Representative of the Azerbaijan Entrepreneurs Confederation in China: “We have branded the names Karabakh, Khari Bulbul, Shusha, Babek”
Representative of Azerbaijan Entrepreneurs’ Confederation in the People’s Republic of China Vagif Mirishov has a special contribution to the promotion of the brand “Made in Azerbaijan” in this country and its decent place in the market. V.Mirishov also transformed Karabakh, Shusha and Khari Bulbul into a brand to prevent them from falling into the hands of our hated countries. Thus, Armenians cannot engage in the Chinese market even under the so-called “Shushi” name. The Azerbaijan Entrepreneurs’ Confederation awarded Vagif Mirishov with the “Decree of Honor” for this activity.
– In some countries, borders are already opening, albeit partially. Business trips to China are also expected to resume shortly. What do we currently export from Azerbaijan to China, and what of our products have found buyers in China?
– Through the pandemic, almost every venue in China, including borders, was closed. However, due to the high level of relations between Azerbaijan and China, the cargo leaving our country or coming from China did not halt Also, Azerbaijan is already actively participating in the Chinese market with its brands. We have branded the names Karabakh, Khari Bulbul, Shusha, Babek in English, Russian and Azerbaijani. It means, other business entities cannot enter the market under those names. For example, I branded Shusha in Russian. They cannot brand Shusha under the name of “Shushi”. Chinese hieroglyphs do not allow to form of a new name by altering a single letter “i”. The diplomatic mission of Azerbaijan is also more active in China and praised my work in branding. In general, Armenians are unable to participate in meetings attended by representatives from Azerbaijan since they are frightened of propagating their lies.
– How is the level of interest to Azerbaijan, especially do Chinese businessmen appeal to you to invest in our country?
– Yes, many businessmen interested in coming to Azerbaijan. Opportunities they may take advantage of, in what areas they may open plants have already been explored. In Azerbaijan, they mainly prefer the production of construction materials. At the same time, they evaluate Azerbaijan as central base access to neighboring markets.
– In fact, the proposal to establish a central base in our country is quite plausible. For instance, in the production of furniture, Turkey, Georgia and Armenia buy materials and some parts for production entirely from China. In this regard, Azerbaijan will gain new logistics opportunities…
– Yes, our idea is to create a base in Azerbaijan and from here the goods will distribute to the markets of all neighboring countries through our entrepreneurs.
– Mr Vagif, are you currently carrying out import-export operations by air? According to the new line built on the ancient Silk Road, cargo can be delivered to China in 12-14 days. Do you plan to use this route line?
– We are currently carrying out import-export operations by ship. The Baku-Xi’an line has been opened, which allows goods to be delivered to our country in 14-15 days. If we are successful, we want to export the goods via the Baku-Xi’an line. It is both cheaper and faster.
– How profitable is it in terms of tariffs?
– So, the goods coming from China to Azerbaijan for $ 2,500 reach $ 1,300 via the new Baku-Xi’an line. In addition, the transportation of cargo by sea via the Baku-Xi’an route takes only 14-15 days. We are glad that under the leadership of our Supreme Commander-in-Chief, our lands have been liberated from occupation. Serious work is underway to open the Zangazur corridor. The opening of this corridor will further increase the efficiency of the Baku-Xi’an line.
– My next question is linked with education. How to increase the number of students going from Azerbaijan to China to study? Because in the future there will be a growing need for specialists who know Chinese from the perspective of the economy, it is known that the future economy would hinge on China.
– True. Predictions for the future depicts that China’s economy will enlarge faster. People all over the world prefer to learn Chinese. It is overt that the burden of able-bodied people in European countries exceeds the number of older people. Migrants from other countries also affect the labor market. The expanding market is the Chinese market, while ours are more inclined to associate with the European market. Europe no longer invests in its markets, but invest in China and India. According to reports on international business, the vast majority of businessmen acquire their capital from China. This proves that both the labor force and specialists are growing in China. We must conclude that we must apprehend their culture and language, and our education system must be active in this area. For comparison, Georgian companies are very effective in China, they possess large wineries. In these trading houses, Georgian experts themselves speak Chinese and promote their country more accurately. And we are forced to hire the Chinese because that person cannot know and love us as we are. This, of course, affects the level of propaganda. Let’s articulate about the future, when tourist places are opened in Shusha and Karabakh, we will face a shortage of people who know Chinese. I estimate that we need to increase our activities in this regard.
– We would like to hear from you some information that may be intriguing for our entrepreneurs. What products should be attractive for the Chinese market?
– Today our wines are getting popular in the Chinese market. In general, the alcohol market is very wide. At the same time, our products made of pomegranate are already popular. It should be noted that today there is a great demand for organic products in the world, including China. That’s why it may be easier to enter the market with these products. As a representative of the Azerbaijan Entrepreneurs’ Confederation, we are ready to support our entrepreneurs in these matters.