The XIV general assembly of Caspian universities, hosted by Dagestani State University, saw discussion of prospects in economic cooperation.
Economists, academics, post-graduates and students worked in four directions: cooperation in gas and oil field exploration, transportation and joint access to world markets, alternative sources of energy and establishment of the "South-North" transport corridor.
The specialists came to the conclusion that political factors influence economic contacts and interests. According to a professor of Bakinskii State University, Chingiz Ismailov, all the states in the Caspian region are oil and gas suppliers, which makes them competitors, but that this factor should actually unify the Caspian states. Separately, these countries cannot affect the global gas and oil markets and their influence is insignificant, but if they were to establish a joint exporting system their influence could increase. He also noted that the history of Russian-Azerbaijani relations clearly demonstrates his position. In the 1990's, Russia basically cancelled economic relations with Azerbaijan using military action in Chechnya as an excuse. But the
situation changed when Vladimir Putin became Russia's president.
Nowadays, both countries are benefiting from the reestablishment of economic ties and closer cooperation, the turnover between the states has increased by $2 billion over the last three years, while the figures for turnover with Iran ce toto $500-600 million.
Professor of Astrakhan Technological University, Ramzan Nabiev, spoke about mechanisms for attracting investment into the infrastructure of the port of Astrakhan, and noted that Kazakhstan attracts 7 times more investments per citizen than Russia does. Implementation of a concessions system is a key to Kazakhstan's success. According to the professor, it is now more profitable to provide transit services than produce natural resources or goods, describing the Caspian region as uniquely positioned.
A representative of the Socio-economic Research Center pointed out that uncertainty over the Caspian Sea borders is an obstacle to more intensive economic cooperation in the region. A single state won't be able to enjoy all benefits of the "South-North" transport corridor, but it is definitely possible in case of the participation of all the Caspian states.
Musa Musaev, Makhachkala. Exclusively for VK.
