Domestic

The President said that to achieve rapid development of the country realized a sufficiently broad program. “The most important and significant among them is adopted in the 2004 State program of social and economic development of regions. Following the adoption of the program areas of the country have become very rapid development. The program adoption in 2004. However, in previous years I thought about this program and on the eve of the 2003 presidential election, I said that if the people will trust me, the result of the program for five years, until 2008, in our country would be opened about 600,000 new jobs. While some did not believe in these figures, and some treated it with doubt. But I knew it was possible. I am very pleased that in a short time - that is, the shorter period of about four years, has been created 600,000 new jobs. Overall, in 2004-2008 there were 760,000 jobs opened, which is of particular importance for the elimination of unemployment and to poverty reduction. Thus, adopted in 2004, the program provided an impetus for all our economic development", - he said.

According to him, most of the country’s economy is formed in the oil and gas sector. “However, in the oil sector can not create many jobs. Therefore, much attention has focused on the non-oil sector. The development of this sector was to be directed as to diversify the economy and the elimination of unemployment. And it did”, - the President said.

He noted that in some cases, successful economic development of the country only to link the oil and gas factor. “Of course, oil and gas plays a factor and will continue to play an important role. But I want to say that our main export oil pipeline - the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline was commissioned in the summer of 2006. A program was adopted in 2004, and immediately afterwards was launched. In 2009 began a new period of the program. It has already become known as the State program of development. But the fundamental direction of this program is also aimed at all developing regions. The second state program carried out for three years. I can say that all tasks are implemented with the over-fulfillment. As to the first program, referred to in her question, of course, have found the solution. Then were taken and additional measures. The same pattern is observed today. We will implement this program on an even larger extent and, therefore, continue its development. In the first phase the focus was aimed at expanding business opportunities and industrial development potential. For this purpose, first of all had to be resolved electricity issues. This question has been provided as a priority, and in a short time managed to ensure its energy security. In the past, we have generated electricity does not meet our needs. And now we have created a powerful system that not only satisfy their own needs but also export electricity to all neighboring countries", - the head of State said.

The President said that the next phase has begun the process of implementation of infrastructure projects. ”This is also a very wide area. Talking about infrastructure, we mean everything - roads, electricity, gas supply, water supply, are also important issues of social infrastructure. All these issues are reflected in our program, that is, in the current program. Here, of course, one of the areas related to infrastructure projects. We were able to develop this sector with funds invested by the state. Another area related to social infrastructure. Following the adoption of the first program in this country was built more than 2,300 new schools. Last year it was built and repaired over 200 schools. And this year will be built or renovated more than 400 schools. The establishment of health infrastructure is an issue of great importance. Azerbaijan has opened more than 400 modern medical facilities. The development of highways, too, was of great importance, since our roads are in poor condition. No road can not be development. Can not be built any one enterprise, or a tourist site. For business development roads and electricity - the main thing. And for a comfortable life in the process of rapidly creating social infrastructure, and we are currently implementing these projects even more rapidly. Who carried out the large water and sanitation projects, which cover the entire country. These projects are extremely social orientation. If you specify the associated power supply are both social and business focus, the water supply projects are purely social significance. We now have the opportunity to invest more resources in the creation of social infrastructure. Of course, these possibilities we bought ourselves”, - President Aliyev said.

