A special edition of influential French newspaper “Echanges internationaux” devoted to Azerbaijan was issued

A special edition of “Echanges internationaux” magazine (International Exchange) of the French National Committee’s International Chamber of Commerce devoted to Azerbaijan entitled “Azerbaijan: economy in rapid development” (January 2012, N.93) was published.

Strategies of France and achievements made in Azerbaijan, Azerbaijan’s being an essential partner of Europe in the sphere of energy supply, developing transport infrastructure of our republic,    significance of Azerbaijan as an oil and gas producing country, and its diversified economic issues have been touched upon in the magazine. The magazine also contained articles devoted to the 20^th anniversary of regain by Azerbaijan of its state independence, and the country’s achievement of sustainable dynamic modernization was underlined, and history of oil industry in Azerbaijan, activities towards development of economic relations between France and Azerbaijan, events organized in this sphere, activity of the inter-governmental joint economic commission, significance of establishing the Azerbaijani-French Business Council, agitation by the Azerbaijani-French Chamber of Commerce of development cooperation between companies working in non-oil sector of both the countries, the strategy of development of our country’s non-oil sector, achievements made in this field, cooperation between France and Azerbaijan and its good perspectives have been broadly covered.

Summaries of opinions of well known state persons, ministers of Azerbaijan and France, representatives of famous French companies acting in Azerbaijan published in the magazine have been given hareinbelow with their titles.

French Ambassador to Azerbaijan Gabriel Keller has written in an article entitled “Cultural, historical and economic ties between Azerbaijan and France”: “French companies have been greatly contributing to our country’s economic development. These companies are participating in diversifying Azerbaijan’s economy by acting, in addition to oil and gas field, in areas such as environment and transport. These companies are also cooperating with Azerbaijan in development and expansion of municipal transport and Baku Underground system, treatment of waste waters and other areas. Currently, up to 50 French companies are working in Azerbaijan.”  

In his article, talking about cultural relations, education, granting scholarships to Azerbaijani students studying in France and the role of France in the settlement of Daghlyg Garabagh conflict as a co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group, the Ambassador notes that France has put forward its proposals concerning the development of a peace agreement. And the initiatives put forward by France for stability of the region and welfare of the Southern Caucasian countries is already yielding their results. Today, Azerbaijan is a country of international significance France has been seriously and steadily relying on.  

The magazine also contains an article by Azerbaijani Ambassador to France Elchin Amirbayov entitled “Azerbaijan has made significant achievements for the last 20 years”.

In his article, the Ambassador provides detailed information of the history of Azerbaijan located at the crossroad of the East and West, on the Silk Road, its geography and culture, and talked of the significance of the democratic reforms being carried out in our country, state-building activities, cooperation with the European Union and other international organizations in various spheres, Azerbaijan’s recent election to UN Security Council, visit by French President Nicolas Sarkozy to Azerbaijan, laying of foundation in Baku of a French Lycée within this visit and decoration of First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva with “Officer of Legion of Honour” of France state order. The diplomat has also talked of the development of the non-oil sector in Azerbaijan, agitation of local and foreign investment, assessment of our country’s economy in reports of international organizations and Azerbaijan’s role in the energy security of Europe, and noted the development of strategic cooperation between France and Azerbaijan.

Full text of the speech entitled “Azerbaijan is a reliable partner of Europe” delivered by First Lady of Azerbaijan, member of the Milli Majlis, head of the Azerbaijani-French inter-parliamentary friendship group Mehriban Aliyeva at an international conference held on September 16, 2011 on the theme of “Azerbaijan: a strategic partner for Europe’s energy security” at the Paris Office of the European Parliament was given in the magazine, accompanied by photos.   

In her speech, First Lady of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva talked of Azerbaijan’s oil industry, the path of development passed, activity of foreign countries in our country during the first oil boom, and contribution of Azerbaijani oil workers to the victory over the fascism.

