International Monetary Fund satisfied with Azerbaijan's last year economic growth

The press service for Economic Development Ministry told APA that the mission led by Valeria Ficera includes IMF economists Mayra Zermefio, Shuang Ding, Richard Pratt, Koba Gvenetadze, Junko Koeda and Lorenzo Perez. The meeting focused on macroeconomic results of 2007, prospects for 2008, investment expenditures, estimate of expenditures of state enterprises for 2008, process of admission to World Trade Organization, discussion of the Competition Code and results expected after its adoption, bill on “Activity of direct private foreign investment”.

Heydar Babayev briefed about the socio-economic situation of the country.

The minister said energy, education, culture, sport, transport and agriculture are the main priorities of the state investment program and noted that the projects included into the program for ensuring transparency of the implementation of State Investment Program will be monitored.

Heydar Babayev added India and Norway informed Azerbaijani government that they are among the countries having bilateral negotiations for WTO membership. The updated proposals on services and tariffs have also been presented to WTO members. The discussions will continue in Geneva at the meeting of the working group on Azerbaijan set up in the WTO secretariat.

Valeria Ficera said she is satisfied with the economic growth in Azerbaijan. IMF representatives highly appreciated economic success of 2007 and Azerbaijan’s cooperation with the International Monetary Fund.

/APA/