Azerbaijan, Baku / Trend corr I. Khalilova / Azerbaijani Ministry of Economic Development has invited Israeli entrepreneurs to take part in the implementation of non-oil projects in Azerbaijan. Azerbaijani Economic Development Minister, Heydar Babayev, reported at the meeting with the delegation headed by Israeli First Deputy Foreign Minister Yossi Gal, that there were acceptable opportunities for development of cooperation in the IT, agricultural, food, construction and reconstruction of tourism facilities, and melioration and irrigation industries.
The Israeli companies, Batiman Litvin and Tahal Qroup have taken an active part in the project on restoration of the Oguz-Gabala-Baku water supply system.
"Great importance is paid in Azerbaijan to developing international economic relationships, protection of investments, raising the interest of foreign investors for Azerbaijan through provision of the conditions equal with the local investors," the Minister said. According to Babayev, the efforts resulted in an increase investment flow to Azerbaijan in 2006, when capital investments to the country made up $7.6bln.
Expansion of the relations between entrepreneurs, commercial relationships, implementation of joint projects, and introduction of modern technology to Azerbaijan were discussed at the meeting.
Yossi Gal voiced his satisfaction with the development of relationships between Azerbaijan and Israel, as well as the extension of their economic cooperation.