Having talked of establishment of favourable investment environment in Azerbaijan at the end of the twentieth century after the regain by Azerbaijan of its state independence, and investment by a number of world’s leading energy companies into the national oil and gas sector, Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva said: “By signing the “Contract of the Century” in 1994 with a consortium comprised of the world’s leading oil companies, Azerbaijan opened first time in the history the resources of the Caspian Sea to the world. Since then, the State Oil Company of the Azerbaijan Republic has signed 32 Production Sharing Agreements with 53 international energy companies representing 20 different countries. Total value of investment by foreign companies into Azerbaijan’s oil and gas sector is some 44 billion US    Dollars. Currently, Azerbaijan produces app. 1 million barrels of oil a day and 30 billion cubic metres of gas per year.”

Our proved gas resources are over 2.2 trillion cubic metres. This will enable our country to be a significant supplier of gas in international markets.

Azerbaijan has also made investment into the energy transportation infrastructure. One of our priorities is to diversify the supply routes. Today, 7 oil and gas pipelines take our resources to the world markets via different supply routes.”

Emphasizing that Azerbaijan has secured its energy security and also contributed to partner-countries’ energy security, First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva talked of our country’s diversified oil and gas routes and, having underlined Azerbaijan’s significance as a transit country, said: “Azerbaijan is a reliable partner for Azerbaijan. Our approach of energy security is that energy resources should not serve separating countries and nations, but uniting them. Energy resources should not serve competition and conflicts, but regional and international cooperation. Interests of suppliers, transit countries and consumers should coincide and lead to more forecasting and mutual benefits. This is our country’s oil philosophy.”   

Specifically emphasising merits of Total and Gas de France companies of France in exploration of Absheron gas field in the Azerbaijani sector of the Caspian Sea, Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva,  noting that this field would strengthen Azerbaijan’s energy potential, as well as Europe’s energy security, said: “A Joint Declaration was signed on January 13, 2011 in Baku by President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and President of the European Commission Hose Manuel Barroso. We hope Azerbaijani gas will soon be taken to Europe markets and relations between the European Union and Azerbaijan strengthened further.” 

An article given in the magazine by France’s ministry of industry, energy and digital economy Eric Besso is titled so: “Launch of Azerbaijan’s first telecommunication satellite into the space will show the prestige of France in Azerbaijan.”

The minister wrote: “While technical cooperation with Azerbaijan today covers energy and ICT spheres, in future these spheres will be expanded further.”

Noting the significance of a French company being a winner of the bids to launch the first man-made satellite of Azerbaijan into the space, Eric Besson informed: “Azerbaijan is the most important partner of France in the whole Caucasus region, and is a country benefiting from direct investments made by us into this region. Our relations have been developing stably.”

Saying he wished  the relations on ICT and service spheres to develop further, the minister, having written that French companies would like to cooperate in the sphere of agriculture, food, consumer goods and new technologies, talked of significance of the meeting he had with an Azerbaijani colleague.

An article written by Azerbaijan’s minister of Communication and Information Technologies Ali Abbasov entitled “New technologies, new opportunities” has also been reflected in the magazine.

Ali Abbasov wrote: “Both the countries are willing to increase cooperation in the technical sphere, and commercial turnover”. The minister once more recalled multilateral negotiations with his French colleague in this sphere and, having shared his views on the perspectives of cooperation between France and Azerbaijan in the sphere of ICT and contribution by French companies to the economy of Azerbaijan, noted: “Modernity of Baku is an obvious sign of our country’s development in the sphere of new technologies”.

Minister of Industry and Energy of Azerbaijan Natig Aliyev wrote in an article entitled “Azerbaijan is a country being of essential significance in the field of energy”: “Increase in the number of the world population, economic development, increase in demand for energy create environmental and economic tense and, as a result, recent years energy security has been one of the main issues countries are concerned of.”

The minister talks of contributions Azerbaijan may make to ensuring Europe’s energy security as a new source, rebuilding and modernization of pipelines in our country and development of infrastructure. Natiq Aliyev informed of alternative gas pipelines that would pass through our country and noted that Azerbaijan will, as a reliable partner, be loyal in any project to obligations it undertook.

