Forty-seven percent of all Azerbaijan’s trade was with the EU last year, says the country's European Integration Minister
Azerbaijan is playing an important role in assuring Europe's energy security and is maintaining strong cooperation with the European Union through investment and exchange programmes, such as twinning and the Technical Assistance and Information Exchange Instrument (TAIEX). This was the observation of Shahin Mustafayev, Chairman of the State Commission for Azerbaijan's European Integration, during a meeting with MEPs from the EU-Azerbaijan Parliamentary Cooperation Committee.
“We have signed agreements on lifting double taxation with 23 EU Member States,” said Mr Mustafayev, “and on mutual protection and encouragement of investments with 18 countries, as well as creating an Intergovernmental commission with 14 Member States.”
The EU is Azerbaijan’s main trading partner, Mr Mustafayev pointed out. Trade with the EU last year constituted 47% of Azerbaijan’s total, while in January-August this year the indicator stood at 37%, the minister said.