Azerbaijan and Netherlands Explore Agricultural Cooperation in Amsterdam
Azerbaijan and Netherlands Explore Agricultural Cooperation in Amsterdam
AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - Azerbaijani Minister of Agriculture Majnun Mammadov led a delegation on an official visit to the Netherlands, meeting with Dutch Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security, and Nature Femke Marie Viersma to discuss bilateral agricultural cooperation.
The meeting, attended by representatives from both ministries and agricultural companies, focused on potential collaborations in Azerbaijan's agricultural sector. Minister Mammadov outlined Azerbaijan's strategy for agricultural development, emphasizing innovation and the diversification of national agro-food systems.
"We see great potential in partnering with the Netherlands, a leader in agricultural innovation," Mammadov stated, underscoring Azerbaijan's interest in adopting successful Dutch agricultural practices and enhancing public-private partnerships.
Minister Viersma echoed this sentiment, highlighting opportunities for technology transfer and digitalization in agriculture. "There is immense potential for cooperation, particularly in leveraging Dutch expertise," she remarked, expressing the Netherlands' commitment to sharing knowledge and technology.
The ministers also discussed Azerbaijan's hosting of the upcoming 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP-29), underscoring mutual interests in climate initiatives and sustainable agricultural practices.
Both sides emphasized the importance of boosting agricultural and food product trade, advancing technological exchanges, and fostering joint scientific research and educational programs. The visit is expected to lay the groundwork for future collaborations aimed at fostering innovation and growth in both nations' agricultural sectors.
Despite the agricultural focus of the visit, economic ties between Azerbaijan and the Netherlands remain underdeveloped. Dutch expertise in agriculture, characterized by close collaboration between farmers, industry, and research institutions, has been a key driver of the Netherlands' global agricultural leadership. The country excels in innovative technologies such as energy-efficient greenhouses and precision farming systems, continually introducing new high-yield agricultural varieties.
In terms of trade, the Netherlands exported $152 million worth of goods to Azerbaijan in 2022, primarily tractors, broadcasting equipment, and seeds. Azerbaijan's exports to the Netherlands, including crude oil and petroleum products, totaled $87.3 million the same year, marking a significant increase over the past five years.
Approximately 100 Dutch companies operate across various sectors in Azerbaijan, with cumulative investments amounting to $670 million. Despite these interactions, the potential for deeper agricultural cooperation underscores opportunities for mutual economic growth.
Economics
-
Azerbaijan is poised to increase wheat imports for the 2024-2025 season following a significant drop in domestic wheat production this year. According to data from the State Statistics Committee, the country harvested 1.68 million tons of wheat in 2024, marking an 8.1% decline from the previous year. This downturn in output, combined with rising import volumes in recent months, indicates that Azerbaijan may lean more heavily on foreign suppliers to meet its wheat needs.
-
Azerbaijan Railways CJSC (ADY) has announced the restructuring of its container transportation management in an effort to enhance the efficiency of transit cargo transportation. As part of this reorganization, ADY Express will merge with ADY Container starting on November 1, 2024. The consolidation is aimed at expanding the range of services offered in both container and carriage transportation.
-
Azerbaijan has introduced a legal framework enabling the electronic state registration of legal entities with foreign investments, regardless of whether their founders are individuals or legal entities, according to the State Tax Service. The announcement was made by Samira Musayeva, Deputy Head of the State Tax Service, during a meeting of the "Entering Business" Working Group.
-
The World Bank aims to deepen its involvement in Azerbaijan's economic development through a new partnership framework program, according to discussions between Azerbaijani officials and World Bank representatives. The proposed framework, which will cover the years 2025-2029, is designed to support the country’s transition to an innovative and less resource-dependent economy.
Leave a review