A delegation led by a Member of the Senate of the Kingdom of the Netherlands Rene van der Linden is on a visit to Azerbaijan. Within the framework of the visit, the delegation consisting of officials and businessmen held several meetings, as well as participated in various events.
On April 23, the Minister of Economy and Industry Shahin Mustafayev met with the delegation headed by a Member of the Senate of the Kingdom of the Netherlands Rene van der Linden. The minister Shahin Mustafayev hailed successful development of political and economic relations between the two countries, and highlighted Rene van der Linden's services in the development of friendship and cooperation between Azerbaijan and the Netherlands. It is no coincidence that, Mr. Rene van der Linden was rewarded with "Dostlug" order for special merits in the development of relations of friendship and cooperation between the two countries. The economic relations between Azerbaijan and the Netherlands were discussed at the meeting. It was noted that about 10 documents in various fields, including economic sphere have been signed, the formulation of the Agreement between Azerbaijan and the Netherlands on promotion and mutual protection of investments is close to completion. Azerbaijan and the Netherlands have great potential to enhance the economic relations in the fields of industry, producing, processing and packing of agricultural production, ICT, tourism, health, ecology, as well as the Netherlands companies in industrial parks in Azerbaijan. The minister Shahin Mustafayev pointed out the importance of continuation of business forums and organization of exhibitions and fairs for the promotion of relations among businessmen.
A Member of the Senate of the Kingdom of the Netherlands Rene van der Linden expressed his satisfaction over the visit to Azerbaijan. Furthermore, he noted that he would do best for the development of relations between Azerbaijan and the Netherlands.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, the rector of University of ADA Huseyn Pashayev participated in the meeting.
Then Azerbaijan-Netherland business forum was organized by Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion Foundation (AZPROMO) with a support of the Ministry of Economy and Industry. Along with officials, over 170 businessmen operating in agriculture, construction, education, logistic, ICT, water management and other fields attended the business forum.
The Minister of Economy and Industry Shahin Mustafayev pointed out that Azerbaijan attaches great importance to the development of the relations with the countries of the European Union. Azerbaijan is the main trading partner of Europe in the South Caucasus and plays an important role in energy security of Europe. In recent years, the development of cooperation between Azerbaijan and the Netherlands are developing and high-level visits, the meetings between Azerbaijan and the Netherlands is crucial to the development of cooperation. More than 100 companies with Netherland capital are operating in the fields of financing, industry, construction, service, trade, agriculture, transport and ecology, etc in Azerbaijan. Nearly $670 million direct investments were made in Azerbaijan's economy by the Netherlands. 
Dutch companies are involved in projects in Azerbaijan as a contractor. Emphasizing the implementation of a number of environmental projects in Azerbaijan Mr. Mustafayev noted that the cooperation with Dutch companies are carried out in the field of rehabilitation opf the Absheron lakes, including Boyukshor lake. The trade turnover between the two countries has increased by 24 percent in 2013. The minister Shahin Mustafayev pointed out the importance of business forums and exhibitions for the expansion of economic relations, as well as the establishment of new cooperation. Today's business forum contributes to the further development of relations among businessmen in Azerbaijan and the Netherlands.
Speaking about economy of Azerbaijan Mr.Mustafayev noted that a political and macroeconomic stability and sustainable economic development was ensured in Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan is the political, economic and cultural centre of Southern Caucasus. As a result of favourable business and investment climate the investment into Azerbaijan is increasing day-by day. Today Azerbaijan is an investment exporter and participator in regional energy and transport projects. The economic development of the country is highly appreciated by international organization.
A Member of the Senate of the Kingdom of the Netherlands Rene van der Linden expressed her satisfaction over a rapid development of Azerbaijan and noted the importance of efficient use of existing potential for further expansion of economic relations between the Netherlands and Azerbaijan.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, the rector of University of ADA Huseyn Pashayev highlighted the significance of these events in the expansion of relations. Hafiz Pashayev gave information on cooperation implemented in the field of education between ADA University and Holland Maastricht School of Management.
Rufat Mammadov, Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion Foundation, Rovshan Najaf, Executive Director of Azerbaijan Investment Company, Zaur Mammadov, and Deputy Executive Director of "Sumgait Chemical Industrial Park" made presentations on the business climate and investment opportunities of Azerbaijan, AIC's activities and projects carried out by the company, the conditions created for entrepreneurs in industrial park, respectively. The presentations on Holland economy and investment opportunities to different sectors were held in the business forum, too.
Business forum was followed by the bilateral meetings among businessmen.