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Igdir Commerce and Industry Chamber head: We are not for opening borders with Armenia

02 February 2007 10:44 (UTC +04:00)

Kemal Arslan stressed three main terms should be fulfilled for opening the borders.
â€œIn the first place, Armenians should liberate occupied Azerbaijani territories. The second, they should refuse of the territorial claims against Turkey and false Armenian genocide. Only after this, on the decision adopted by the government the borders can be opened,â€? he said.
Kemal Arslan said that the indicator of economic relaions between Azerbaijan and Igdir is very high but it does not reflect the real potential.
â€œThere were 26, 000 population of our country when in 1992 Diluju customs check point which is called â€œHasrat Korpusuâ€? between Nakhchivan and Igdir established. The increase of economic importance resulted with returning of our compatriots that left the country because of material difficulties. In a short period the indicator of population was over 50 000. At the present this indicator is 178 000 and 6000 of them live in the center of the city and others in villages. Though annual trade turnover between our countries could not pass $3m, later this indicator in sphere of fuel oil trade was $ 76m. At present trade turnover between Igdir and Nakhchivan is $25m,â€? he said.
Kemal Arslan said that fuel oil trade exerts great influence on economic development of Igdir, stop of this trade hampers agriculture sector of the region.
After the stop of motor oil, diesel and fuel oil import from Azerbaijan to Igdir, the region underwent crisis in developing agricultural sector. As low-priced fuel import from Azerbaijan was possible in 2006, people of the region were keen on purchasing agricultural vehicles and increase productivity. 5 800 agricultural equipments were purchased at that time in Igdir, but the process stopped as fuel import stopped. People couldnâ€™t sell by $1000 the equipments those been bought by $6000-$7000. The restoration of diesel and fuel oil from Azerbaijan to Turkey through Igdir would positively affect the economic development of our region. I am sure Azeri government will consider our requestâ€?, he said.
Kemal Arslan stated that in order to achieve further economic development between Azerbaijan and Igdir, it is important to open Igdir airport.
â€œThe airport will give opportunity to raise the number of passenger carry and to establish direct relations. Agricultural productions made in Nakhchivan are realized in Igdir. If the airport is opened, the productions may be exported to any region of Igdir. This will stimulate the interest of Nakhchivan people in agriculture. In this aspect, opening the airport in Igdir is of great importance for our region and Nakhchivanâ€?, he noted.
Kemal Arslan hopes Azerbaijan will show interest in the construction of airport. He pointed out that Igdir businesspeople had invested $55m in different spheres of economy in Baku, Sumgait and Ganja.
â€œOur businesspeople are very keen on investing in Azerbaijan. And we raise awareness among our businessmen to invest here. Azeri businesspeople can invest various fields in Igdir as well. We want them to invest in the region. We will do all necessary work if they are willing to. They can invest in processing industry of the region. Igdir economy is agriculture-oriented. We have 118 000 hectares of land which may be irrigated without any problem. But the processing industry has not been developed in the region. So, Azeri businesspeople have great opportunity to open sugar-refinery, cannery and foodstuff enterprisesâ€?, he noted. /APA/