On October 4th a Russian delegation – including the heads of Dagestan, Ingushetia, Kabardino-Balkaria and North Ossetia and the plenipotentiary envoy of the Russian president in the NCFD, Alexander Khloponin - visited Azerbaijan.
The first deputy Prime Minister of Azerbaijan, Yagub Eyubov, told the Russian delegation that the regions of the NCFD and Azerbaijan are connected with long-standing friendly and economic ties. He expressed hope that, after the meeting, turnover and investment volumes would increase. Eyubov stated there had been a positive dynamic in turnover between Russia and Azerbaijan, of more than 50%. 88% of turnover is accounted for by Dagestan and Stavropol Territory. “Russia is the only country where economic ties are developing actively. I would like to see us maintain this dynamic. However, we don't only need to increase the volume of turnover, but private human relations too. It will make us become closer,” Eyubov said.
Alexander Khloponin noted that he considers the visit to be a momentous event: “Azerbaijan is an old partner of Russia. We want to increase turnover and exchange with many interesting projects.” According to Khloponin, Azerbaijan and Russia are beginning cooperation not only at governmental level, but also at the level of regional heads.
In Baku Khloponin held a presentation of the tourist cluster project for Azerbaijani investors, i.e. investment projects in the territory of the region within the Strategy of Social and Economic Development of the NCFD, including mountain ski resorts. The Envoy said a agreement between Russia and France on joint participation in the projects had been signed. Implementation of the project begins next year. “We would like to see businessmen from Azerbaijan among the participants in it,” Khloponin stated.
He also invited Azerbaijani colleagues to take part in development of the Caspian Sea, which is a separate item of the development strategy of the NCFD. According to Khloponin, exploration of the Caspian coast and development of the recreation zone Kaspiisk, Derbent and other territories of Dagestan, are a priority.
The plenipotentiary envoy spoke about means of supporting investors. The government gives guarantees of 70% of investment volume. This concerns not only tourism, but other projects too.
By 2025 the NCFD plans to create more than 400,000 work places, which can lead to a settlement of the extremism problem.
Khloponin also spoke about establishing the North Caucasus University. This will be a new type of university, which is aimed at overcoming a negative position towards the quality of human resources in the NCFD.
The envoy invited the Azerbaijani side to participate in youth forums held in the NCFD – Mashuk and the Caucasian Games festival. The delegation from Azerbaijan participated in the first Dagestan youth education forum The Caspian Sea-2011.
Yagubov supported Khloponin: “The principle position by Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev is strengthening of the economy and cultural, humanitarian cooperation with the republics of the North Caucasus,” he said.
The head of Dagestan, Magomedsalam Magomedov, spoke about the necessity of reinforcing Russian-Azerbaijani relations through investment and cultural projects.
Musa Musayev, Makhachkala. Exclusively to VK.
