Azerbaijan, Baku, Nov. 13 / Trend U.Ismayilova /
"Azerbaijan has continued negotiations to join the World Trade Organization (WTO) for over 10 years," independent expert Richard Self said in Baku. "The reason why the discussions have lasted so long is the conditions of both sides."
If even one of the 151 WTO member countries does not agree with any country requirement, the state cannot become a member, Self said.
"Even the fact that the majority of the WTO members agree with accepting Azerbaijan in the organization, a refusal from a minority leads to lengthy negotiations," he said.
Despite the protracted negotiations, Azerbaijan's proposals are more effective than the proposals from other countries that intend to join the organization, Self added.
The presence of the world's largest companies in Azerbaijan offering a wide range of services will develop the local market and companies, the expert believes.
According to Self, the presence of esteemed international companies with on the Azerbaijani market will not lead to a reduction in the number of private local companies, but will rather encourage greater competition on the market.
Since 1997, Azerbaijan has taken part in the WTO as an observer.
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