Azerbaijan, Baku, March 13 / Trend A.Hasanov /
Plant for the production of iodized salt and refined dietary salt "Production Association "Azerduz", located in Masazyr, plans to expand sales of products in foreign markets, head of the Department of Public Relations of "Azersun Holding" Afig Safarov told reporters on Tuesday.
"At present, production of "Azerduz" is exported to Georgia, and south of Russia in the near future is considered a promising market," Safarov said.
He said Azerduz plant produces 90,000 tons of iodized salt per year. Purification of equipment is held every three months at the plant and it is one of the most modern factories in the former Soviet Union.
"Currently 75 percent of the population experience iodine deficiency, which affects adversely immunity, physical and mental development of young generation, contributes to a goitre," Safarov said.
According to the law adopted in 2001 "On the iodization of salt for mass prevention of diseases related to iodine deficiency," import and use non-iodized salt in animal husbandry are prohibited.
The plant was commissioned on July 21, 2010. Brand of Azerduz salt was first introduced on the market in 2010. Salt, collected at Masazir Lake passes sanitary and hygienic handling of Swiss technology at the most modern equipment.
"Production Association "Azerduz" was established by Azersun Holding and Azerbaijan Investment Company (AIC). Investment company has invested in this project $2.9 million and purchased 25 percent stake in the authorized capital of Azerduz. Total investment in the construction of the plant is ten million manat.
Results of the project "The problem of iodine deficiency and salt iodization universal", implemented with donor support of UNICEF showed the relevance of iodine deficiency.
The official exchange rate is 0,7863 AZN to $1 on March 13.