Azerbaijan, Baku, Jan. 21 / Trend I. Izzet /
A board meeting chaired by the Minister of Defense Industry Yavar Jamalov was held on outcomes of 2012 and the upcoming challenges for 2013, a source in the Defense Ministry reported on Monday.
The minister noted that new production sites, such as pilot plant for the production and improvement of small arms, sites for the production of individual gas masks, means of special protection and ammunition of various calibers, were established and put into operation last year by the enterprises of the Ministry.
According to the minister, the volume of defense products produced in Azerbaijan increased by 12 percent in 2012, compared with 2011. The list of defense products under development was reduced to 700.
At the end of 2012, the volume of defense products produced and delivered to customers, increased by 10.3 percent compared with 2011, Jamalov said.
The Ministry of Defense Industry, that first presented only 29 items at the International Exhibition in 2009, presented already 125 items at the IndoDefence-2012 exhibition held in November last year, the minister said.
In 2012, there was an increase in the volume of production of civilian goods; the total number of items exceeded 400.
In order to provide the defense industry with specialized personnel, the Azerbaijan Technical University opened the faculty of "Special equipment and technology" under the relevant decision of the Cabinet of Ministers. Bachelor and master degree programs on five defensive specialties were offered starting 2012/2013 academic year and enrolled 75 students.
Deputy Minister Yahya Mirzoev and Tofig Rafiyev delivered speeches at the meeting, followed by reports of the heads of enterprises on the activities conducted.
At the board meeting, the Ministry officials were awarded certificates of conferring the honorary title of "Distinguished Engineer" for contributions to the development of the defense industry of the country, as well as medals "Tereggi" and "For Excellence in the Public Service" by President's decree.
At the end of the meeting, Yavar Jamalov also reminded the participants of the orders of the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, gave instructions to the heads of agencies, associations and enterprises on meeting the challenges facing the ministry in 2013, and fulfilling the orders given by the Supreme Commander for the development of the defense industry.