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Moldovaâ€™s Ambassador Ion Robu: â€œOur country is very much interested in Azerbaijanâ€™s experience in producing hydrocarbon resourcesâ€ â€“ EXCLUSIVE

Moldovaâ€™s Ambassador Ion Robu: â€œOur country is very much interested in Azerbaijanâ€™s experience in producing hydrocarbon resourcesâ€ â€“ <font color=red>EXCLUSIVE </font>

23 September 2008 09:02 (UTC +04:00)

-Mr. Ambassador, how do you assess the economic cooperation rate between Azerbaijan and Moldova? How is the agreement signed between the two governments on long-term economic cooperation being implemented?

-I would positively appreciate the economic cooperation rate between our countries. Analysis of Moldova-Azerbaijan economic-commercial relations shows sustainable development, positive achievements. Trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Moldova increased 1.5 times last year compared with the previous year. It should also be noted that the present level of economic relations between Azerbaijan and Moldova does not meet the potential. Therefore it is our urgent task to turn the economic cooperation into the central point of the relations between our countries. There are real opportunities to expand the trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Moldova.

Both Moldova and Azerbaijan have recently become attractive countries for business circles and investors. In order to strengthen the economic relations, we are ready to create all necessary conditions for Azerbaijani companiesâ€™ investing in Moldovaâ€™s economy.

-Are there too urgent issues to be discussed on the agenda of Azerbaijan-Moldova intergovernmental commission?

-The most promising way for the development of our countriesâ€™ economy â€“ is mutual investment projects. One of the tasks given to the related bodies by the presidents of the two countries is to present and implement projects on cooperation in concrete spheres. All these projects will be attentively considered at the next meeting of the intergovernmental commission. The meeting of the commission is planned to take place in November-December.

-One of the Articles of a long-term economic cooperation program between two countries envisages cooperation on petrochemical industry. How is this agreement carried out?

-The above-mentioned program envisages mutual transportation of petrochemical products. There are such products in trade turnover, but unfortunately, there are few in number. Moldovan companies actively work on realization of import of these products at present.

-How is the process of establishment of joint enterprises going? Is there any progress to open mutual trade representations in Azerbaijan and Moldova?

-According to current statistics, 20 Moldova-Azerbaijan joint enterprises were registered two years ago and function at present. Measures on establishment of joint enterprises are being taken basing on long-term cooperation program. Moldovan Trade House in Azerbaijan LLC has been registered this year.

-What about the cooperation on oil and gas sector between the two countries?

-One of the priorities of cooperation between Azerbaijan and Moldova is energy. Moldova is interested in Azerbaijanâ€™s experience gained in production of carbohydrates. We are interested in technical assistance. We want Azerbaijan to assist us in geological investigation of oil and gas fields. Experts of State Oil Company of Azerbaijan Republic visited Moldova in March for the second time. They learned about geological and geophysical information and results of geological investigation carried out before.

-How is Moldovaâ€™s attitude towards diversification of routes of energy resources of the Caspian Sea to Europe?

-Azerbaijan plays a great role in export of energy resources to European countries. Participation of Moldova is considered in the establishment of new routes for transportation of energy resources of the Caspian Sea to Europe on bilateral and multilateral levels. Opportunities of Giurgiulesti oil terminal, which is situated in the south of Moldova, are assessed to join to transportation process of Caspian oil to Europe.