Domestic

Head of State pointed out that in the first quarter of 2011 the economy of the economy developed successfully. He said that in general, in the first quarter our economy grew by 1, 6%. "It is gratifying that our non-oil sector grew by 5.6 percent. As you know, our main task is to develop non-oil sector, reduce dependence on oil and gas factor and thus to diversify the economy", - he said.

According to the President, on this purpose special attention is paid for the development of non-oil sector and realizing social and economic reforms are for to to achieve this goal.

The President said that although the overall industrial production increased by 0,3%, main and pleasing fact is that country’s non-oil industry grew by 9.8%.

This shows that investments in non-oil sector funds, investments, created conditions for entrepreneurs gave excellent results. In general, there is not so much growth in industrial production and it is associated with a reduction in production in the petroleum sector. However, this reduction is, of course, is temporary in nature. Currently, oil production in Azerbaijan reached at high level and we can say, it will remain at that level.

“One of the issues of concern in his view, is that inflation rose by 9,1% in the first quarter,. This worries us. But now inflation is the single digits, and we must preserve the unique level of inflation. However, income increased by more than 16%. That is, if we compare inflation with monetary incomes, we see that there is real income growth. I am sure that within a year, these trends show up even more", - he said

The President noted that amount of foreign exchange reserves accumulated in our country is equal to 34.2 billion dollars. In this direction all the tasks also carried out, our foreign reserves are growing. The country has implemented large-scale investment projects that require large funds. Despite this, we provide investment projects and at the same time increasing our foreign exchange reserves. This is a great indicator. Simultaneously, this demonstrates the economic and financial power of the country.

He expressed his confidence that foreign exchange reserves of the country will grew up and this growth will be very impressive.

In general, all the tasks are performed in the economic sphere. Results of the first quarter, give reason to say that these positive trends will manifest themselves until the end of the year. All the programs in the social sphere are implemented. All social problems are solved. Work on the creation of social infrastructure are maintained on the program. Building schools, hospitals, social facilities, cultural and sports facilities is carried out as defined in the Investment Program. In the first quarter average monthly wage in the country stands at 340 manat. In dollar terms this amounts to about $ 430. This is a good indicator. Growth of average wages is a sign of the policies in the economic and social spheres.

At the same time social issues are successfully resolved in Azerbaijan. Of course, the best indicator of this is that the level of poverty in Azerbaijan decreases year by year.

By the end of 2010 the poverty level in Azerbaijan was 9.1%. I hope that through the works will be carried out in both the economic and social spheres, as well as by the expected in this year’s increase in wages and pensions in Azerbaijan the number of people living in poverty are reduced once again. As a result, we reach the goal set several years ago, Head of State said.

Noting that there are poor people in any country the President said that realizing creative work, economic reform, social programs will allow us to solve this difficult problem.

Along with this, the State program of social and economic development of regions is successfully implementing in all regions. In the first quarter of this year, all the planned investment projects were implemented in a timely manner. During the first three months in the regions were opened almost 17,000 new jobs and his process continues. In general, after the implementation of the first program in the country were opened 930,000 new jobs. To help entrepreneurs, they are allocated credits, which give excellent results. That is a program of regional development is realized. Traveling to the regions allows me to witness the works carried out and I can say that in every region there is development. The most important thing is that this development permanent. That is, we should not settle for that progress”, - he said.

The President said that in addition to implementing the program of socio-economic development of regions, is also preparing for Socio-economic development of the suburban villages of Baku.

“Last month held an extended meeting on this purpose and was given to all orders, currently, problems are analyzed. In fact, we are aware of these problems. Once for their solutions will be a special program, this year we are implementing some of the questions that it will be provided. But for not to lose time, the Reserve Fund of President allocated 10 million manat to the Executive Power of Baku City that the issues to be resolved promptly”, - Ilham Aliyev emphasized.

"I can say that in recent years in the villages have done great jobs. Built schools had a positive impact on the development of education in the townships. In some villages, there is a shortage of water. The problem of sanitation is peculiar to all the settlements. The problem of sanitation is acute not only in villages but also in the city of Baku. However, at the same time, electric energy providing is good due to realized works. No complaints and appeals have been reported. The process of gasification of settlements is going on. At present, this issue id completely solved. Just over the next few years we need to lay new lines to improve the gas pressure", - He said.

According to the president, health issues to some extent resolved. But there is a need for the construction of new hospitals and clinics. "The most important issue is issue of roads that be attributed to all the townships. Most of the roads in the townships are groundwater. At present read building process began", - he said.

According to the Head of State, after the adoption of a broad, very precise and specific programs until 2013 majority of problems existing in the villages will be resolved. Despite the fact that this is a very big program. Currently in the villages live over 800 thousand people. This is a big city. But the issue should be resolved, he said.

Noting that in the first quarter of 2011 implemented large infrastructure projects the President said that implementation of these projects are on schedule. The process of gasification is going on. The issues of water and sanitation are solved as well as highways and inter-settlement roads are building. Among the major infrastructure projects, the president stressed the new building Heydar Aliyev International Airport. Currently, the international airport does not fully meet the current level of development of Azerbaijan, and especially our future development. So it must be built a new airport terminal. Work has already begun. At the same time building new runways, to reconstruct the entire service infrastructure. Heydar Aliyev International Airport has become one of the most beautiful, most modern airports of the highest level on a global scale. "I am confident that over the next two years, construction will be completed, and very important for our country’s infrastructure facility will be commissioned, he said.

Noting other important infrastructure project - International Commercial Sea Port the, President said that construction of shipyard is going on. “If we take into account these two major projects and the airport, it would greatly enhance the transport capacity of Azerbaijan. In the coming months, planned to buy new ships, ferries, since increasing the volume of cargo through Azerbaijan. Despite the fact that in recent years we have bought about ten new modern tankers, bulk carriers, the need for it still", - he said.

Ilham Aliyev stressed that Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway should be put into operation in 2012. "We need to prepare all the preparations that after the commissioning of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway was not a one day delay. Therefore the issue of purchasing new ferries are taken into account, and these issues will be resolved this year", - The Head of State said.

The President said that strong growth in the first quarter of this year has been made in information and communications sector. This sector is developing rapidly. Azerbaijan has already been transformed into a center of information and communication technologies in this region. Traditionally, exhibitions Bakutel held in Baku. The world is interested in Azerbaijan and the ongoing works in Azerbaijan. Development of this sector will promote the development of general intellectual capacity in Azerbaijan, and our intellectual capabilities. At the same time, this sector has great commercial value. It was already becoming a new source of income. In the future revenues from this sector will have a very strong influence on the development of the country’s economy. Implementing a program to create an artificial satellite is realizing.

The President expressed hope that Azerbaijan will soon have its own satellite. "This is a very important issue for image and prestige of the country. But, first of all, this is a very important project from a practical point of view", - he said.

The President said that the country’s military-industrial potential is rapidly growing. "I want to emphasize this area as it is - an industry and at the same time, a special sphere. Here are pursued both goals. First, we have to strengthen the military potential of Azerbaijan due to internal capabilities. With this purpose in its time was created the Ministry of Defense Industry. On the other hand, this is new industry. Opened thousands of new jobs paid high wages. In Azerbaijan is producing modern military-industrial products. Currently in Azerbaijan made products 430 items. Our goal is to build the work in this field based on advanced technology", - he said.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev especially emphasized the production of unmanned aircraft.

"This is the sphere of production inherent in most developed countries. Azerbaijan’s own capabilities has already started production at the highest level of unmanned aircraft, and this would greatly enhance our military power”, - The head of State Ilham Aliyev noted.

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