An article of French minister of Transport Tieri Mariani in the magazine was entitled as “A strategic partner in the Caucasus”.

The minister wrote: “Azerbaijan is an indispensable country in the sphere of international and regional energy. Two significant pipelines (BTC and BTA) deliver energy to Europe. In addition to being the first country to start production of oil by industrial method, Azerbaijan is a country playing an essential role in energy transportation in western direction. Azerbaijan is a partner being of special significance among Southern Caucasus countries and the most significant trade partner of France in the Caucasian region. France has been cooperating with Azerbaijan not only in the sphere of oil, but also intends to build cooperation in other spheres.”

Transport minister of Azerbaijan Ziya Mammadov wrote in his article entitled “”Experience and resources of developed countries including France is interesting”: “For a country with rapid development, a sound transport infrastructure meeting modern, national and international demands is necessary. Without this, we could neither ensure diversification of our economy, nor development of regions. Foreign companies, including French companies benefit from implementation of projects in this direction.”

The minister has also given detailed information of the issues to be resolved by the country in the sphere of transport, the role of automation in building relations of the region with the world, learning and application of French practice in the sphere of transport, and works done in this field.

Vice-president of the French-Azerbaijani Chamber of Commerce James Hogan’s article entitled “Foreign investments in Azerbaijan” was published in the magazine.

James Hogan wrote: “Energy resources and geographically favourable location of Azerbaijan, which is located at the crossroad of the West and East, makes it attractive for foreign investment. Azerbaijan has managed to create a sound legal basis protecting investments and defending rights of parties in this field. Positive strategy proceeded during the last years would help remove existing shortages in a short time”.

An article written by Daniel Patat, the head of the Baku-based regional economic service, is entitled as “Economy during the transition period”.

Daniel Patat wrote: “Big French companies are successfully represented in Azerbaijan. The Caucasus is an interesting region for France. As opposed to Georgia and Armenia, Azerbaijan could manage to avoid the crisis. There are opportunities for French companies to implement infrastructure projects in spheres such as construction, service, environment and tourism. French companies consider Azerbaijan a country with favourable conditions for investment.”

He also talked of achievements made in foreign trade, and directions of foreign investments.

European deputy Rashida Dati wrote in her article entitled “Solution of energy security calls”: “According to Europe-2020” strategy, energy security is the main issue for Europe, and these issues should be approached now, not in 2020. In terms of energy supply, Azerbaijan has been playing a special role of Europe’s energy security.”

Adil Mammadov, the President of the Agitation of Export and Investments in Azerbaijan Foundation, wrote in his article entitled “AZPROMO will develop relations, business ties between Azerbaijan and France” in the magazine.

Natalie Qule, a senator from Orne department of France, talked in her article entitled “non-centralized cooperation” of fraternization of French Egle and Azerbaijan’s Naftalan cities, cultural cooperation, organization of concerts and other cultural events, works done by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation to preserve churches in Normand province of France.

The senator wrote: “In addition to offering a lot to Azerbaijan, we can learn a lot from Azerbaijan and Azerbaijanis. Azerbaijan is the pearl of the Caucasus and it is open to every cooperation. I call on all regions of France to close cooperation with Azerbaijan.”

A senator from the Lower department of France, President of the International Elzas Economic Development Agency Andre Richard, mentioned in his article the reconstruction of the Strasbourg Cathedral Church by support from the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, and  talked of cooperation between the Ganja State University and Strasbourg University, and ties between our countries in the field of literature.

Article of director of the Nizami Ganjavi Literature Museum, member of the Milli Majlis, member of the board of representatives of Azerbaijan in the European Council Parliament Assembly, Doctor of philosophy Rafael Huseynov published in the magazine is entitled “This year Azerbaijan and Ganja mark the 870^th anniversary of great poet Nizami Ganjavi”.

