Middle East, North Africa, East Europe meet in ELEX

ELEX Exhibition, which will take place in Istanbul Fair Center on October 1-4, will be realized for the fourth time and the leaders of the sector will meet with the professionals.

ELEX Exhibition which is chased by all the sectoral professionals in charge of procurement internationally is getting prepared to host the procurement committees in this year. Till today, the countries whose visits have become precise are; Angola, Austria, UAE, India, Iraq, Iran, Spain, Cameroon, Qatar, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Libya, Nigeria, Uzbekistan, Saudi Arabia and Ukraine.

Nowadays as the studies regarding the procurement committees are carried out in line with the demands of the companies visiting the fair, ELEX team is planning to attract more international procurement committees to the fair this year.

Promotional activities continue in Turkey and abroad

ELEX Exhibition, supported by the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, TEIAS (Turkish Electricity Transmission Company), TETAS (Turkish Electricity Trading and Contracting Company), TEDAS (Turkish Electricity Distribution Company), EUAS (Electricity Generation Company), continues to grow by developing with the contributions of the institutes, NGOs and academic environment.

For the promotion of ELEX which is the sole fair of Electric Materials, Electric Transmission and Distribution Sector, many studies are being realized in Turkey and abroad. While the announcements of ELEX Exhibition are preceded in the countries represented through many representatives related with the sector abroad, the promotional activities are also carried out in the countries where the companies in the sector serve. ELEX Exhibition is undertaking joint activities with Ant Expo as solution partner in the scope of foreign visitor organization.

ELEX team emphasizes that the foreign exhibitors and visitors will be at the forefront this year especially and its overseas leg is thriving every day. ELEX which is the only fair of electricity sector invites the foreign exhibitors and visitors to the fair.

In addition to this, meetings and studies with many domestic bodies such as associations, industrial zones and chambers are being arranged. Within the framework of the domestic promotions of the fair, the promotion and announcements of ELEX Exhibition is being carried out with 150 billboards and 100 mega light on important junctions and regions in Istanbul in general.

Important companies of the sector at ELEX

The prominent names of Electricity sector took already their place in ELEX Exhibition. ELEX Exhibition already filled a big part of the 11th hall 3 months before with the participation of the prominent names of the sector such as Agartan Enerji, Ardic, Bir-Er, DE-PA, HSC Kablo, Mondial, Nacar Kablo, OBO Betterman, Simpa Elektrik, Yücedag.

The companies, which will present the very new products to the sector in the Fair, will come together with those concerned in the sector and share their experiences and latest technologies in the world’s electricity sector with the visitors.

ELEX Conference becomes actual

ELEX Conference which will be organized simultaneously for the first time with ELEX Exhibition proving the power of the sector in electricity is getting prepared to be one of the important activities of the sector. ELEX Conference will be very effective with carefully selected topics, prominent speakers and efficient session headlines which will create tremendous impression in the sector.

ELEX Conference shall present solutions to the current challenges with the effective applications and experiences for the exhibitors with the municipality sessions and non-governmental organizations. Concurrently, the applications and the encountered problems in the topics such as Smart Cities and Smart Networks, Energy Efficiency and Industry 4.0 will be shared together with the innovations in the sector.

For information;

Marketing Department

Tel: 0212 503 32 32

marketing@marmarafuar.com.tr

Azerbaijan seeks to use Israel’s experience

Azerbaijan intends to use profound experience of Israel in the sphere of high technologies.

This was said by Ali Abbasov, Azerbaijani Minister of Communications and High Technologies, at a meeting with Israel’s ambassador to Baku Rafael Harpaz, who is completing his diplomatic mission.

Abbasov said that the high-tech industry is one of the most important areas of cooperation between the two countries.

“An agreement concluded by the countries earlier opens up new directions and strengthens the bilateral cooperation in this field,” he said.

Harpaz expressed satisfaction with bilateral cooperation, in which the ICT sector plays an important role.

The diplomat mentioned the participation of Israeli companies in last year's BakuTel-2014 telecommunication exhibition, where Israel was represented by a national pavilion.

Moreover, the support for holding the "Israeli-Azerbaijani start up-forum" will be rendered. The forum will be held this year with the support of the Azerbaijan Ministry of Communications and High Technologies and the Azerbaijani-Israeli Chamber of Commerce.

Azerbaijan with its developing ICT sphere is keen on getting more experience from the countries with well-developed IT sector.

Israel has recently showed its readiness to share its experience with Azerbaijan in the area of cyber security. The Israeli model in cyberspace security strategy is based on experience combined with a unique concept of development.

Israel created a structure Tehila to combat cyber threats in 1997, and in 2002 formed a national information security management.

Moreover, a National Cyber ​​Headquarters, which is responsible for the formation of national security policy in cyberspace, and the development of cooperation between the Israeli and international expert bodies in the field of computer security was established in January 2012.

Azerbaijan to open new business incubator in 2015

A Business Incubation Center at Mingachevir Tech Park will be created before the end of this year, says executive director of the High Tech Park Seymur Agayev.

