?bbas Abbasov: "Russia is primary trade partner of Azerbaijan"

As Trend reports, in the beginning the Chairman of the commission from the Azerbaijan part, the first Vice-Premier Abbas Abbasov has indicated the notable fact that the sitting of the inter-governmental commission is being held in the framework of the "Year of Russia" and due to the visit of President Vladimir Putin.

Leaders of two Russian regions, the authorized representative of Kabardino-Balkaria and the governor of the Stavropol province, are involved in the work of the commission for the first time.

Abbasov was speaking of the state and prospects of the trade-economic relations development and implementation of measures within the program of long-term (till 2010) economic cooperation between Azerbaijan and Russia.

Abbasov noted that the economic links had intensified considerably and Russia remains to be the major trade partner of Azerbaijan. In 2005 turnover volume between the countries exceeded $1 billion, growing 128.7% by 2004 ?nd 4.3 times - by 2001.

Russian co-chairman Victor Christenko considered possible this point to be enabled in two years while previously it has been projected for five-year period. Essential increase of food and agricultural products is observed in the structure of goods turnover, which has grown by two times. Christenko thinks it's the result of the inter-regional cooperation development.

One of the important lines in bilateral cooperation, Abbasov noted, is setting up of Joint Ventures, representative offices and branches of economic objects.

About 400 enterprises and organizations of Russian capital have been registered in Azerbaijan. Christenko stated readiness to introduce Russian innovations in production, small energy sectors, to invite Russian companies to participate in building, agricultural an industrial exhibitions. Around 200 representatives from 26 Russian regions are involved in the present business-forum to commence its work tomorrow.