Azerbaijan, Baku, Sept.17 / Trend A.Akhundov /
Round-table talks on the influence of oil and gas revenues on society were held in Baku today. They talks were organized by the Azerbaijani Public Finance Monitoring Center with the support of the Friedrich Ebert Foundation.
The event presented research on international experience in terms of oil and gas revenues, their effects on social environments and the Azerbaijani model. The research was prepared by the head of the center, Inglab Ahmadov, expert Kenan Aslanli, Far Center representative and political analyst Rasim Musabeyov, and expert Shahriyar Ahmadov.
According to Ahmadov, the research studies the "resource curse" and its effects on Azerbaijani society.
The "resource curse" or "paradox of plenty" refers to the paradox that countries and regions face with an abundance of natural resources, specifically point-source non-renewable resources like minerals and fuels. These countries tend to have less economic growth and worse development outcomes than countries with fewer natural resources.
"Results of the curse are conflicts, dissatisfaction, tension, and confrontations in society," he added. "This has not been observed in Azerbaijan."
Meanwhile, Musabeyov said that public opinion polls held as part of the research show that there is no tension in Azerbaijan as a result of oil and gas revenues.
The talks were attended by representatives of the government, NGOs and media.