Turkey, Kars, June 9 /A.Taghiyeva/
Trade turnover between Azerbaijan, Turkey and Georgia, and mutual investments grow every year due to a high level of political relations between the countries, the complete formation of the legal framework, effective functioning of the intergovernmental commissions and other organizations, and conducting of business forums and exhibitions, Economic Development Minister Shahin Mustafayev said at a meeting of economic ministers of Azerbaijan, Turkey and Georgia, in the Turkish city of Kars on Saturday.
Thus, the trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Turkey grew by 60 percent during the four months of 2012 compared to the same period in 2011. The trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Georgia increased by 15 percent, respectively.
"Currently, 1106 companies with Turkish investments are operating in Azerbaijan, while there are 844 companies with investments of Azerbaijan in Turkey," Mustafayev said.
Turkey invested $1.9 billion in Azerbaijani economy. Investment of SOCAR and other Azerbaijani companies in Turkish economy amounted to $4.5 billion. Only SOCAR's investment will amount to $17 billion until 2018.
There are 272 companies with Azerbaijani investments in Georgia and these companies have invested $454.4 million in Georgian economy during 1996-2011.
The Minister noted that the primary task of the government officials and businessmen of Azerbaijan, Turkey and Georgia - is to strengthen cooperation and deepen the integration process between the countries.
The minister said the country should make efforts to expand transit capacity of thecountries and new projects. In addition Azerbaijan, Turkey and Georgia should co-invest in other countries, while implementing new projects.
At the end of his speech Mustafayev invited the participants to hold the next meeting in Azerbaijan.
The Azerbaijani delegation visited the bust of Heydar Aliyev at Heydar Aliyev park in K