Prior to the meeting, Azerbaijan`s Minister of Communications and High Technologies Ali Abbasov and Bernadette Gierlinger, Vice-Minister for Foreign Economic Policy and European Integration in the Federal Ministry of Economy, Family and Youth of the Republic of Austria held a bilateral meeting as co-chairmen of the commission.

Then the 8th meeting of the Mixed Commission began.

Speaking about the economic relations between the two countries, Minister Ali Abbasov, the co-chairman of the intergovernmental commission, emphasized the special role of the Joint Declaration on Friendly Relations and Partnership between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Austria, signed by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Austrian President Heinz Fischer on May 13, 2013 in Vienna, which laid the foundation for a new development dynamics in the relationship.

The Co-chairman expressed satisfaction with the current level of cooperation, noted the mutual interest in expanding relations in all areas, including the annual increase in trade turnover between the two countries.

Expressing satisfaction with the results of productive meetings held as part of the Mixed Commission up to date, and as logical continuation of these talks noted the existing great potential for the development of further areas of cooperation.

The Minister also spoke on the part of information and communication technologies provided in the protocol, spoke about future plans.

Ms. Bernadette Gierlinger noted that, as a friendly country, they are happy with the increasing indicators in Azerbaijan’s economy year after year and added that despite the global crisis, the economic relations between Azerbaijan and Austria are improving year after year and this dynamic development gives reason to be optimistic about the future.

The Co-chairperson of the commission made a presentation on the economic situation in Austria, and spoke about the work done over the last 10 years. Noting the economic forecasts, the introduction of new tax reforms to stimulate the economy and expectations from them, Bernadette Gierlinger said that her country prefers export-oriented economy saying 6 of every 10 euros in the Austrian economy is obtained from export-oriented economy.

Expressing the interest of Austrian side in cooperation with Azerbaijan in various spheres, Bernadette Gierlinger, in particular noted the great potential for the development of relations in the fields of alternative and renewable energy, tourism, telecommunications, infrastructure, agriculture, and expressed hope for effective use of this potential for further cooperation.

Further, members of the Austrian delegation delivered a presentation, spoke about the activities of the companies and their interest in the Azerbaijani market.

The meeting also discussed the possibilities of expanding cooperation in the fields of economy, agriculture, industry, technique and technology between Azerbaijan and Austria.

After discussions, the protocol of the meeting of the Mixed Commission was signed.

From the Azerbaijani side the protocol was signed by Minister of Communications and High Technologies Ali Abbasov and from the Austrian side by Ms. Gierlinger.

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