Qubad Ibadoghlu: "The most important is that investing into Nagorno Karabakh we are investing into our land"

- Did economists treat the announcement, made by Serzh Sargsyan, who covered the financial component of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict in their cold mathematical manner or patriotically?

- I assure you that economy is not so cold, as it may initially seem, for it is connected with life, which is flowing and changing. This is proven by Serzh Sargsyan's words. I would say at once that I support raising large investments into Nagorno Karabakh, if in the result it returns to Azerbaijan, for in this case when investing to Nagorno Karabakh we would know that we are investing into our land, which will return all our expenses.

If economic life develops in Nagorno Karabakh, contracts are signed and mutual relations are established, representative offices of famous companies and firms are opened, it will be profitable for everyone, while restoration of order in Nagorno Karabakh, its return under Azerbaijan's jurisdiction in a form of autonomy will promote civil accord. By the way, it will also have a positive influence on the investment and economic climate.

- Can Azerbaijan afford flow of investments into Karabakh today?

- No problems can be in this field, as the budget has money and Karabakh requires investment and it deserves this. I would repeat once again that it is our land and by investing into Karabakh we are investing into the future of our country and our children. In this sense we should work out and implement a number of profitable projects there.

All the regional countries, including Armenia, which has a firm intention to co-exist peacefully with its neighbors, can take part in it, especially in Nabucco project, which can pass via its territory. And investors, seeing that both parties invest into this project (which means that both will be interested in their multiplication, stability and revenues) will involve more actively in the purely Azerbaijani, as well as regional projects in Karabakh.

- But it will require much money...

- Even by preliminary estimates, just approximately it can be said that billions of manats are implied. Therefore, their insurance should be provided for investors not to be afraid of investing.

Moreover, money will be invested in the Karabakh's infrastructure. It is now in a disastrous state. Let it leave to politicians to decide why they brought it to such a state. We, the economists, are more concerned about what to do to overcome the situation.

- And what?

- First of all it is necessary to define the scales of the work and perspective trends. From the television materials, that we see from Karabakh and that remind of the Stalingrad wartime, it becomes clear that it is necessary to restore roads, communications, waterpipes, electricity grid and houses.

On the whole, very many things are required. It is clear that the elimination of the consequences of such a large-scale destructions and neglect can take time, but this work is justified.

- Which Azerbaijani firms, banks, corporations, holdings, companies and so on can open affiliates in Nagorno Karabakh in this case?

-  Almost all of them. Karabakh is an integral part of Azerbaijan and naturally Azerbaijani companies and banks have a right to work there and have a moral duty to have affiliates in Khankendi, Shusha, Lachin and other cities. They should offer public services to the population of Karabakh.

- Do they need privileges for the first three years?

- Naturally, tax privileges can be applied. But the most important is that an Azerbaijani, a refugee must have the same volume of services and goods as the Baku citizen, upon return to Khankendi.

- It is no secret that all refugees must return to Nagorno Karabakh, otherwise, its return is senseless for Azerbaijan. Will there be sufficient number of work places for them?

- Considering the scale of destruction in Karabakh and the need for profound changes in its economy, development of agriculture, cattle-breeding, construction and repair of houses, plants and factories, farms, restoration of traditional crafts, including carpet weaving, I think everyone will find a job. The most important is a guarantee of security of work and business.

- How do you assess the tourism potential of Karabakh?

- It is now too low and unfortunately, it would be interesting only for those, who adore extreme. But by the help of Azerbaijan and its government, Karabakh will have good prospects, including in the tourism sector. I think in case Karabakh returns to us, it would be possible to turn it into a specific regional tourism center within several years.

/Day.Az/