First Trade Representative of Azerbaijan to Be Appointed to Russian Federation

AmCham Azerbaijan organized its monthly members` luncheon featuring participation of Mr. Sahil Babayev, Deputy Minister of Economy.

Special guest of the luncheon Mr. Babayev welcomed everybody and expressed gratitude to all AmCham members and staff. He spoke about reforms and achievements in 2016. He also noted that for long time oil and gas was the main sector in Azerbaijan, but during the past years because of price changes, there is a necessity to divorce the economy stressing upon export as its key factor.

Mr. Babayev noted that Azerbaijan will appoint its first sales representative in Russia: "For this reason, it is logical that the first sales representative of Azerbaijan will be appointed precisely to Russia. We are also considering the possibility of appointing trade representatives to China and the UAE".

According to the deputy minister, trade representatives, alongside with trading houses, are appointed to promote Azerbaijani products abroad. By the end of last year, Russia became the leader on the delivery to Azerbaijan, and a large part of Azerbaijan’s deficit in trade with CIS countries accounts for this country. The Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree to appoint trade representatives in the embassies and consulates of the country. Trade representatives will carry out measures to increase Azerbaijan's trade and economic relations with foreign countries and protect the republic's economic interests.

Sahil Babayev noted that diversification of export will be Azerbaijan’s main priority in the next few years, as it’s necessary to ensure that the export doesn’t depend on one product. He reported about the changes of import procedures of certain goods to protect the domestic production.

Mrs. Natavan Mammadova, AmCham Executive Director, updated guests about the past hard work in 2016 and upcoming events in 2017. Later on, Mrs. Mammadova passed the floor to member presentations by representatives of Baku City Circuit, McDermott Caspian and PmD Group, who gave the information on portfolio and the activity direction of their companies.

The event was concluded by Mr. Ilgar Veliyev, the leaving President of AmCham, speech. He extended thanks to all members of the Board of AmCham and AmCham staff, who supported him all six years.

Recently, the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed a decree to appoint sales representatives in the embassies and consulates of the country. Sales representatives will take measures to strengthen trade and economic relations of Azerbaijan with foreign countries and to protect the economic interests of the republic.  –0---