Azerbaijan-Turkey Business Roundtable was held
During the visit to Azerbaijan, a delegation led by Turkish Trade Minister Ruhsar Pekcan visited the tomb of National Leader Heydar Aliyev in the Alley of Honors and laid a wreath at his monument. The guests also visited the grave of prominent ophthalmologist, academician Zarifa Aliyeva and laid flowers at the monument. The Turkish delegation also visited the Eternal Torch complex and the Turkish Martyrs’ Monument in the Alley of Martyrs.
Afterwards, a business roundtable was held between the delegations led by the Minister of Economy of Azerbaijan Mikayil Jabbarov and the Minister of Trade of Turkey Ruhsar Pekcan with the participation of business organizations of both countries.
It was noted at the roundtable that Azerbaijani-Turkish relations based on mutual respect, friendship and brotherhood have been developing steadily in the past, and the political will and instructions of the heads of state are the main driving force in the development of bilateral cooperation.
Mikayil Jabbarov stated that Turkey has always stood by the Azerbaijani people, strongly and unequivocally supported the just position of our country, and always shared our joys and sorrows. It was noted that high-level political relations between Azerbaijan and Turkey create favorable conditions for strengthening economic cooperation. In this regard, the business forum held in Ankara in February 2021 have a special importance. It was indicated that Azerbaijan and Turkey, which successfully implement transport projects of regional and international importance, have become important transport and logistics centers.
The Minister of Economy reiterated that Turkey is one of the main trade partners of Azerbaijan, and the Preferential Trade Agreement, which came into force in March this year, will further expand bilateral trade relations. The Trade Representation, which is planned to be established at the Consulate General of Azerbaijan in Istanbul, will also contribute to the growth of mutual trade.
It was mentioned that the number of Turkish companies operating in industry, construction, trade, services, transport, agriculture and communications by taking advantage of the favorable business environment in Azerbaijan is constantly growing. At present, more than 4,200 companies from the brother country operates in Azerbaijan. Turkey is the largest investor in Azerbaijan’s non-oil sector. The country in which Azerbaijan invests the most is brotherly Turkey. However, in order to promote the investment opportunities of Azerbaijan, it is planned to organize a “Road Show” in various cities of Turkey.
Sharing his views on the development opportunities of cooperation between Azerbaijan and Turkey, Mikayil Jabbarov spoke about investment, industry, transport and logistics, ICT, digital trade, small and medium business, tourism and others. He noted the prospects for the development of relations in various fields.
Noting that the concept of restoration and development of our liberated territories has been prepared, special incentive programs are planned for foreign investors, the Minister of Economy said that Turkish companies have ample opportunities to participate in this field.
The Minister of Trade of the Republic of Turkey, Ruhsar Pekcan, said that at a time when the world is experiencing difficult times due to the pandemic, Azerbaijan’s demonstration of strong will to liberate Karabakh from occupation was met with great enthusiasm and joy in Turkey. It was noted that Turkish companies are interested in participating in construction projects and investing in the liberated territories of Azerbaijan. The Turkish Minister of Trade also noted that there are great opportunities to expand cooperation in various sectors of the economy, and we will enhance our joint efforts to realize this potential.
In their speeches, Adviser to the Minister of Economy Samad Bashirli, Deputy Chief of the State Service for Antimonopoly and Consumer Market Control under the Ministry of Economy Mammad Abbasbeyli, Chairman of the Board of the Small and Medium Business Development Agency Orkhan Mammadov, Acting Head of the Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion Foundation Yusif Abdullayev, Executive Director of Azerbaijan Investment Company Ulvi Mansurov, Tamerlan Tagiyev, Acting Executive Director of the Center for Analysis and Coordination of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, Mammad Musayev, President of the Azerbaijan Entrepreneurs Confederation, Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu, President of the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey and others exchanged their views on the work to be implemented to restore Karabakh, as well as the development of cooperation in entrepreneurship, investment, trade and other areas.
Within the framework of the event, a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the field of Digital Trade was signed between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of the Republic of Turkey. The document was signed by Azerbaijani Economy Minister Mikayil Jabbarov and Turkish Trade Minister Ruhsar Pekcan.
A Memorandum of Understanding was also signed between the Turkish Industry and Business Association (TUSIAD), Confederation of Turkish Tradesmen and Craftsmen and the Azerbaijan Entrepreneurs Confederation.