Azerbaijani President noted that in the world quite a lot of oil rich countries. “There are countries that produce and export oil and gas in much larger quantities than Azerbaijan. However, not every country is the economic development as rapidly as we have. At the heart of the country’s success are sound economic policies and economic reforms. These reforms are estimated by the international community. Leading economic structure of the world support and evaluate the processes taking place in Azerbaijan, and sometimes with delight watching them. Major rating agencies lower credit ratings of the developed countries and increase the credit ratings of Azerbaijan. In the crisis years of the leading international financial institutions highly appreciate the reforms in Azerbaijan. And it is also very important. 2011 was also successful for the development of the country. One feature of 2011 was the rapid growth of non-oil sector in Azerbaijan. If the overall economic development was approximately 1 percent, maybe less, then our non-oil economy grew by more than 10 percent. Here’s the result we have adopted in his time programs. This is precisely our goal - the development of non-oil sector, the non-oil industries. Now about this show and the outcome of the first month of the year - non-oil industry has grown by more than 10 percent. There is a powerful process of industrialization. I have spoken on this issue several years ago. The industrialization process in Azerbaijan should go quickly, and we see it. Created new industries will determine the long-term development strategy. Azerbaijani State fulfills all its obligations and performs with a vengeance. Such support the private sector, as in Azerbaijan, there may not be in any other country. This is, first and foremost, political support. I regularly meet with businesses, not only in Baku, but also in the regions. With my involvement in the region opened about 500 industrial enterprises. But many businesses openly and without my participation. In general, created more than 40,000 new businesses. Creation of an enterprise - it is jobs, wages, local production, opportunities for import substitution, development, revitalization of our country. In addition to political support for the Azerbaijani state provides to entrepreneurs and economic support. Through the National Fund for Entrepreneurship to the present day, given in 2012 and, on favorable terms were granted loans amounting to 900 million manats. Their vast majority is directed to the regions and, one might say, all - in the real economy. Thus, at the expense of these loans is doing a great job and I am very pleased that entrepreneurs are supported by this state with a very big responsibility. All loans are returned on time. Currently, most of this year provided loans amounting to 200 million manats up funds that were granted in previous years and has returned. That is, it’s a large sum. Of course, the volume of loans provided to entrepreneurs will be from one year to grow, and every entrepreneur can provide a loan to an even larger size. At the heart of the country lies success as an economic policy reform and the country’s current socio-political stability, strict discipline in the executive branch. Without discipline, we could not succeed. I have spoken and now say to all the heads of executive bodies: be close to the entrepreneurs, help them, do not interfere in their affairs, they did not repair the obstruction. The development of our country depends on the development of entrepreneurship. We chose this direction, and it brings us success. But at the same time, exploring and seeing the experience of developed countries who are in crisis, we again see that sometimes the principles of a pure market economy does not work. What we see in Europe? The state takes a major commitment. To save the banks and large companies from bankruptcy, the state invests. We embarked on this policy since 2004. I remember while we are in some cases more dependent on loans from international financial institutions. We were advised, recommended that the state should not intervene in these cases, the private sector should develop itself, and the state should stand aside. How can this be? This is our country. Public or private - is the Azerbaijani company. As we can not help it! Our support is important. A wonderful social atmosphere that prevails in the political sphere, and in Azerbaijan as a whole, this support has increased", - he said.

The President said that financial support, loans, and business planning, particularly for small businesses, have become a matter of state. “Ministry of Economic Development has prepared a very clear advice. It plans aligned to business opportunities. Anyone can build its business to the extent that it allows its capabilities. At the same time, employers are well aware of how many available benefits. In agriculture, the entrepreneurs exempted from all taxes except the land.This decision was made in 1990 to promote at the time of agriculture. Now such a great need to stimulate the rural economy does not. But the decision remains in force, we can not cancel it in order to help entrepreneurs. Fertilizer and fuel are provided on confessional terms. For every hectare of cereal crops available funds. We do and should do so. And entrepreneurs, for their part, have their work to benefit themselves and the state. My requirement for employers is that they work well in their regions and their areas of expertise, pay taxes in a timely manner. For they did not have any debts to the state. That they create jobs, expand your business, live better and become even richer. I think that between that opinion and the views of entrepreneurs can not be any difference", - Ilham Aliyev said.

The Head of the State stressed that in recent years, entrepreneurs are showing responsibility towards implementing social projects, assist socially oriented measures in the regions, in particular the construction of schools. "I support it. But, once again I want to say, such a requirement is not intended to entrepreneurs. This is a voluntary thing. If they do this, then thank them. If not, let them look at those who do, and try to support this work. The Azerbaijani government will continue to strive for comprehensive development of the country. We have a well thought-out program policy. The second state program will be implemented until 2013. The adopted program in the 2009 will be exceeded. Thus, by the end of 2013 the major infrastructure issues in the country should be and will be resolved. Major infrastructure projects that continues or ends, has created such confidence. In Azerbaijan invested large investments. The signing of the "Contract of the Century" brought fame to Azerbaijan in the world, but the first time, foreign companies, of course, did not want to invest in non-oil sector. Making them was impossible. But the government has sent the proceeds of oil sales in the non-oil sector, and thus, the state has the burden of investment. If you are still major investments in oil and gas sector came from abroad - though now, and this balance is changed, then the non-oil sector, the main burden rests with the Azerbaijani state. Last year the country had invested in excess of $ 20 billion, of which 13 billion were domestic investments. The public investment program this year is also very large. In general, it is expected that only through the state this year in the country’s economy will be invested in a $ 7 billion manat. Of these, 5.7 billion manats will be spent by the State investment program that is due to the budget and 1.3 billion - at the expense of loans under state guarantees. This is a very large sum, which will in 2012 to provide high rates of economic development, particularly non-oil sector, and do more extensive work”, - President Aliyev said.

