Trade reps to be appointed to Azerbaijan’s embassies, consulates

By Azernews

By Nigar Abbasova

Azerbaijan, which pursues an export-led growth strategy, will appoint trade representatives in embassies and consulates abroad to facilitate business ties and increase the effectiveness of export promotion measures.

President Ilham Aliyev signed a relevant decree on January 26, and endorsed the economy minister to appoint trade representatives to the country’s diplomatic missions abroad.

The main objectives of the decree are to increase the effectiveness of export promotion measures, represent and fully protect the trade and economic interests of the country and exporters in foreign countries, as well as to expand the delivery of Azerbaijani products to foreign markets.

Trade representatives will take measures to expand Azerbaijan`s economic and trade relations with foreign countries, protect economic interests of Azerbaijan, increase export of Azerbaijani goods and services, promote Azerbaijan’s business environment and investment opportunities.

Moreover, the country seeks to open trade houses in foreign countries to facilitate the export process, promote an export of competitive Azerbaijani production and enable the countries to expand trade operations.

In the first quarter of 2017, Azerbaijan is expected to open a trade house in Belarus. Besides, analogous house are also expected to be opened in Ukraine, while trade representative will be also appointed to Russia, UAE and China other countries.

In late 2016, with a view to bring the economy to a new level Azerbaijan started promoting the ‘Made in Azerbaijan’ brand in foreign markets. The country is keen to penetrate widely in the international commodity markets with its products branded 'Made in Azerbaijan'.

Azerbaijan is sending trade missions to various countries since November 2016 to increase its exports. Missions have already been organized to China, UAE, and Germany, while the list of planned destinations for 2017 includes Qatar, Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Only 10 export missions may be held within a year, while exporters participating in missions are freely provided with accommodation, transport and translation services.

The country outputs more than 250 kinds of home-made products in food, light, heavy and construction industries.