Namig Khalilov: "Russia remains Azerbaijan’s largest market for non-oil products"

Today, the 27th International Exhibition for Food, Beverages and Food Raw Materials, Prodexpo 2020, has opened on the territory of the Central Exhibition Complex - Expocenter Fairgrounds. Over 2,600 exhibitors from 70 countries are expected to participate in the event. On the sidelines of the exhibition, Vestnik Kavkaza talked with the Chief Advisor of the Trade Mission at the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Russia, Namig Khalilov.

- Azerbaijan is not for the first time at Prodexpo, is it?

- Azerbaijan takes part in the international food exhibition Prodexpo for the third time. This year, our country is represented by approximately 40 companies, most of them participate in the exhibition as part of a single national stand, and a small number of companies are represented by independent stands.

As in previous years, our stand presents high-quality crop products, processed products - canned fruits and vegetables - nuts, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, dried fruits that are in great demand in the Russian Federation.

In recent years, trade between our countries has been growing rapidly. Last year was no exception. The trade turnover reached a record $ 3 bln - an increase of 16% compared to 2018. Participation in such exhibitions helps our manufacturers introduce their products to Russian trading companies and consumers, and helps them better promote their goods. And this time, as in the previous two years, Azerbaijan is the official partner of the Prodexpo exhibition.

- What does participation in the exhibition mean to Azerbaijani producers?

- Azerbaijan declares itself as a strategic player in the Russian food market. For a variety of products, Azerbaijan is one of the leading or leading suppliers of the Russian market. The status of an official partner underlines these positions and also demonstrates the great focus of Azerbaijani producers on the Russian market.

- At the end of last year, a new bridge was officially opened over the Samur River on the Azerbaijani-Russian state border. How will this affect trade turnover?

- It will have a positive effect on the speed of cargo transportation both ways and will help to reduce the loss of travel time, and this is of great importance for perishable products. Plus, of course, less downtime, less cost. All of this will positively affect the cost of production.

- To which other countries does Azerbaijan supply its products?

- To the countries of the former Soviet Union, the Middle East, Asia, and Eastern Europe. We have a wide geography of exports. But Russia remains Azerbaijan’s largest market for non-oil products.