French minister: Azerbaijan is important partner for France

By Azernews

By Amina Nazarli

Azerbaijan is an important partner for France, said Michel Sapin.

The French Finance Minister made the remark as he met with his Azerbaijani counterpart Samir Sharifov on the sidelines of the 8th Azerbaijan-France Intergovernmental Economic Commission.

Describing Azerbaijan as an important partner for France, Michel Sapin underlined the significance of continuing bilateral cooperation. He expressed his country's constant support for Azerbaijan.

Samir Sharifov hailed France`s supporting Azerbaijan.

They exchanged views on the development of cooperation in a variety of fields of economy, as well as Azerbaijan's economic policy priorities and the challenges ahead.

They also focused on the scope of structural reforms to be implemented by the Azerbaijani government and their targets, and ways of supporting the Azerbaijani government in this regard.

Trade turnover between Azerbaijan and France amounted to $557.1 million in January-October 2016, $430.3 million of which accounts for exports to France, according to Azerbaijan’s State Customs Committee.

French imports from Azerbaijan consist exclusively of energy products, French exports to Azerbaijan are more diverse than its imports (with transport equipment posting the highest growth). In terms of investment and big contracts, French firms have a strong position in the oil and oil-related sector, as well as in the banking, telecommunication and transport sectors.

The French-Azerbaijani relations in the areas of culture and cooperation are excellent. The French Lyceum in Baku was opened in 2014 by President Fransua Holland and provides more than a hundred students with education from kindergarten and bachelor degree on the basis of the French Ministry of Education. Also, French-Azerbaijan University opened in the fall of 2016.