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Ilham Aliyev: â€œAzerbaijan is among the countries that have a say in a global scaleâ€

06 February 2014 02:00 (UTC +04:00)

Baku-APA. The President noted that during the last ten years, Azerbaijan has developed most rapidly in the world : " The economy has grown by 3.4 times. In the last ten years in no other country there was such a growth. Stability and sound policies have created perfect conditions for the development of the economic sphere. In Azerbaijan, economic reforms are complemented by political reforms. These two areas are complementary. I think from this point of view the experience of Azerbaijan can be interesting to other countries. "

The President said that industrial production grew by 2.7 times via the implementation of the two programs: " In the first years of the program the economy and industry grew mostly via the oil sector but in recent years, the non-oil sector provides the successful development in the country. In last year the growth of non-oil sector amounted to almost 10%. This is also one of the highest rates in the world. Overall, last year the economy grew by almost 6 %. "

The President stressed that if the first program was not accepted in 2004, the current realities of Azerbaijan could be quite different: “Regional development, support entrepreneurs, development of non-oil sector, reducing dependence on imports, creating export potentials are symbols of the past years. Thus economy grew by 3.4 times, industrial production - by 2.7 times, agriculture - 1.5 times, 1.2 million workplaces opened in the country and 900 000 of them are permanent . Poverty has almost declined from 50 to 5, 3%. Unemployment is 5%. According to these indicators, Azerbaijan ahead of even the developed countries. "

The President said that an investment of $ 160 billion was involved in the country over the past ten years: "The volume of investment in recent years continues to grow. Last year, it reached a record level - Azerbaijani economy was invested in the amount of $ 28 billion. Domestic investments have exceeded foreign. In general, the investments in the amount of $ 160 billion have given great impetus to the economy of Azerbaijan. "

In his speech, the President also said that during the last ten years a lot of attention is paid to the development of entrepreneurship: “Over the past ten years I have personally participated in the opening of more than 1,200 facilities in the regions. "

Ilham Aliyev also said that during the last ten years the implementation of infrastructure projects was a priority issue: "In particular, since 2004, very serious steps have been taken towards the creation of an energy potential of our country. For ten years 17 power plants were built in Azerbaijan. If these power plants were not built, today about 30 % of our country would be left without light and any industrial development might be out of the question. As, the development of industry should be provided by infrastructure projects in Azerbaijan. At the moment we have export potential of nearly 600-700 megawatts. "

The Head of the State emphasized that all cities and most villages in the country are currently gasified. "In general, gasification in Azerbaijan ensured at the level of almost 90 %. But, of course, in some villages gas lines have not yet been laid. There is a program. Over the next five years, the level of gasification should be brought to 95-96 %. "

President Ilham Aliyev also spoke about the ongoing water projects in the country: "In several cities, these projects have already been completed. I participated in their openings. People are served 24 hours uninterrupted water with quality standards at the level of the World Health Organization. In the next five years in all cities and most villages new water lines will be built and sewer system will be created. Thus, it will fix the problem of water shortage, which has always created great difficulties to the people of Azerbaijan. "

Ilham Aliyev said that Azerbaijan is among the countries that have a say in a global scale: " Today, Azerbaijan has become an indispensable partner for the continent in terms of energy security. The contract of the XXI century was signed in December of last year. "Contract of the Century ", the contract of the XX century is successfully implemented, and now the contract of the XXI century has been signed. Basic economic burden and primary responsibility were undertaken by Azerbaijan in this case. We are aware of this responsibility and will be able to realize these projects. Major energy projects implemented under our leadership, are the largest energy and infrastructure projects in Europe."

President Ilham Aliyev also noted that work related to the adoption of the third State program is already underway. For several months the third State program is being prepared and it will be accepted. Thus, an action plan for the next five years will be prepared”, said President Ilham Aliyev.