Economic Development in Azerbaijan

[SouI]

Trust me if you had that 400 B from resource, you wouldn't be doing the stuff you mentioned.

Just ask yourself, if you hit a lottery and win 400 million $, what would you do?

I would actually create a company, most likely would invest in renewable energy.

 

[Azeri440]

Khazar Islands

Azerbaijan opens another high tech park

Azerbaijan will soon start the construction of yet another High Technologies Park, this time in the country’s fourth large city - Mingachevir.

As Azerbaijan is looking to diversify its economy and move away from its dependence on the oil industry officials have pushed for more developments in the technology sector, especially since it has proven to be so promising.

The Mingachevir park was set up in view of securing sustainable development and economic competitiveness. The expansion of innovative and high-tech industries based on modern scientific and technological achievements, as well as research and development of modern complex for the development of new technologies will enable Azerbaijan to make its mark in the region and promote growth.

The facility will stretch across 1.3 hectare and fall under the administration of the Communication and High Technologies Ministry.

The high-tech park has been equipped and organized in such a way that it will promote research and development work, ultimately leading to the commercialization of new products and high tech applications.

An initial investment of 2 million manats was allocated to the project from the Azerbaijani President's Reserve Fund.

Presently, Mingachevir is well known for its production of computer equipment - KUR.

The KUR plant, which was established in 2005, is the only manufacturing company engaged in assembly-line production of computer equipment and electronics in the South Caucasus region. The plant will be used for the production of high-tech products, starting this year.

Mingachevir High Tech park in will work in collaboration with another facility in Baku. The High Tech Park in Baku is currently under construction in a 50 hectares land area in the Pirallahi district of the capital.

This facility will also be equipped with all the necessary infrastructure, logistics and governing entities, thus enabling engineers to conduct research in ICT, telecommunications and space use, energy efficiency, and the development of new and high technologies.

Moreover, residents and companies operating in the park will be exempt from VAT (18 percent) on all imported infrastructural and technological goods and services.

Along with the development of high tech parks, Azerbaijan has worked to develop its Industrial Park in Sumgayit, Azerbaijan’s industrial city.

Azerbaijan opens another high tech park - AzerNews

 

[uratM]

Dude you are loosing your future with these buildings instead of these send pupils abroad. I understand you have energy (petrol) but nothing else. Even bricks are probably from abroad. Dont waste money. Try to do it your own by pupils you sent.

 

[Azeri440]

Dude you are loosing your future with these buildings instead of these send pupils abroad. I understand you have energy (petrol) but nothing else. Even bricks are probably from abroad. Dont waste money. Try to do it your own by pupils you sent.

These are private projects not government funded
not to mention Green City alone has a University Campus which undoubtedly will be the biggest and the best in the region.

 

[rmi5]

These are private projects not government funded
not to mention Green City alone has a University Campus which undoubtedly will be the biggest and the best in the region.

That's right.

-------------

@uratM There are some advantages and disadvantages. New modern buildings can boost tourism, which would be a good investment to diversify Azerbaijani economy and increase GDP. Also, a through renovation can cause a better atmosphere in Azeri public(which is a need for every country that has gone through a war), and also the facilities that are made, like facilities for Baku 2015 european games, can be used for a long time by national sport teams, as housings for students, projects designated for making new universities, ...
Disadvantages are limiting the available budget to be spent on other important issues like what you have mentioned, and also the money spent can potentially cause inflation in long term. There was a big change in currency rates very recently. It's really a trade-off.

 

[uratM]

Dude Azeri440
Man your big money holdeers are people who are your deepstate. Just as rockfelleer or rotchild of israel (USA). These guys will buy weapons in case. So their money is your republics money. Their wasted money is your future's money.

Buildings can attract people i agree but what are costs and looses? I dont know.
In my geneeral opinion. You should send mining students abroad and bring em back to make a mining map for our (azerbaycan) land. THen they find that most of mine is lets say azerbaycanium(i randomized). First find a way to use this azerbaycanium in buildings. Then bring construction pupils back. Let em make a building. By this way this will cost to you only eneryg. Rest will be your money. Petrol (energy) is unlimited for you. Try not to loosee any money at any section of economy.

And best of all export your technology.

 

[Azeri440]

Azerbaijan expects 5 million tourists

Azerbaijan, the country of contrasts, which combines Eastern charm and European culture, is planning to attract more tourists in the near future.