Chairman of the French-Caucasian inter-parliamentary friendship group in the French Senate Amburaz Dupon noted in his article entitled “French-Azerbaijani friendship is formed by inter-parliamentary exchange”: “Inter-parliamentary relations contribute to the development of bilateral economic cooperation”.

He talked also of the works that may be done by headed by him group towards reduction of energy dependence. Amburaz Dupon wrote: “the energy policy proceeded by President Ilham Aliyev serves the population’s social well being and diversification of the country’s economy, and ensures political stability and enables formation of favourable business environment.”

President of the French Tunnels and Underground Space Association Allan Balan talks of the significance of Azerbaijan in his article entitled “Understanding, construction and reconstruction of underground works”.  He notes that Azerbaijan could benefit from the French technology in the sphere of construction technology. He wrote about construction projects implemented by French companies in Azerbaijan and emphasized that they provided assistance in training personnel in architecture, construction and engineering fields.

General Director of “Arianespace” company Jan-Iv Lo Galle notes in his article entitled “To launch the first communication satellite of the country is essential for our company”: “Among over 20 orders of our company in 2011, there was also launch of the first communication satellite of Azerbaijan into space. In future, we will carry out works on launching other satellites of Azerbaijan into space.”

Expert on international issues Andre Bert published an article entitled “Utilization of wastes for power purposes: Baku is solving the problem”.

In an article entitled “Favourable market or dairy products”, general director of the Representative Office of “Lactalis Caspi” company in Azerbaijan writes: ” In 2011, our company established its branch office in Azerbaijan. There are favourable conditions for production of dairy products. In the near future, we plan to increase number of sales centres and establish representations in regions of Azerbaijan in future.”

An article written by advisor to “Mainland Business Consulting” company Kamala Muradova is entitled “Language of business is the same everywhere.”

Authorised representative of “Sade” company for Europe Jan Luke Debrin writes: “Our Company is engaged in treatment of waste waters in Azerbaijan. A number of projects have been implemented in this field since 2010.”

General Manager of “Schlumberger Azerbaijan” Rob Alji writes in his article entitled “Azerbaijan – a historical country and nice future for Schlumberger”: “Starting its activity in Azerbaijan first in 1931, our company has been stably working since 1992. Currently our company has been working in 16 directions in Azerbaijan, including exploration of fields, drilling works, and mitigation of risks during design, and other spheres.”

Director of “Systra” company for Europe Andre Onhese informs in his article entitled “Baku is constructing the Underground of future”: “Our Company has been working towards adapting the Baku Underground to modern standards and carrying out works on construction of additional lines. The purpose is to build an Underground in Baku meeting modern standards based on the international example.”

Commercial director of the “Thales” Air Systems company Olivie Ashar talks in his article entitled “Twelve-year successful partnership” of works they have done in Azerbaijan: “Our Company has been engaged in operation of clean, safe and efficient air transport. We have been working on modernization of the Azerbaijani airport, a new terminal and new control centre. “

The article by general director of “Total-Azerbaijan” Mark Foyad is called “Huge energy projects”

Talking of Total’s 15-year activity in Azerbaijan, Mark Foyad notes: “Total has played a significant role in the development of Azerbaijan’s energy sector. We are participating in three big projects. These are “Shahdeniz, Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil and Southern Caucasus gas pipeline projects. We are cooperating with SOCAR. Total has been working here to implement its long-term objectives. I would like to see more French companies in Azerbaijan. “

One of the authors of articles published in the magazine is Jacque Laebens, the president of Schneider electric company for Azerbaijan.

Jacque Laebenes writes in his article entitled “First hybrid wind, solar and biogas power stations in Azerbaijan – a true revolution”: “First hybrid wind, solar and biogas power station built by Schneider power company in Gobustan settlement of Baku jointly with the State Agency of Azerbaijan for Alternative and Renewable Energy Sources was inaugurated in September of the last year by President Ilham Aliyev. For Azerbaijan, which has set a goal to ensure, until 2020, at least ten percent of the demand for power from renewable energy, this experience is of strategic importance.”