Currently, the general plan of progress for selected areas and the very structure of the Mingachevir Tech Park is under development, he said.

“There are a number of measures concerning the activities of the Mingachevir technology park that will be adopted, and the business incubator is one of them. We are developing a comprehensive program that will at once launch the activity of the Tech Park. In addition, discussions are underway with potential investors and members,” Agayev said.

Mingachevir business incubator will be organized on the principle of the incubator operating in Baku, which contributes to the support of innovative ideas and projects at the regional level.

The activity of the business incubator, Agayev said, will support innovative ideas and projects, as well as new technological solutions.

“The idea should take shape to become a member of the Tech Park. As for the formative stages of new projects and startups, our internal commission deals with this issue. Only formed idea that has a commercial component can claim to be a member of the Tech Park. The expert group will take a final decision on assigning member status to the project as well as the possibility of using benefits from operating in the territory of Tech Park,” he stressed.

The executive director said that the expert group will be formed in the near future, and will then start the process of receiving the documents of future members.

“Azerbaijan has a lot of talented young people and potential ideas. Our aim is that these ideas were embodied in the finished products and solutions that will play an important role in the technological and economic development of Azerbaijan,” Agayev said.

Moreover, the High Technology Park stimulates the creation of venture capital funds to support IT-businesses, Agayev said.

The fund can be a bridge between local and foreign projects, he noted.

The main objective of the fund is to create the right gear, which can be integrated into the regional and international ecosystem, as innovation and innovative ideas have no borders, he said.

“Our goal is to develop innovative ideas and technologies. From this point of view, it would be acceptable for us to create venture capital funds, bringing together at least regional projects. In this regard, we focus and actively negotiate with potential investors both local and foreign,” Agayev said.

As venture capital is a relatively new area in Azerbaijan, its formation requires legal regulation, he added. Given the experience of other countries, necessary changes to the legislation may be needed, he said.

The Mingachevir High Tech Park was set up in view of securing sustainable development and economic competitiveness. The facility will stretch 1.3 hectares and fall under the administration of the Communication and High Technologies Ministry.

The high-tech park has been equipped and organized in such a way that it will promote research and development work, ultimately leading to the commercialization of new products and high tech applications.

President Aliyev receives delegation of Int’l Sport Shooting Federation

Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev received President of the International Sport Shooting Federation (ISSF) Olegario Vazquez Rana and Secretary General Franz Schreiber on August 7, AzerTac state news agency reported.

Vazquez Rana recalled with pleasure his participation in the opening ceremony of the first European Games, saying the Games were excellently organized.

He said he was deeply impressed by rapid development processes in Azerbaijan and the friendly attitude of the country`s people.

The ISSF President further noted that ISSF World Cup was organized to highest international standards in Gabala, bringing together more than 1,000 athletes from 90 countries.

Vazquez Rana added that the event would contribute to the strengthening of international cooperation in the field of sport.

The head of state underlined that state-of-the-art infrastructure was created in the capital and regions of the country for hosting various international events, including world-class sports competitions.

President Aliyev stressed the importance of holding ISSF World Cup in Gabala.

The sides expressed satisfaction with successful development of cooperation between the International Sport Shooting Federation and relevant bodies in Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan allocates $60 mln in subsidies to farmers

Azerbaijan has allocated 63.2 million manats ($60.21 million) to farmers for purchasing fuel and motor oil for the equipment used in the cultivation of lands.

The relevant decision was taken on August 5 at a meeting of the state commission, Azerbaijan's Agriculture Ministry reported on August 8.

The subsidies were distributed among 372,234 farmers in 60 regions (cities) to cultivate around 1.264 million hectares land.

The relevant paperwork was submitted to the country's Finance Ministry, Kapital Bank, and the executive authorities of regions (cities).

The state commission also discussed providing 50 manats ($47.6) per hectare of cultivated area to farmers from the state budget and subsidizing 70 percent of the cost of fertilizers sold to farmers of Agroleasing Open Joint Stock Company and other legal entities and individuals.

Azerbaijan, a post-Soviet country with excellent natural conditions and unique priorities, has been allocating subsidies to agricultural producers since 2007.

Azerbaijani farmers are exempt from all taxes (excepting land tax) in accordance with the law on providing tax privileges to agricultural producers adopted on November 27, 2001.

The agricultural sector is important not only for increasing Azerbaijan's export potential, but also for restoring and protecting the country's food security. The country is expected to fully meet its demands through local production in the coming years.

The government's large-scale investment in the agricultural sector has left bright results. The import of certain agricultural products has decreased recently in Azerbaijan compared to previous years.

The production of agricultural goods increased by 7.3 percent in Azerbaijan in the first half of 2015, compared to the same period last year. The production of livestock increased by 2.6 percent, and crop production by 14 percent in the reported period.

Thus, Azerbaijan's ability to ensure the population's food demands and provide them with domestically produced foods have increased.

Also, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev issued a decree in mid-January 2014 to take additional measures to improve food markets and agricultural products.

