BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 4. We are in the process of finalizing the new phase of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) partnership program in Azerbaijan, Muhammad Nasar Hayat, FAO representative in Azerbaijan, told Trend.
"FAO and Azerbaijan have a relationship that goes back in the early 90s, and, since 2015, we have an office in Azerbaijan. The cooperation between us has been going on very well since the establishment and signing of a partnership strategy. We work very closely with the ministry of agriculture, ecology and environment, and other stake holders in Azerbaijan. The first phase of agreement is now over. We are in the process of finalizing the next phase, and the prospects for agriculture sector in this country are really bright," he said.
According to FAO representative, there is a lot that needs to be done, and with some improvements, technology, new practices in agriculture, we can find a lot of benefit, not only for people in the rural areas, but for the country as a hole.
In regard with the particular objectives FAO would be focused on, Nasar Hayat noted that the organization will work on the transformation to more sustainable and profitable agriculture sector in Azerbaijan that can then make contribution to the national economy, the country’s GDP, and also make healthy and nutritious food available for population at all times.
"That is the goal and the stated objective of the Azerbaijani Government, and we are here to support the country in approach," he concluded.