Azerbaijan, Baku, 19 March / Trend corr. I.Khalilova / The term of Azerbaijani-French business-forum, initially planned for 9 and 11 April, was postponed for uncertain date, Samir Nuriyev, head of the Department on Entrepreneurship Development of Azerbaijani Economic Development Ministry, stated.
" France proposed Azerbaijani businessmen to participate in the regional business-forum, but we prefer the bilateral meeting," Nuriyev said.
So far, most part of the French investments has been directed to oil and gas sector of Azerbaijan.
Out of $500mln of funds invested by French investments into the Azerbaijani economy, some 80% is invested in fuel-energy sector only. The key target of the country is to attract investments to non-oil sector of the country. Such possibilities were considered by French experts during their meeting to Baku in December 2006. French experts demonstrated interest in improvement of diary, wine and production in Azerbaijan and participation in other agricultural projects. Azerbaijani juice producers visited France in 2007.
Legal base was established for attraction of French investment to Azerbaijan. The countries signed Agreement on Protection of mutual investments and avoidance of double taxation.
As for 2007, the trade turnover between the countries totaled $362,565mln, export - $258.8mln and import - $103.7mln.
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