in the field of information and communication technologies (ICT).
Abbasov said Japan's leadership has shown great interest and appreciation for bilateral relations.
"The main purpose of our visit was to discuss the basic principles of cooperation with Japan. We brought to the attention of Japanese side the main policy directions of the Azerbaijani government pursued for technological progress, something which is very important for the development of human resources. We also talked about creating a suitable business environment to facilitate Azerbaijani companies' access to financial resources. It was highly appreciated by the relevant agencies of the Japanese government," he said.
Abbasov said the delegation also held discussions with a number of Japan's cutting-edge technology companies.
"The Japanese side were mainly interested in projects that are related to the implementation of the space program in Azerbaijan and also the organization of electronic and information services. During the discussions, we were able to attract the attention of leading Japanese companies and investors to the ongoing projects in Azerbaijan," Abbasov said.
The minister said the third major point in talks was expanding the presence of Azerbaijani companies in foreign markets in partnership with Japan's leading companies and Azerbaijan's local IT technology companies, as well as their cooperation in the production of goods and services to enhance Azerbaijan's technological export potential.
Abbasov believes the agreements reached in this regard will be a very good basis for future cooperation.
During the five-day official visit, the delegation met with State Minister for Economy, Trade and Industry, Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, and Secretary of State for Internal Affairs and Communications of Japan.
Azerbaijan-Japan cooperation in ICT field, in particular the creation of IT parks, and cooperation in the field of telecommunications and aerospace industry were discussed. The sides expressed a positive position on the development of a legal framework in this area between the two countries.
The delegation also familiarized itself with the activities of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, High Technology Center (TEPIA), and Japan Broadcasting Corporation (NHK).
The Azerbaijani delegation was informed in detail about manufacturing processes and the latest projects at the meetings held with well-known companies such as Mitsubishi, NEC, and Panasonic that are engaged in the manufacture of equipment in the field of ICT and electronics. The sides exchanged views on prospects for cooperation.
A number of ICT events have been organized this year in Azerbaijan, a country with a developing ICT sector. 2013 was declared the Year of ICT in the country.
Some 142.6 million manats ($182 million) were invested in Azerbaijan's ICT and postal communication sectors in the first nine months of 2013.