Azerbaijan's business opportunities in ICT discussed in Washington

Azerbaijan's business opportunities in the field of information and communication technologies (ICT) was discussed in the 2nd US -Azerbaijani forum on information and communication technologies in Washington, on May 20.

The forum, organized by the United States-Azerbaijan Chamber of Commerce (USACC), was attended by the heads of leading American ICT companies, representatives of the U.S.

Department of the Treasury, members of diplomatic mission accredited to US, officials of the State Department and journalists.

Minister of Communications and Information Technologies of Azerbaijan Ali Abbasov, US Coordinator for International Communications and Information Policy Philip Verveer, Ambassador of Azerbaijan Yashar Aliyev and others made speeches at the event on the latest achievements in Azerbaijan in ICT sector and business opportunities in the country for U.S. companies.

Opening the forum co-chairman of the Board of the United States-Azerbaijan Chamber of Commerce James Baker said the ICT sector was rapidly developing in Azerbaijan in recent years. He noted last year Azerbaijan saw 32.1 percent increase in this area. ICT sphere surpassed all other spheres of Azerbaijani economy. 7 million of 9 million people of Azerbaijan are mobile phone users. The Internet is widely used in the country.

Baker also said the Government of Azerbaijan would realize the implementation of launching its own satellite into orbit by 2012, which confirms the fact that the ICT capabilities of Azerbaijan are endless. ICT sphere in the future will leave oil and gas industry behind, which is the largest area of Azerbaijani economy.

Addressing the event, Ali Abbasov said the Azerbaijani Government attaches great importance to development of information and communication technologies in the country. He added the rapid development of ICT in the country is due to the sustained reforms and privatization, improvement of regulatory laws, liberalization of the market.

The Government has established a special investment fund that enables local companies to establish business relations with foreign partners. Abbasov noted at present a number of well-known U.S. companies, including CISCO, INTEL, HP are operating in Azerbaijan. However, the Azerbaijani Government would like to see more business partners in the ICT field of American entrepreneurs. The leading role of Azerbaijan in such projects as Trans-Eurasia Super Information Highway opens up great opportunities for foreign investors in the regional market.

Verveer welcomed Azerbaijani Minister's submission of opportunities for American entrepreneurs. The diplomat stressed the State Department maintains close economic relations between countries in a globalizing world, and is a supporter of free international trade and direct investment. Verveer noted Baku's hosting the next International Forum on Internet Governance in 2012 will create good opportunities for the general promotion of the ICT sector in Azerbaijan.

Ambassador Aliyev informed the forum participants of joint projects in key areas of US-Azerbaijani economic relations - transport, agriculture, ICT. The diplomat pointed out Azerbaijan`s participation in American projects creates jobs in the United States, which is affected by financial crisis. Thus, the agreement with the American company Orbital Sciences to develop the satellite for Azerbaijan created 1200 jobs in Virginia.

Aviation services provided by US company Boeing to Azerbaijan Airlines CJSC, have created more than 11,000 jobs. Aliyev also said Azerbaijan`s State Oil Fund had invested U.S. $ 3 million in the US.

Advising U.S. businessmen to take advantage of business opportunities in Azerbaijan, Tikhomirov said, according to the UN reports, Azerbaijan is the fastest growing economy in the post-Soviet territory. This was made possible owing to a clear economic strategy, launched by the Azerbaijani leadership, effective collaboration between domestic sectors, in particular, programs in ICT and the establishment of fruitful cooperation with neighboring countries.

Recalling that the State Oil Fund of Azerbaijan awarded by the UN for transparent management, Tikhomirov praised the government`s efforts to ensure transparency in Azerbaijan.

J.Scott on behalf of the team working on creation of the Azerbaijani satellite, expressed gratitude to Azerbaijani colleagues. Vice President said during negotiations on this issue and joint cooperation of Azerbaijani side has demonstrated excellence. Scott thanked for the opportunity given to his company, advised American colleagues to invest in Azerbaijan.
Then the questions of forum participants were responded.

In addition to participation in the economic forum in Washington, Ali Abbasov held a number of meetings.

The Minister held discussions with senior officials of the U.S. State Department, EXIM Bank, International Telecommunications Satellite Organization and top-level officials of a number of agencies, familiarized himself with the work of the company Orbital Sciences, which will build Azerbaijani satellite.

Minister's working visit to California continues.


/AzerTAc/