7 Feb 2012 15:29

Azerbaijan boosts trade surplus 14% in 2011

BAKU. Feb 7 (Interfax) - Azerbaijan saw a foreign trade surplus of $16.8 billion in 2011, the official press cited Economic Development Minister Shahin Mustafayev as saying.

"Foreign trade turnover reached $36.2 billion in 2011 and was up $8.4 billion on 2010. The foreign trade surplus was $16.8 billion," he said.

Azerbaijan's foreign trade surplus was $14.72 billion in 2010, so there was a 14% increase in 2011.

Foreign trade surged 600% in 2003-2011, with exports up 930% and imports up 270%, the minister said.

Azerbaijan traded with 150 countries last year, he added.