Azerbaijan, Baku, Oct. 15 / Trend A. Badalova /
The Caspian region is turning into one of the largest energy poles of our planet, designed to ensure global energy security, Azerbaijani Minister of Industry and Energy Natig Aliyev said at the VI Caspian Oil and Gas Trading and Transportation Conference in Baku on Monday.
He said that according to the available data, significant economic growth - 9.8 per cent was observed in the Caspian region annually from 2000 to 2008. The highest level of GDP per capita in the region will be achieved in Kazakhstan - $18,000, while $15,000 in Azerbaijan in 2035.
The minister said that Azerbaijan, having great importance in the region, will play a significant role in providing the western markets with gas in the long term prospect.
He said that Europe will have difficulty in meeting its gas needs.
"So, one can understand its desire not only to diversify, but to find new sources of gas supplies," Aliyev said.
He added that at present, the EU and Azerbaijan exert many efforts to implement the "Southern Gas Corridor" project, in particular, regular meetings are being held in this regard.
"I am confident that these efforts will lead to successful results and ultimately, to the implementation of strategic projects in the region," Aliyev said.