Baku, Fineko/abc.az. Receiving yesterday the delegation of MEDEF (the Mouvement des Entreprises de France or in English: Movement of the French Enterprises), President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan highlighted the outlines of a new programme of country’s development after completion of so-called transition period from centralized to market economy.

Stressing that good economic links between France and Azerbaijan have existed for many years and French companies are operating successfully in the country, President Aliyev said that Azerbaijani economy had become more diversified.

“Our country’s economy competitiveness is of great priority for us. Azerbaijan ranks one of the world’s leading places on direct foreign investments per capita.  Our objective is to become a developed country,” he claimed.

At the same time he voiced satisfaction with the level of Azerbaijan’s collaboration with French companies.

“But it is very important to exchange information about work, planned moves and investment opportunities. We expect to make large investments next year. In 2010 state investments will total approx. $4.5 bn and private sector’s investments should also be added to this figure. I think that the volume of private investments will be the same,” President Aliyev said.

He also pointed out that Azerbaijan had image of a country protecting foreign investments.

“We welcome French companies’ investments. And that relates not only to energy sector. I consider that investments in non-oil sector are also very attractive. Speech here can go bout agriculture and information technologies. We allocate large finances for IT sector development. We also pay special attention to space industry. A large upgrade program is under way,” he said.

The President also emphasized availability of great potential of partnership in the area of non-oil sector promotion.

MEDEF delegation’s head Pascal Janin Peres informed that the Organization unites in its ranks French companies operating in diverse fields and stimulates their activities at international level.

“Steady relations have already formed between our countries’ business circles. French companies represented in our delegation within the current important visit cover areas of energy, transport, banking services, legal examination. Some of these companies have been operating in your country. You’ve mentioned them earlier. The share of French companies at the Azerbaijani market grows every year. We are the fourth investor in Azerbaijan. Our companies are operating in oil and gas sector, but we want to strengthen our positions in our industries as well,” Ms. Peres said.

Earlier, the Azerbaijan leader announced completion of country’s transition period started with USSR collapse and start-up of economic changes in the country. In the medium-term prospect Azerbaijan aspires to enter in ranks of average developed countries (GDP per capita on buying capacity parity of at least $7,000).

19.11.2009 09:14