Azerbaijan,Netherlands eye expanded agro cooperation

By Azernews

By Nigar Abbasova

Azerbaijan, aiming to take advantage of its fertile lands, abundance of water and climatic diversity, keeps the development of agriculture in the top-priority and expands its international cooperation in the sector.

The cooperation, as well as exchange of experience, is considered to be the main driving force for the sector development.

Azerbaijan’s Economy Minister Shahin Mustafayev said that the country seeks to study the experience of the Netherlands in the spheres of production, processing and packaging of agricultural products, as well as for the development of poultry farming and vegetable growing.

Speaking at the meeting with Dutch Ambassador to Baku Onno Kervers, Mustafaev said that the countries have ample opportunities for cooperation in the fields of agriculture, industry, transport, environment, education and others.

Agricultural sector of Netherlands is a global leader in terms of innovation and volume. The country generates some 7.5% of global exports in agricultural and food products, surpassed only by the US, while the figure is considered to be the sign of overwhelming performance for such a small country. 

Azerbaijan, which places a huge emphasis on the development of agriculture in a bid to diversify its economy may take advantage from the vast experience of the Netherlands in the sphere. The country plans to increase exports of agricultural products by entering the traditional markets with a larger volume and supplying the products to new markets.

Mustafayev mentioned that good conditions have been created for entrepreneurs in industrial parks and zones and Dutch companies can also take advantage of these conditions.

The Netherlands ranks fourth in terms of the volume of investments made in Azerbaijan. The country invested some $340 million in Azerbaijan over the last three years. Moreover, Dutch companies successfully operate in the areas of lakes restoration, water purification and other projects.

Azerbaijan and Netherlands earlier signed a memorandum of understanding, which envisages strengthening of cooperation in agrarian sector, as well as implementation of joint projects and programs by the sides. 

The trade turnover of Azerbaijan with the Netherlands amounted to $90.4 million in January-September 2016, more than $32 million of which accounted for exports to that country, according to the State Customs Committee of Azerbaijan.