Baku, Azerbaijan, Apr.9
Trend:
Despite the decline in Azerbaijan's GDP in the first quarter, it is forecasted to grow throughout 2016, Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev said Apr.9 in his opening speech during the meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers on the results of socio-economic development in the first quarter of 2016 and the future tasks.
Emphasizing the importance of further accelerating the dynamics of the country's development, Ilham Aliyev also pointed out the necessity of developing the entire financial and economic sector based on the progressive principles.
The president noted that 37,000 new jobs have been created in the first quarter, adding that additional steps will be taken further to improve the people's welfare.
He pointed out that work is underway for the implementation of the regional development program, making investments and creating the North-South and East-West transportation corridors.
He added that the implementation of the Southern Gas Corridor project is on the schedule and this strategic project will be implemented on time.
In his closing speech, President Aliyev said that Azerbaijan's political independence comes from its economic independence.
The business environment is improving in the country, assistance to entrepreneurs continues, additional measures are underway for promotion of investments and strengthening the banking sector, according to the president.
Ilham Aliyev emphasized the importance of speeding up the development of the non-oil sector, and creating new jobs.
He added that the implementation of the project for constructing social housing will start in the capital and regional centers.
The president noted that in 2016, the country will focus on the implementation of over 40 rural roads' project, pursing a single tariff policy on transportation corridors, taking additional measures on creating a sea port in Alat township, as well as large-scale environmental measures, development of agriculture and ensuring the food security.