Azerbaijan, France discuss economic, tourism cooperation prospects

By Azernews

By Amina Nazarli

Azerbaijan and France have discussed prospects for deepening economic cooperation between the two countries.

The talks were held as Azerbaijani Minister of Finance Samir Sharifov visited Paris, where he met with French Secretary of State for Foreign Trade, the Promotion of Tourism and French Nationals Abroad Matthias Fekl.

They met on the sidelines of the 8th session of Azerbaijan-France Intergovernmental Economic Commission, which covered several issues of economic and financial cooperation, energy, transportation, space and ICT, agriculture, environmental protection, culture, education, youth and sports.

Fekl noted that his country attaches great importance to cooperation with Azerbaijan.

Sharifov highlighted the priorities in Azerbaijan`s economic policy.

Within the framework of the session, Deputy Minister of the Culture and Tourism Sevda Mammadaliyeva proposed French investors to participate in the development of tourism-recreational zones in Azerbaijan.  

The deputy minister also recalled "Strategic Road Maps" approved by President Ilham Aliyev, noting that the Maps also cover development of tourism sector. She added that this decree will give an impetus for cooperation of Azerbaijan with many countries, including France.

During the session Mammadaliyeva spoke of perspectives of tourism cooperation between the two countries and underlined the importance of intensifying relations between tourism companies of the two states. 

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.