Azerbaijan, Baku, Aug. 13 / Trend A.Badalova /
Azerbaijan is an important transit country for Central Asia, particularly for Uzbekistan, Uzbek Ambassador to Azerbaijan Ismetulla Irgashev said.
However, the absence of common border between the two countries causes some difficulties, Irgashev said.
The Uzbekistan-Azerbaijan economic relations have been partially realized, but they hold great potential, Irgashev added.
Regarding the global financial and economic crisis, Irgashev said that Uzbekistan could avoid its crucial impact.
"At present Uzbekistan is less exposed to adverse influence of the crisis due to anti-crisis measures adopted timely and well planned and coherent socio-economic policies based on five fundamental principles of reforming, which was developed by the Uzbek president," Irgashev said.
According to Irgashev, despite the financial and economic crisis in Uzbekistan, there is a stable, balanced and sustainable growth in the country's economy.
GDP growth was 8.2 percent and inflation was maintained at the level of 7-8 percent in annual calculation in the first half of 2009, Irgashev added.
At present, Uzbekistan produces about 7 million tons of grain, Irgashev added.
According to the Azerbaijani State Statistical Committee, bilateral trade turnover between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan amounted to $10.472.5 million in January to May of 2009, as compared to $10.949.7 million in the same period of 2008.
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