PRESIDENT OPENS UNDP-SUPPORTED BAKU BUSINESS CENTER

Azertag - State Information Agency of Azerbaijan Republic, 3 February 2004

A solemn opening ceremony of the Baku Business Center was held on February 2.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev took part in the ceremony. In front of the Center's building, the Head of State was welcomed with honor by local businessmen.

President Ilham Aliyev cut a red ribbon symbolizing the opening of the Center.

Minister of Economic Development Farhad Aliyev updated the President in detail on the work done saying in particular that this Center - one of the biggest gifts made by our nationwide leader Heydar Aliyev to local entrepreneurs - had been reconstructed in collaboration with the United Nations Development Program in accordance with modern standards, and in a quite short period. President Ilham Aliyev familiarized himself with products of various enterprises displayed at the exhibition arranged here, and was curious about those, which had been established in their times in Azerbaijan and further faced economic difficulties.

Having viewed administrative offices of the Center, the Head of State expressed his satisfaction with the conditions created here. Afterwards, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has met with members of the Republican Entrepreneurs Council, and businessmen operating in the country.

The President of Azerbaijan addressed the ceremony with an opening remark. Also addressing the ceremony were Minister of Economic Development Farhad Aliyev, UN Resident coordinator in Azerbaijan Marco Borsotti, Executive Director of the American Chamber of Commerce in Azerbaijan Jonelle Glosch, heads of enterprises and companies. After that, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has made concluding remarks. In conclusion, the Head of State gave an interview to journalists.The opening ceremony of the Baku Business Center was also attended by Prime-Minister Artur Rasizadeh, Chief of the Presidential Administration Ramiz Mehdiyev, Head of Baku Executive Power Hajibala Abutalibov and other officials.