Azerbaijan-Hungary business forum was organized by the Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion Foundation (AZPROMO) with the support of the Ministry of Economy and Industry at Baku Business Center on January 27.
In his speech, Minister of Economy and Industry Shahin Mustafaev greeted the forum participants and emphasized the high level of political relations between Azerbaijan and Hungary and successful development of economic connections. It was mentioned that mutual visits paid by heads of the two states, intensive discussions and signed documents have triggered development of the bilateral relations. Efficient work of the Intergovernmental Commission and Working Group on interparliamentary relations, the signing of a common declaration on establishing sister city relationship between Shusha and Dondosh, the opening of the direct Baku-Budapest Flight, the new project of Heydar Aliyev Foundation for the children with weak visual ability launched in Budapest in the beginning of this year, the expansion of connections in the different spheres of economy- all these testify to comprehensive development of Azerbaijani-Hungarian partnership.
Cooperation in the various sectors of the economy, as well as trade relations are successfully growing. The opening of Hungarian Trade House in Baku has made a significant contribution to the expansion of mutual trade.
Minister Shahin Mustafaev emphasized that since 2005, 9 bisness forums and working meetings have been organized, mentioned their contribution to building up ties between businessmen, enlarging economic cooperation, fulfilling new projects and triggering business activities. The Hungarian companies, mainly from the spheres of agriculture and services, are successfully cooperating with Azerbaijan.
Resulting from the business forums and working meetings held during the last two years, agreements were reached on realization of projects in construction, ICT and other spheres.
It was reported that beyond the two states' officials, representatives of about 150 companies working in construction, ICT, food industry equipment, textile, pharmacy, tourism, finance, alternative energy, real-estate participated in the forum which will contribute to expansion of mutual relations between business communities and definition of new cooperation opportunities. Minister Mustafaev called Hungarian entrepreneurs to discuss new joint projects and deepen connections with their Azerbaijani colleagues in industry, agriculture, construction, tourism etc.
The State Secretary of Hungary on Foreign Affaris and Foreign Economic Relations Péter Szijjártó expressed his satisfaction with dynamic economic growth of Azerbaijan and underlined the interest his country has in developing bilateral relations. Mr.Szijjártó stated his confidence in sustainable progress of Azerbaijani-Hungarian relations in future and emphasized the importance the business-forum bears for development of economic and trade connections. Providing information on Hungarian economy, business and investment opportunities, Péter Szijjártó mentioned the interest in cooperation on agriculture, medicine, tourism, energy and other spheres. He expressed his gratitude to Heydar Aliev Foundation for the start of a new project in Budapest intended for children with weak visual abilities.
The Presentation on investment climate and business opportunities in Azerbaijan was made by the Head of Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion Foundation (AZPROMO) Mr. Rufat Mammadov, while the Vice-President of Hungarian Investment and Trade Agency (HITA) Mr. Peter Bilek spoke about trade relations between Hungary and Azerbaijan and HITA's services.
The business forum continued with bilateral meetings between businessmen.