Azerbaijan, Baku, March 12 / Trend /
Azerbaijan and Croatia have discussed the possibility of mutual investments, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said at a joint press conference with Croatian President Ivo Josipovic in Zagreb.
"First of all, it is planned to make Azerbaijani investments in tourism infrastructure. Preliminary studies have been already conducted in this area. Croatia has a very rich tourism potential, very beautiful nature, and, of course, this area is very attractive," President Aliyev said.
He said during the negotiations the parties decided that they should not limit their activities in this area.
"I think making Azerbaijani investments in other areas can be very important. In particular, investments in high-tech may be envisaged, as this area is developing very quickly in Azerbaijan. Investments can be made in industrial production and real estate. Of course, in the energy sector too. In particular, as I stressed earlier, the results of the implemented projects on Azerbaijani gas transportation to Europe allow it. Azerbaijani investments can be made in many areas, and I want once again to mention that all these issues will be the work of the intergovernmental commission, that is under establishment. These investments will be made based on a mutual agreement," the President underscored.
He said the Azerbaijani investments today are made both inside and outside the country.
"Looking at the amount of investments made in Azerbaijan, we will see that in the last few years these investments amounted to almost $15-$20 billion. Last year, $22 billion was invested in Azerbaijani economy, $15 billion of which accounts for domestic investments," President Aliyev said.
He said now Azerbaijan has a perfect and very efficient method for making investments in other countries.
"This is the State Oil Fund of Azerbaijan. I can say that among the sovereign funds, the State Oil Fund of Azerbaijan deserves the highest attention and evaluation. It is the most transparent fund, something that is noted by all international organizations. Through this fund Azerbaijan has already started to invest in different countries. These investments are also diversified. They include investments in real estate, shares of companies, as well as establishment of industrial enterprises," President Aliyev underlined.
As for issues concerning investments that are made and will be made in Croatia, now these issues are studied, he said.
"As I mentioned, tourism, infrastructure, high technology and industrial production draw attention. I would like to note that Azerbaijani investments are made in friendly countries. It is our policy. Probably any country holds the same position. Croatia is a friendly country for us, and we have strong friendship. Investments will be made with the consent of both parties. I am sure that these investments will reach large volumes in the subsequent years," President Aliyev said.