The President expressed the hope that this year in the private sector to be invested at about the same level. “There are possibilities. These capabilities make ongoing and starting projects. This year’s investment, which will be invested in the economy, should not be less than $ 20 billion. Thus, thanks to these investments will be more quickly achieved all-round development of the country. Implementation of the program and, in fact, the development of our country will go even more successful. Once again I want to say in general I do not see any problems before the country in the economic sphere. We were able to ensure our successful development in the years of the global financial crisis - in 2008-2009. The population of Azerbaijan, one can say, without feeling the impact of the crisis. Now the world talking about the second stage of the crisis. However, it is not felt in Azerbaijan. Why? Because we are implementing programs in proportion to our possibilities. We need to Azerbaijan’s evolved in such a situation, in such circumstances, in calm conditions", - he said.

He stressed that today’s goal is to become one of the developed countries. "When I spoke those words a few years ago, it is possible that some regarded it doubtfully. And now, I’m sure everyone can see that this is possible. There is a growing political weight of our country. We are becoming the owners of the decisive word in world affairs. The world community is supporting us. We became a member of the UN Security Council. Expand our capabilities in the region. There is a growing number of people willing to cooperate with us. Now in other countries is some work to attract investments of Azerbaijan. We now go to foreign markets with their investments and companies. This is what I have to say. We must support our companies not only in Azerbaijan but also abroad. Our state oil company has evolved into an international energy company, a company with great authority, great business opportunities. Expands the scope of activities of SOCAR in Europe and other continents. Azerbaijan’s share in the fuel mix in some countries has reached 20-30 percent. We successfully solve the problems of energy security. Of course, today’s meeting is devoted to the development of non-oil sector. But we know that if one of us made a mistake in energy policy, we talk about today’s successes would have been impossible”, - President Aliyev said.

The Head of the State stressed that the country’s energy policy is flawless. “The foundation of the oil strategy was laid out a great leader in the early 1990s, and this strategy continues. Of course, now there are new questions, new challenges. Azerbaijan is a country-exporter of both oil and gas, and possibly for the world it is more important as a gas exporting country. Inside the country, and together with our strategic partners, we put forward such an initiative that wills only Azerbaijan and only success. We have not missed any of our positions, by contrast, were able to strengthen its position to assert its will. Today, the gas resources of Azerbaijan play an important role in ensuring Europe’s energy security. In the coming years, this role will increase even more. We know that. We also know that the gas - this is not a renewable source of energy. In some countries, providing Europe with gas, gas reserves are exhausted. In Europe, gas demand will grow gradually. We know how they grow. If we consider that occurred because of the terrible accident in Japan in some European countries introduced a ban on nuclear energy, the gas demand will grow even more. In this case, the need for Azerbaijani gas will increase significantly. Energy policy of the country is to create a diversified export opportunities, and in fact it is implemented. Azerbaijan has four pipelines. At present Azerbaijani gas is transported in most neighboring countries. In the future it will be transported to an even greater extent. Of course, in this region of Azerbaijan, as the owner and exporter of natural gas, defends its policy. This policy meets the interests of consumers. We are working on large transnational projects. If these projects are implemented, will ensure long-term successful development of our country. This will be achieved without it, but thanks to this project Azerbaijan will become even more powerful state. Word of Azerbaijan will become even more significant. Our position in the region and the world will become even more effective. I want it. We are creating a strong state. Create a strong state based on a strong economy and a strong policy", - he said.

According to Ilham Aliyev, economic potential, diversified economy, oil and gas factor, transit opportunities, which have been independently created - is a great value.

He stressed that a strong Azerbaijan is a very important issue for the region and the world. "Because we have pursued a policy of good will. Our policy is to work. Our energy policy is also aimed not at enmity, and the friendship. We are in the energy policy in many cases, help our friends. So, first, they need it. Second, because this is our philosophy. And thirdly, the friendly relations to a greater extent will ensure that our business interests. We see that today, a growing number who want to work with Azerbaijan in the energy sector. Azerbaijan, SOCAR was invited to the projects of privatization. That is, we believe, rely on us and with us are”, - the Head of State said.

The President noted that Azerbaijan would continue an independent policy in all directions. “Today, Azerbaijan has emerged from a regional plane and the plane is in the world. We are already participating in the meetings of the "Big Twenty". At a recent meeting in Mexico, the Foreign Ministers’ Twenty Grand was involved, and our minister of foreign affairs. There were invited, only 10 countries not included in the "twenty." And one of them - Azerbaijan. This is the reality. For the development of the country even faster is necessary to continue improving the business environment and create better conditions for entrepreneurship. The State fulfills its obligations. At the same time the country is a serious struggle with the still existing negative phenomena. The fight against corruption and bribery does not stop for one day. This struggle is already producing good results, and it will be even better. We must remove this great evil, to clean our country from him. Need to make an example of Azerbaijan in any field - and in the political and economic, in the fight against corruption and bribery, and he will become an example", - Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said.

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