Report presents an interview with Matthew Bryza, former US Ambassador to Azerbaijan, former US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Europe and Eurasia.
- Can you briefly share the purpose of your visit?
A primary reason for this visit was to improve my understanding of the latest developments in Azerbaijan’s agricultural sector, especially new and innovative products invented in Azerbaijan that significantly increase the volume and quality of agricultural production. When I had the honor of serving as the United States ambassador to Azerbaijan, I focused much of my efforts on how to help resurrect and expand Azerbaijan’s agricultural sector, which has always been a core element of Azerbaijani society, long before oil and natural gas production began.
- We are very pleased to hear such important words. How do you think, how did the Great Victory in the Second Karabakh War affect the development of the country's agrarian sector? And what changes do you envision in other industries?
Azerbaijan’s recovery of its previously occupied territories provides a tremendous opportunity to expand the country’s agricultural sector by relying on more efficient and “greener” technologies than were available during the Soviet Union. Being a reader of Azerbaijani news portals, I learned from your publications about new company “AZCHEMCO”, which is developing innovative methods in the sphere of manufacturing different types of fertilizers, pesticides, and gives solutions how to recover saline soil types. It is exciting that these healthier agricultural methods can now be applied to Azerbaijani lands to which have returned Karabakh and surrounding districts.
The information I received during my visit to the office of "AZCHEMCO" left an indelible positive mark on my mind. The company's products - "Drip-Drop 369" and water-soluble NPK will help not only the agricultural sector of Azerbaijan but will also bring considerable benefit to the country's economy because of export abroad.
As for other branches of Azerbaijan’s economy, I am observing how intensively the Ministry of Economic Development is working to create organized industrial zones and special economic zones in Azerbaijan’s regained rayons. The new international airport in Fuzuli will provide a transportation hub to attract investment and stimulate economic development in Aghdam, Khojavend, Jebrayil, Zengilan and Shusha, in addition to Fuzuli. Soon, another airport in Lachin will do the same for that rayon as well as for Kelbajar and Kubadli. Meanwhile, construction and logistics hubs will be built, along with manufacturing centers for a range of consumer and industrial products, all throughout the Aras River Valley.
Meanwhile, last January’s agreement between Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan to develop jointly the “Dostluk” oil and gas field in the Caspian Sea opens new opportunities for both economic development and the Greater Caspian region’s deeper integration with regional and European markets. Hopefully, some of this natural gas will eventually reach these industrial zones in Karabakh as well as Nakhchivan via a new pipeline from the Caspian Sea to the main part of Azerbaijan, then via the Zangezur Corridor into Armenia’s Syunik district, and onward to Nakhchivan. Such a project could help generate jobs and economic growth while healing the wounds of war. This is an exciting time for business development in Azerbaijan!