Azerbaijan, Baku, May 12/ Trend , N.Ismaylova /
Azerbaijani-Greek business forum held today in Baku will open great opportunities for further development of cooperation between business circles of the two countries, said Deputy Foreign Minister Miltiadis Varvitsiotis during the business forum.
"The main purpose of the visit of the Greek delegation is to realize the agreements reached during the visits of the heads of two countries, but it needs to work more for this," said Deputy Minister.
A memorandum of understanding was signed as a result of a business forum between the Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion Foundation (AZPROMO) and the Hellenic Federation of Enterprises (SEV).
According to Varvitsiotis, the business forum was involved by nearly 40 companies specializing in almost all spheres of economy, but "a priority for us is the construction sector, agriculture and tourism." From the Azerbaijani companies, the forum was attended by over 100 representatives.
"Azerbaijani business is very interested in developing relations with Greece, since today mainly oil is exported to the country," said the head of AZPROMO Rahim Huseynov.
According to the head of the administration of the Ministry of Economic Development of Azerbaijan Samir Veliyev, the trade turnover between the countries in 2008 rose by half, while the export of Azerbaijani goods by 2.5 times, but it has great potential for further increase. "At the end of last year the trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Greece amounted to $297.5 million, of which 290.9 million was accounted for export.
This is already the second business forum with Greece this year. The first was held on 15-16 February in the country, but was of familiarization character.