The delegation led by Johann N. Schneider Ammann the Federal Counselor of the Swiss Confederation, the head of Federal Department for Economic Issues, Education and Researches being on visit to Azerbaijan remembered the memory of our heros who died for independence and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan in the Martyrs’ Avenue and laid a wreath on the monument of “Eternal Flame”.
Then the Minister of Economy Shahin Mustafayev met the delegation led by Johann N. Schneider Ammann the Federal Counselor of the Swiss Confederation, the head of Federal Department for Economic Issues, Education and Researches in Baku Business Center.
During the meeting the minister Shahin Mustafayev underlined that the Azerbaijani-Swiss relations were developing, and the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan attaches great importance to the expansion of cooperation between our countries. It was noted that the Azerbaijani President attends every year at the Davos Forum in Switzerland and other important events.
Meetings of the Joint Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Swiss Federal Council and other events are being held and expansion of economic cooperation is discussed. It is expected that the VIII meeting of the Commission will be held in Switzerland in early 2019.
At present 71 companies with Swiss capital operate in Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan cooperates with the SECO (State Secretariat for Economic Affairs) and SDC (Cooperation and Development Agency) in the banking and financial sectors. Thus, 38 projects with SECO and 16 projects with SDC are being implemented. Switzerland invested about $ 730 million in Azerbaijan and Azerbaijan invested $ 1.2 billion in Süitzerland. SOCAR successfully operates in Switzerland.
The trade turnover between our countries in 2017 reached to 240 million USD and this is a 40% increase. Growth trend continues this year and trade turnover increased by more than 80% in January-May of this year. In the recent meetings held within the framework of the export mission organized by the Ministry of Economy to Switzerland, preliminary agreements on the export of Azerbaijani hazelnut products to Switzerland were reached. Azerbaijan's potential in this field is great and our country is one of the main nuts exporters.
Speaking about Azerbaijan's broad transport infrastructure and transit potential, Shahin Mustafayev noted that Swiss companies can benefit from possibilities of Baku-Tbilisi-Kars and Baku International Sea Port, as well as operate in the Special Economic Zone to be established in Alat.
Speaking about future cooperation, Shahin Mustafayev underlined the importance of continuing the organization of business forums, exhibitions and fairs to boost industry, agriculture, investment, pharmaceutical and medical services, transit transportation, tourism and other spheres.
Azerbaijan-Swiss business forum was held by the support of the Ministry of Economy and by the organization of the Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion Foundation by the participation of officials and businessmen on the same day. The representatives of companies acting in the fields of finance and insurance, pharmacy, construction, agriculture, tourism, logistics and other fields from both parties along with the official persons took part in the event.
Speaking about the Azerbaijani economy in the business forum Shahin Mustafayev noted that the achievements of Azerbaijan in the economy are reflected in the accounts of international organizations. Azerbaijan ranked 35th among 137 countries in the Global Competitiveness Rating of Üorld Economic Forum 2018, 57th among 190 countries in the World Bank's Doing Business report, and 3rd among developing countries in the Inclusive Development Rating of World Economic Forum.
The Minister of Economy underlined the successful development of the Azerbaijani-Swiss economic cooperation in recent years and the role of the private sector in the expansion of relations between the two countries.Noting the importance of today's business forum for expansion of ties between Azerbaijan and Switzerland businessmen and the establishment of new cooperation, the Minister of Economy invited Swiss companies to participate actively in investment projects implemented in Azerbaijan, in industrial parks and blocks, as well as agroparks established in the country.
The Member of Federal Assembly of the Swiss Confederation, the head of Federal Department for Economic Issues, Education and Researches Johann N. Schneider Ammann delivered to attention that he was satisfied with development of Azerbaijan economy and they are interested in investing in the economy of the country.
Johann Schneider Amman drew attention to the use of existing potential for further expansion of economic relations between Switzerland and Azerbaijan, expansion of relations between businessmen and their importance in the development of Swiss-Azerbaijani economic-trade cooperation, development directions of economic relations.
Within the framework of the event presentations were made about the business and investment environment of Azerbaijan and Switzerland.
Business Forum continued with bilateral meetings among the businessmen.
Then the delegation led by Johann N. Schneider Ammann the Federal Counselor of the Swiss Confederation, the head of Federal Department for Economic Issues, Education and Researches visited to Sumgayit Industrial Park and got acquianted with the performed works and useful conditions created for investors and the Construction Admixture Production Plant with Swiss investment constructed in SKSP.