Launch ceremony of FAO-Azerbaijan Partnership Programme

Launch ceremony in relation to Partnership Program (FAPP) was held between the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and Azerbaijan.

Speaking at the ceremony, minister of Agriculture Inam Karimov said that, Partnership Program (FAPP), signed between Azerbaijan and the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) will bring cooperation between Azerbaijan and international organization to a new stage. The Minister mentioned that within the framework of the partnership program (FAPP), Azerbaijan acted not only as a beneficiary, but also turned into a donor. Such a model of cooperation can be a positive example for other FAO member countries.

The Minister underlined that FAO implemented 53 projects in 1995-2018, in addition, currently, the implementation of another six projects are underway, and four are planned to commence in the near future. The projects are mainly aimed at seedgrowing, increasing of productivity in cattle-breeding, rehabilitation of breeder, strengthening phytosanitary inspection and diagnostic services, progress of fight against pests and development of other fields.

The minister emphasized that the importance of the implementation of the projects was its sustainability, efficiency and formation of professional human resource base: “Each project, along with its specific goals, should be stimulating the intensive development of the agricultural sector. I think that the projects which considers as a priority by the government of the Republic of Azerbaijan within the framework of the program will make significant contribution to the development of agriculture, rural development and food security”.

There were speeches toward the importance of Partnership Program (FAPP) by Mr Vladimir Rakhmanin, FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Europe and Central Asia, Mr Mukhtar Babayev, Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, Mr Goshqar Tahmazli, Chairman of Food Security Agency and Ms Melek Cakmak, Head of FAO Partnership and Liaison Office in Azerbaijan. The speakers notified to be hopeful that this Program will make a contribution to enhancing the social welfare and poverty reduction in rural areas in line with the FAO strategic goals.

Then there was a presentation for projects to be implemented in the event. As part of the Partnership Program (FAPP), FAO implements projects for the sustainable development of sheep breeding, the creation of value chains for food production, development of breeding in cattle population, creation system for the healthy production of seed potatoes and development of hazelnut industry