From November 1, 2023, restrictions will be applied to the import of food products to Azerbaijan from French enterprises that have not applied for an export permit. This warning was issued by the Azerbaijan Food Safety Agency.

It seems that the foreign policy differences between Baku and Paris may have a negative impact on the economic cooperation between the two countries. It should be noted that the French oil and gas giant Total is engaged in production in Azerbaijan and plans to invest in the development of renewable energy sources in Azerbaijan. Can the two countries stop mutually beneficial cooperation due to the contradictions regarding the "Armenian issue"?

In his statement to Ednews, Economist expert Rashad Hasanov says that France is the main victim of the deterioration of economic relations within the framework of relations:

"It is clear that the spread of political relations to economic relations is a proven fact both in practice and in theory. A certain tension in the political relations between the two countries, especially the position of France in the process of restoring the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, created conditions for the emergence of tension. However, at the same time, it should be taken into account that, from the point of view of trade relations between France and Azerbaijan, a very broad process of economic integration has not yet taken place. Approximately 250-300 million between the two countries. there is a turnover in dollar value, which is not even 1% of the foreign trade turnover of Azerbaijan. It is true that in these relations, Azerbaijan mainly acts as an importing country. The products imported by Azerbaijan from France are 4 times more than what they export. This means that under the current conditions, the tension of France's relations with Azerbaijan can create more sources of damage to French companies. Judging by the scale of France's economic size, it may seem small, but despite this, it is likely that France will suffer more damage in the framework of bilateral relations.

The expert added that "Total" company plays a big role in the general development of economic cooperation, and it is useful to treat existing processes rationally in relations:

"Of course, the two countries have had extensive relations in the field of energy for 30 years. "Total" company actively participates in all areas of energy segments of the country's economy. He is the initiator of both oil production and the study of the Absheron field, as well as the implementation of renewable energy projects in Nakhchivan MR. Taking into account both the past and the current development level of cooperation with Total, it is useful to implement a more rational policy."

Speaking to Ednews about the issue, Serge Bainvel, a French businessman who imports Azerbaijani products in France and mainly working in "renovation of flats and office" in France, noted that the step taken in the direction of food safety is understandable:

Last year, Azerbaijan implemented a procedure through a law for food safety, for several countries including France. This is a good thing because food safety must be traced and respected. The same process is applied for Azeri products to enter the Schengen area. Many French exporters had not respected the procedures. We can also note the lack of seriousness of these companies. France is not mainly targeted by this law but communication by Azerbaijan in the press is highlighted. It's a small communications attack to put pressure on the French government.

In the end, the French businessman emphasized the necessity of developing relations between the two countries:

"Furthermore, the economic impact between the two countries is in a negative cycle in terms of France-Azerbaijani communication, but in reality French companies are still existing and renewing their contracts. "Total" company is an example of this. As a businessman, I am happy that we keep business and politics separate. Macron cannot give instructions to businessmen. This is the opposite who make mad Armenians in France. When they heard french companies make business with Azerbaijan, it s drive them crazy. Their wish is no business between France and Azerbaijan The French were unaware of the Karabakh problem. The Azerbaijani ambassador, Mrs. Leyla Abdullayeva, is doing considerable work, but it is insufficient in what could be done. The more could be done in the necessity of developing relations between the two countries. Communication is the main key here."

Akbar Novruz