The country is expected to increase its tourist flow up to 5 million a year, Abulfaz Garayev, the culture and tourism minister said at the Caspian Energy Forum 2015 on March 11.

The share of tourism in Azerbaijan's GDP stands at 2.4 percent or 1.3 billion manat, he noted. "This is a very good indicator. Recently, the influx of tourists into the country increased, which is associated with Azerbaijan's stable position in the region."

Over 2.5 million tourists arrived in Azerbaijan in 2014. Overall, tourism in the Land of Fire has doubled since 2006. The tourists’ expenditures in the country increased from 91 million manats in 2006 to 1.2 milliard manats in 2014.

The minister noted that the influx of tourists from more distant countries has also increased.

"We have seen an increase in the influx of tourists from Europe, the U.S., the Far East and Arab countries in recent years. At the same time a sharp decrease in regional tourism occurred. Visitors from Russia and Georgia have diminished when previously they held a major share in our tourism industry," Garayev said.

Azerbaijan now is working on setting up a new visa regime with a number of European countries in view of opening its tourism's floodgate. Experts have put down the decline in tourists due to the worldwide financial crisis.

Meanwhile, Azerbaijan is developing its services. For example the number of hotels has now reached 530, with 23 five start hotels in the country, 41 four star hotels, 12 three star and 3 two star hotels.

"However, Azerbaijan is losing to other countries in the region, such as Turkey, where there are more sunny days per year," the minister noted. "That's why it was decided to develop and build a variety of tourism clusters in the country. Seven areas have already been identified where they will be built."

Azerbaijan will continue to work towards attracting more tourists to the country, Garayev explained, since it is a very profitable sector.

"Every tourist arriving in Azerbaijan spends a minimum of $700 here. Of course, this is a big plus for the state and its budget from an economic standpoint. We intend to improve on our tourism industry and increase our number of tourists coming to Azerbaijan to 4.5-5 million people per year," the minister stressed.

This year, Azerbaijan expects tourists from around the world will attend the inaugural European Games in Baku in June. In the next coming years, the country will also hold Islamic Solidarity Games, Formula 1 race and quarterfinals and three group games of the Euro 2020.

Azerbaijan expects 5 million tourists - AzerNews

 

[xenon54 out]

Azerbaijan expects 5 million tourists

Azerbaijan, the country of contrasts, which combines Eastern charm and European culture, is planning to attract more tourists in the near future.

The country is expected to increase its tourist flow up to 5 million a year, Abulfaz Garayev, the culture and tourism minister said at the Caspian Energy Forum 2015 on March 11.

The share of tourism in Azerbaijan's GDP stands at 2.4 percent or 1.3 billion manat, he noted. "This is a very good indicator. Recently, the influx of tourists into the country increased, which is associated with Azerbaijan's stable position in the region."

Over 2.5 million tourists arrived in Azerbaijan in 2014. Overall, tourism in the Land of Fire has doubled since 2006. The tourists’ expenditures in the country increased from 91 million manats in 2006 to 1.2 milliard manats in 2014.

The minister noted that the influx of tourists from more distant countries has also increased.

"We have seen an increase in the influx of tourists from Europe, the U.S., the Far East and Arab countries in recent years. At the same time a sharp decrease in regional tourism occurred. Visitors from Russia and Georgia have diminished when previously they held a major share in our tourism industry," Garayev said.

Azerbaijan now is working on setting up a new visa regime with a number of European countries in view of opening its tourism's floodgate. Experts have put down the decline in tourists due to the worldwide financial crisis.

Meanwhile, Azerbaijan is developing its services. For example the number of hotels has now reached 530, with 23 five start hotels in the country, 41 four star hotels, 12 three star and 3 two star hotels.

"However, Azerbaijan is losing to other countries in the region, such as Turkey, where there are more sunny days per year," the minister noted. "That's why it was decided to develop and build a variety of tourism clusters in the country. Seven areas have already been identified where they will be built."

Azerbaijan will continue to work towards attracting more tourists to the country, Garayev explained, since it is a very profitable sector.

"Every tourist arriving in Azerbaijan spends a minimum of $700 here. Of course, this is a big plus for the state and its budget from an economic standpoint. We intend to improve on our tourism industry and increase our number of tourists coming to Azerbaijan to 4.5-5 million people per year," the minister stressed.

