Enterprises for production of wine, mineral water to be created in Azerbaijan's Karabakh

There are plans to create enterprises for the production of wine and mineral water with an investment cost of 20 million ($11.764 million) and 3 million manats ($1.764 million), respectively, in Azerbaijan's Karabakh and East Zangazur economic regions, Report informs.

Grapes for wine production will be grown in the liberated territories.

In total, it is planned to produce 1.6 million bottles of wine.

In addition, it is planned to organize the production of mineral water in Kalbajar, using the deposits of Yukhari Istisu, Ashagi Istisu, Geshdak, Garasu, Mozchay and Gotursu.

Some 33% of the total reserves of mineral waters in Azerbaijan are in the Kalbajar and Lachin districts. The exploitable mineral water reserves in these areas are 7,393 m³/day, of which 42% are in Lachin, and 58% in Kalbajar. There are more than 400 mineral water deposits in the Tartar River basin of the Kalbajar district.

The Istisu mineral spring in the Kalbajar district is identical in its chemical composition and physical properties to the world famous springs of Karlovy Vary (Czech Republic). Istisu water reaches a temperature of 58.8°C and is rich in minerals such as lithium, bromine, iodine, arsenic, phosphorus, zinc, copper, nickel, magnesium and iron.

Enterprises in the liberated territories of Azerbaijan are exempt from income tax, property tax, land tax, VAT on imported equipment and customs duties for 10 years. Financial assistance is also provided in the amount of 20% of the amount paid for the use of utilities (electricity, natural gas, water supply and sewerage).