BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 2. Swiss companies and investors could contribute to Azerbaijan’s efforts to modernize and diversify its economic structure, Guy Bonvin, deputy head of mission, deputy head of Regional Cooperation at the Embassy of Switzerland to Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan, told Trend.
He noted that the aim of Swiss foreign economic policy is to create attractive general conditions for Swiss exporters and investors abroad.
“For Swiss companies and investors, a predictable legal environment, a level playing field as well as the rule of law are key when it comes to taking export- and investment decisions. If the general framework is right, Swiss companies will make use of all opportunities offered by the Azerbaijani market,” added Bonvin.
He went on to add that Switzerland does not pursue an industrial policy.
“The Swiss government does generally not define any specific sectors - in relation to Azerbaijan or other countries - in which there is particularly high potential for cooperation. This decision is made by the companies themselves. Chambers of commerce (JCC and SACCI for Azerbaijan) and organisations such as S-GE play an important role as providers of useful information about foreign markets.
Azerbaijan certainly offers opportunities for Swiss businesses. The Azerbaijani economy currently still relies heavily on oil and natural gas exports. Swiss companies and investors could for example contribute to Azerbaijan’s efforts to modernize and diversify its economic structure. Infrastructure was already mentioned. Other interesting areas of cooperation are for example the pharmaceutical sector as well as food production/procession/ packaging,” said Bonvin.
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