Presentation of the results of a poll held among foreign investors working in Azerbaijan oil sector has been held in Baku today, Trend reports referring to AZPROMO (Azerbaijan Export and Investments Encouragement Fund). The poll was held among 100 investors by a group of international researchers Progon GFK in October-November, 2006. The poll was held with TACIS participation, under the support of AZPROMO covered both the capital city and the regions.
The presentation was organized by Robert Heyzak, TACIS expert, for the members of the AZPROMO Board of Trustees. It was announced that such a poll was held in Azerbaijan for the first time, and its objective was for the Government of Azerbaijan to better understand foreign investment expectations, better understand their needs, and learn how they evaluate the situation in the country.
77% out of the total number of the investors that took part in the poll expressed their intention to expand their activity in the country in the next 3 years. They expected to create an atmosphere where they will 3,000-7,000 employees.
The results of the poll showed the interest of the investors towards export. They intend to use advantages of the local market. 14% of the foreign investors are exporting their production and services from Azerbaijan to Russia, Kazakhstan, and Georgia. 25% of the respondents prefer to invest in to joint-stock enterprises. The insufficiency of professionals among local population is one of the main problems for business in the country. Protecting the investor property rights is considered as one of the priorities.
It is very important to learn how investors feel in the country. One of the main tasks of AZPROMO is to involve investors in to the non-oil sector, and the poll held is just for these aims, said Chingiz Asadulayev, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of AZPROMO.
Such a poll was held in Azerbaijan for the first time. It allows forming a clear vision of the investment climate in Azerbaijan, said Emil Madjidov, President of AZPROMO.
According to him, AZPROMO is using results of the poll in rendering new services for the foreign investors and will use the results for the recommendations to the Government of Azerbaijan regarding the investment climate.