Press Review - 1 May 2018

Relations between Azerbaijan and Europe, the level of dollarization in the country, the export of Turkey's agrarian products to the Russian market and the possible consequences for Azerbaijan are the leading topics of today's press.

The Azerbaijan newspaper confirms the impossibility of pressure on Azerbaijan, which conducts an independent policy. The author believes that 2018 is significant for Azerbaijan because of the presidential elections and the Formula-1 competitions.

The author draws a parallel between the processes in Armenia and the situation in Azerbaijan.

The article also talks about anti-Azerbaijani and pro-Armenian circles and Islamophobia, and criticizes the PACE report on corruption.

The Echo newspaper writes that today nobody saves money in AZN. The level of dollarization in Azerbaijan is one of the highest among the CIS countries.

From year to year, the US currency has been strengthened in the Azerbaijani economy. This is due to the instability of AZN. For large payments, the level of dollarization is approaching 100%. By the way, unofficial payments are made not in the national currency, as before, but in dollars. A high level of dollarization can undermine the financial basis of the state.

The Yeni Musavat newspaper discusses the possible consequences of admission of Turkish goods to the Russian market for Azerbaijan. As you know, 2 years ago, a ban was imposed on the import of tomatoes from Turkey to Russia. Before that, Turkey provided the Russian market with agricultural products by 50%. Between both countries, the trade turnover of agricultural products was about 50 billion dollars. As for the ensuing ban on the import of Turkish goods to Russia, the author regards it as political pressure. This can lead to the fact that Azerbaijanis will have to sell their products in the domestic market, which is beneficial for the local consumer.