Heimtextil, Russia’s largest international trade fair of interior fabrics, home textiles, and decorating materials, has opened in Moscow and has become a platform for the biggest suppliers and designers from many countries.
Azerbaijan’s Trade Representative in Russia, Ruslan Aliyev, told the Russian bureau of Report about bilateral cooperation and prospects of Azerbaijani textiles in the Russian market.
- Mr. Aliyev, how do you assess the trade and economic ties between Russia and Azerbaijan?
- I believe that our bilateral relations have prospects for growth. Of course, you should not consider the year of the pandemic, which suspended their development. Every year we observe an increase in the export of Azerbaijani products to the Russian Federation, as well as an increase in trade turnover. Over the past few months, we have seen a recovery of previous indicators and a return to initial positions.
- What are the most popular export and import directions?
- It is traditionally our agricultural products: vegetables and fruits. Something that has been common since the days of the Soviet Union. Today’s event is also a prime example. Azerbaijan is participating in the Heimtextil 2021 exhibition for the first time. The participation of the Azerkhalcha state concern, which produces handmade carpets, is also special. This is a real work of art, and there is no other way to put it.
- Is it possible to specify the share of the Russian market in Azerbaijan's export of textiles and carpets today?
- It is difficult to answer this question since we are just entering the Russian market. I think that we have very great prospects, our products were highly appreciated by Russian importers, with whom negotiations are underway and even contracts are already being concluded. A Russian consumer also plays a key role here. After the consumer encounters Azerbaijani textiles, then the volume of products sold will be an indicator of our success.