This year, Azerbaijan expects tourists from around the world will attend the inaugural European Games in Baku in June. In the next coming years, the country will also hold Islamic Solidarity Games, Formula 1 race and quarterfinals and three group games of the Euro 2020.

Azerbaijan expects 5 million tourists - AzerNews

Is there a statistic about the nationalitys of tourists visiting Azerbaijan?

 

[Azeri440]

Is there a statistic about the nationalitys of tourists visiting Azerbaijan?

I went though some few months ago , but can't find it right now

 

[Azeri440]

Tanap

 

[Azeri440]

ICT sector of Azerbaijan receives $2B for development

Azerbaijan has received $2 billion for five years in the sphere of information technologies of Azerbaijan, Minister of Communications and High Technologies Ali Abbasov said March 17 during the Azerbaijan investment summit “Non-oil sector - leading sector of the real economy.”

He said that at present, many countries are trying to weaken the economy's dependence on oil and gas sector and Azerbaijan is no exception.

“In this regard, the sphere of ICT can help reduce the economy's dependence on the oil sector,” he said. “Azerbaijan is between the developing and developed countries in terms of development of information technologies.”

The minister said that one of the problems in this area is to provide 85 percent of the country with broadband internet by 2018, full automation of e-services, etc.

He also noted the importance of the development of the export potential of ICT.

In 2012, Azerbaijan exported goods from this area worth $41 million. An increase in exports of such products is needed to be provided, according to the minister.

In general, ICT development in the country takes place in three areas: knowledge, development conditions and capital, according to Abbasov.

Having noted the importance of training of highly specialized staff in this field, he added that several state programs are already being implemented in this direction.

“At the same time, it is important to create a good environment for business,” said Abbasov. “The corresponding work is being carried out for that, industrial parks are being created, etc.”

The minister also added that one of the barriers for ICT development in the country is that the Azerbaijani market is very small. From this perspective, he stressed the importance of development of export potential, as well as digital trade with neighboring countries.

“We are working on the development of the digital market and in this respect we are open to neighboring countries,” said Abbasov. “This, in turn, is a model of free trade. If we can take effective steps in this direction, it will certainly contribute to the development of both the domestic market and markets of neighboring countries.”

Regarding the capital, Azerbaijan is working to facilitate companies' access to finances, according to Abbasov. As an example, he mentioned the State Fund for Development of Information Technologies.

At present, informatization in Azerbaijan is being rapidly carried out and affects many areas, according to the minister. But the main problem in this regard is to ensure full automation of services of state structures of the country by 2020 and the population’s ability to access them.

He also identified the need to develop high-tech industries in Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijani market is small, which is a deterrent factor for the arrival of foreign companies on the market. “For the development of market, the government supports local companies, as well as the implementation of regional projects that contribute to the expansion of the domestic market,” said the minister. “The presence of IT-service is definitely a very good result, and a lot of projects are being implemented in this direction. The matter rests in establishing regional DATA-centers, backhaul etc.”

ICT sector of Azerbaijan receives $2B for development

 

[Azeri440]

Rail freight from Afghanistan to reach Europe in just five days

In his speech at Council on Foreign Relations, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani underlined the country's key priority to invest in developing its railway infrastructure in order to facilitate freight transport from Central Asia to China and to transport its mineral resources - iron, copper, and gold.

"Just one of our cities is linked (by rail) to our neighboring country, but now our attempt is to link to China and all our neighbors. The bulk of what we are going to produce in the next ten years is very heavy. Without rail there is no possibility of create the economies of scale. Our first breakthrough in terms of transit is coming via Central Asia - Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey", he commented.

In three years from now, the country's ambitious plan is for rail freight to reach Europe in just five days, and to have 70% of imports and exports carried out via the Caspian Sea.

Rail freight from Afghanistan to reach Europe in just five days | Think Railways

Turkmenistan to construct fiber-optic line to Azerbaijan

Turkmenistan will construct the Turkmenbashi-Baku fiber-optic line through the Caspian Sea.

The laying of a new line will increase the speed of Internet stream. It will upgrade the fiber-backbone directions, including European and Asian countries.

A report on the measures was submitted at a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, the Turkmen State News Agency said on March 21.

The agreements were reached during the second meeting of the Turkmen-Azerbaijani commission for economic cooperation in Baku in November 2010.

According to the contracts signed by the Turkmen Ministry of Communications, there are some connections to the fiber-optic communication systems in the direction of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Iran and Afghanistan.

Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov said at a governmental meeting that the high-tech systems in the telecommunication area is an essential factor of the social- economic development of the country and successful international cooperation, Neutral Turkmenistan newspaper reported.

The president stressed that all conditions were created for the Internet and modern communication means to be available to every citizen.

Turkmenistan plans to launch its first national satellite this year. This will make a significant breakthrough in the field of telecommunication and other applications such as the Internet, mobile communication.

Azerbaijan has entered the space club by launching its first telecommunication satellite Azerspace-1 in February 2013. Azercosmos is the first satellite operator in the Caucasus, that now manages three satellites. The fourth satellite, Azerspace-2 is planned to be launched in 2017.

The country is today working to increase its broadband internet service through a comprehensive national network. Broadband internet penetration here stands at 55 percent.

Azerbaijan is 63rd in the world in terms of the number of Internet users, according to the International Telecommunication Union.

Moreover, the country initiated the TASIM project with an initial cost of $100 million, in view of creating a major transit link from Frankfurt to Hong Kong.

The line will connect major centers of data exchange in Europe and Asia together, stretching through China, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkey, and Germany. A reserve North transit line will pass through Russia, Ukraine and Poland.

One of the main plans for the implementation of the TASIM project is the construction of the Caspian segment of TASIM, which will connect the largest information exchange centers of Europe and Asia.

Turkmenistan to construct fiber-optic line to Azerbaijan - AzerNews

 

[Azeri440]

Azerbaijan to purchase 5 "Ласточка" trains , a version of Siemens Desiro for CIS.
It seems due to the small number they will only be used along the upgraded Baku - Sumgayit rail link

among the upgrades includes total reconstruction of the rail station in Sumgayit.

Another major deal with Russia is for 2900 rail freight cars of different types.

It is worth to mention Azerbaijan is currently building a Stadler factory in Ganja
and at initial stage will have a capacity of 60 units per year. Exports are expected to neighboring countries,
and will completely replace the current Soviet fleet.

Уральские «Ласточки» отправятся в Азербайджан

 

[Azeri440]

Azerbaijan seeks to join Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank

Azerbaijan announced its support to China’s long-awaited plan to start the first new multilateral development lender.

The Azerbaijani government has expressed interest in becoming a founding member of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank created to meet the growing financial needs of the Asian region for the development of infrastructure.

The Finance Ministry officially announced on April 3 about its intention to join the AIIB, which already gained support of Russia, Australia, Egypt, Ukraine, the U.K., France, Switzerland, India, South Korea and the Philippines.

The energy rich country’s financial body already informed the Chinese side about its intention to join the Chinese-created alternative to the World Bank and International Monetary Fund.

AIIB’s headquarters will be in China’s capital city, Beijing. The AIIB will have start up capital of $50 billion, and is authorized to eventually issue capital of twice that amount. Its members will contribute based on the size of their economies, according to Bloomberg.

The Bank will finance public works such as roads, bridges and other projects.

The final round of talks among founding members is scheduled for May and the AIIB is expected to be fully established by late 2015.

Azerbaijan seeks to join Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank - AzerNews

 

[Azeri440]

Azerbaijan to create national innovative center

Azerbaijan may create a national innovative center. The offer came from the Scientific Innovation Center of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences.

The Center introduced the project to ANAS and the Communications and High-Tech Ministry, said Azer Namazov, CEO of the Center.

This project is of particular importance and high significance at the national level.

"It presents such aspects as innovation, high technology, new knowledge, their encouragement and practical application in the economy,” Namazov said.

It will take a lot of efforts to find solutions for both legal and organizational issues, as well as introducing changes in the legislation of the country, he added.

The national innovation center will include a coordination council, which, along with the involvement of other government agencies and the business sector, will implement innovative projects at the national level. This will build an effective bridge between the public sector and business.

Azerbaijan is one of the leading countries implementing high technology in the region. Investment in the development of the ICT sector in Azerbaijan is expected to rise to $4 billion by 2020.

Today, the country constructs high tech parks in the capital and in regions. A business incubator park is functioning in Baku.

Over the past five years, the information technology sector of Azerbaijan has doubled.

Development of the sector is expected to bring revenues in near future. Revenues of the ICT sector in 2019 are expected to increase by 33.5 percent and exceed 2.12 billion manats.

Azerbaijan to create national innovative center - AzerNews