AZERBAIJAN COMMERCIAL UPDATE, March 01 - 15, 2008

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BAKU 000324 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPT FOR EUR/CARC DEPT PASS TO TDA FOR STEIN, EXIM FOR GLAZER ANKARA FOR FCS COMMERCE FOR 4231 ITA/MAC/ORUE FOR DSTARKS COMMERCE FOR 3004 ITA/FCS/ ADVOCACY FOR ACHAMS-EDDINE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ECON EINV ETRD ENRG EFIN AJ SUBJECT: AZERBAIJAN COMMERCIAL UPDATE, March 01 - 15, 2008 ¶1. SUMMARY: This information is drawn primarily from the Azerbaijani local press, and has not been checked for accuracy. The opinions and policies expressed in this report are those of the authors, not the U.S. Government. END SUMMARY. PLANS FOR FOUR-LANE HIGHWAYS SHAMAKHI-GUBA HIGHWAY TO OPEN IN 2011 URBAN TRANSPORTATION PLANS AZENCO TO EXPORT CONSTRUCTION SERVICES HYDROELECTRIC POWER E-TICKETING TO BE INTRODUCED IN TWO YEARS CUSTOMS COMMITTEE TENDER A NEW PHONE NETWORK OUTSIDE OF BAKU JAPANESE GOVERNMENT SERVICE GRANT WATER INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS SOFAZ PROCUREMENT AIRLINES TENDER FOR FILLING MODULES AIRPORT TENDER FOR FIRE EXTINGUISHERS AZAL PROCUREMENT NOTICE FOR TIRES ¶2. PLANS FOR FOUR-LANE HIGHWAYS -------------- Azerbaijan's Ministry of Transport suggests building four-lane concrete highways to run along the existing international expressways that are being reconstructed. The Minister of Transport Ziya Mammadov expects the roads to be financed with public funds and international loans. ¶3. SHAMAKHI-GUBA HIGHWAY TO OPEN IN 2011 -------------- Minister of Transport Ziya Mammadov informed that the blueprint of a highway that will join the regions of Guba and Shamakhi will be ready in a few months. Mammadov added that the project is slated to commence in 2009 and be completed in 2011. ¶4. URBAN TRANSPORTATION PLANS -------------- Azerbaijan's Ministry of Transport has proposed the government build 30 pedestrian subways, 14 overpasses and 7 multistory auto parks during 2008-2011. ¶5. AZENCO TO EXPORT CONSTRUCTION SERVICES -------------- Azenco, a construction company owned by Azerenerji, the state-owned energy monopoly of Azerbaijan, plans to build on its success with international partners and expand its international construction projects. ¶6. HYDROELECTRIC POWER -------------- The state electricity monopoly Azerenerji is working on developing small hydropower stations. Azerenerji plans to construct 300 small hydropower stations with capacity from 0.5 up to 1.5 mega watts. The share of hydropower stations in Azerbaijan does not exceed 10 percent currently, but Azerenerji believes they have a potential to be increased up to 15-20 percent. ¶7. E-TICKETING TO BE INTRODUCED IN 2010 -------------- The Azerbaijan State Railways is moving forward with computerization of ticket sales in its railway stations. Beginning in 2010, the railroad plans to switch to e-ticketing after completing computerization system. ¶8. CUSTOMS COMMITTEE TENDER -------------- The State Customs Committee announced a tender to purchase computer and office equipment and technical services to improve automation process. Deadline: April 24, 2008, 6 pm. Address: Baku, 2, Inshaatchilar Avenue. The tender procedure will take place on April 25, 2008, at 11 am. Contact phone: 497-63-80. Contact person: Mr. Tamkin Khalilov. ¶9. A NEW PHONE NETWORK OUTSIDE OF BAKU BAKU 00000324 002 OF 002 -------------- Baku Telephone Communication Company of the Ministry of Communications & Information Technologies of Azerbaijan has informed of plans to lay a new network just outside the capital in connection with construction of a new sea port in the Alat settlement outside of Baku and move of industrial enterprises and companies to this territory. ¶10. JAPANESE GOVERNMENT SERVICE GRANT -------------- The Japanese Government has awarded a USD 2.05 million equipment grant to Azerbaijan for Baku emergency call service. The grant is designed for raising functionality of emergency call service systems of some of Baku urban clinical hospitals. The grant covers 400,000 potential patients. ¶11. WATER INFRASTRUCTURE PRJECTS -------------- Azerbaijan Rural Crediting Agency (under the Ministry of Agriculture) has announced civil works to restore irrigative and drainage infrastructure within the North-West Development Project of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). The project's total cost is $25.148 million with primary share of Azerbaijan of $2.69 million. Bidders should submit the documents till April 16, 2008, 5 pm to the address: Baku, 40, U. Hajibeyov Street, the House of Government, room No 828. Tender proposals will be submitted till April 24, 2008, 5 pm. The proposals will be opened on April 25, 2008, at 12 pm. Contact phone: +99412 493-46-93 (fax: +99412 498-13-95). e-mail: GHuseynova@office.az. Contact person: Gabil Huseynov. ¶12. SOFAZ PROCUREMENT -------------- The State Oil Fund of Azerbaijan (SOFAZ) announced a tender to purchase oil and gas wells drilling equipment. SOFAZ also intends to purchase pumping compressor pipes, connecting pipe, transit pipes, electric cables and spare parts. Those companies wishing to participate or get more information can contact Emin Gasimov, SOFAZ, telephone: 498-77-53, 498-62-55 (172). ¶13. AIRLINES TENDER FOR FILLING MODULES -------------- AzalOil, a sub-company of state concern Azerbaijan Airlines (AzAL), has announced an open tender for the purchase of filters, equipment for filtration and filling modules made in Europe and the United States and for fuel supply service on aviation sites. The documents should be submitted by April 30, 2008 to International Airport named after Heydar Aliyev, Baku. The bids will be received till 5:00 pm May 6, 2008. The tender procedure will be held at 11:00 am May 12, ¶2008. For more information call 497-27-24, 212-96-68. Contact person: Valery Setezhev. ¶14. AIRPORT TENDER FOR FIRE EXTINGUISHERS -------------- International Heydar Aliyev Airport announced a tender to repair and purchase fire extinguishers. Bidders should submit the documents till April 15, 2008, 6 pm to the address: Baku, 4, International Heydar Aliyev Airport. Tender proposals will be submitted till April 22, 2008, 5 pm. The tender procedure will take place on April 23, 2008, at 11 am. Contact phone: 492-90-20. Contact person: Ramazan Bagirov. ¶15. AZAL PROCUREMENT NOTICE FOR TIRES -------------- Azerbaijan Airlines Company (AzAL) has announced a procurement notices for auto tires for Heydar Aliyev International Airport. Potential bidders have to submit their offers by April 28. The bid opening will be held on April 29. The contact number is (+994 12) 492-90-20. DERSE