The decree noted that Azerbaijan would establish a network of specialized farmer stores and 'green' shops that will operate in Baku's districts and large cities in Azerbaijan on a permanent basis.

The establishment of such specialized farmer stores and 'green' shops in Azerbaijan is one of the main factors of food security and will allow the country to provide its population with organic and ecologically clean products.

The official exchange rate on August 7 was 1.0497 AZN/USD.

Azerbaijan attracts tourists from region

More visitors from Russia, Georgia, Turkey, and Iran came to Azerbaijan this year.

The State Statistics Committee reports that 973,500 foreign citizens have visited Azerbaijan in the first half of this year.

Of these, 310,700 are citizens of Russia, 283,400 - Georgia, 148,200 - Turkey, 72,800 - Iran, as well as 27,200 Ukrainians, 19,400 citizens of the UK, 12,500 people from Kazakhstan, 7,800 - Germany, 6,500 - the U.S., and 8,500 people from other countries.

In the reporting period, the highest growth of foreign nationals who visited Azerbaijan were citizens of Russia (31.9 percent), Georgia (29.1 percent), Turkey (15.2 percent), and Iran (7.5 percent).

Moreover, the number of visitors from Slovakia, Portugal, Greece, Luxembourg, Serbia, Slovenia, Finland, Belgium, Switzerland, Italy, Czech Republic, Spain, Ireland, Australia, Romania, the Netherlands, Belarus, Germany, Austria, Bulgaria and France have also increased compared to the same period last year.

Overall, 5,761,200 people went through the border checkpoints of Azerbaijan from January to June 2015.

Most of them were citizens of Azerbaijan - 66.3 percent, 10.4 percent - citizens of Russia, 10.1 percent - Georgia, 5.2 percent - Turkey, 2.5 percent - Iran, 0.9 percent Ukraine, 0.7 percent - the UK, 0.4 percent - Kazakhstan, 0.3 percent - Uzbekistan, 0.3 percent - Germany, 0.2 percent - the U.S., 0.2 percent - Italy, 0.2 percent from Belarus, and 2.3 percent were citizens of other countries.

Some 1,919,200 Azerbaijanis went to foreign countries in the first half of 2015.

Azerbaijanis prefer to visit Turkey and Georgia during their vacations due to proximity, lower travel expenses, and cheap prices.

Over 2.5 million tourists arrived in Azerbaijan in 2014. Overall, tourism in the Land of Fire has doubled since 2006. The tourists’ expenditures in the country increased from 91 million manats in 2006 to 1.2 billion manats in 2014.

In the future, Azerbaijan plans to increase its tourist flow up to 5 million a year.

This is expected to be reached by setting up a new visa regime with a number of European countries and increasing the number of budget hotels.

At present, Azerbaijan has 338 licensed hotels and 295 tourism companies.

In the years to come, Azerbaijan expects tourists from around the world to attend the Formula 1 race in 2016, Islamic Solidarity Games in 2017, and quarterfinals and three group games of the Euro 2020.

German FM: End of Turkey’s peace process would be fatal

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier speaks during a press conference on May 31. (Photo: AP)

Germany's top diplomat has warned that the suspension of the settlement process launched to resolve Turkey's Kurdish issue could prove fatal for the region.

A possible return to armed clashes against the terrorist Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) as in the 1990s would lead to disastrous consequences due to the situation Turkey's southern neighbors are in, the Doğan news agency quoted German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier as telling a German daily on Saturday.

“It is only through the continuation of the talks [for the settlement process] that the re-emergence of an environment of clashes which was lived through in the '90s could be avoided,” the German foreign minister was quoted as saying to the Rheinische Post.

The recent PKK attacks, which came after a deadly attack in the southeastern town of Suruç on July 20, have put an end to the settlement process the government launched at the end of 2012 to resolve the terrorism problem and the Kurdish issue in Turkey.

Following the PKK attacks, in which several members of the security forces were killed, Turkey launched air strikes against PKK bases in northern Iraq.

Top government officials have said on numerous occasions since the PKK attacks that the process has been shelved.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said at the end of last month “it is impossible to continue the peace process with Kurdish militants.”

Steinmeier, who revealed that Turkey has given Germany positive signals that the talks for peace could be relaunched, also noted that Turkey demands that the PKK stop attacks as a condition for the relaunch of the process, the news agency said.

The settlement process was launched by the government at the end of 2012 in cooperation with the jailed leader of the PKK, Abdullah Öcalan, to settle the country's long-standing terrorism problem and the Kurdish issue.

Nearly 40,000 people have been killed in clashes with the PKK since 1984, when the armed group launched its first attacks. The PKK is designated as a terrorist organization by the US, the European Union and Turkey.

The process has practically been suspended since March of this year, that is, several months before the June 7 general election, when President Erdoğan announced that Turkey no longer had a Kurdish problem.

The Suruç attack, in which 32 people lost their lives, has been attributed to radical terrorist group the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).

Following the Suruç attack, the PKK accused Turkey of failing to prevent the attack.