Azerbaijan, Baku, Feb.12 / Trend /
President Ilham Aliyev chaired a conference on the results of the 4th year of implementation of the "State Program for socio-economic development of the regions of the Republic of Azerbaijan in 2009-2013" at the Baku Business Center on Tuesday.
The Head of State first viewed an exhibition at the Center reflecting work done in 2003-2012 for socio-economic development of the country.
President Aliyev made an opening speech at the event.
"Today, we will traditionally discuss the implementation of the State Program for socio-economic development of regions, and we will give regular recommendations by analyzing the upcoming challenges in 2013. The State Program for socio-economic development of regions has been successfully implemented for over nine years. I believe that the adoption of the program was very important for the country's economy, and addressing social issues. Implementation of the program shows that the intention we stated in 2004, is becoming a reality," President Aliyev said.
Today, the country has all the opportunities to successfully complete this program, he said.
"Presently, the number of local companies involved in various projects has increased significantly in Azerbaijan. Over the past nine years, tens of thousands of new enterprises have been established. Our international relations have been further enhanced. If earlier we were more dependent on foreign financial resources in the implementation of projects, today it's not the case. Azerbaijan has become a lender country itself. The Azerbaijani government has even issued a loan to the International Finance Corporation - this structure is a member part of the World Bank," President Aliyev said.
In general, if to analyze the period from 2004 to the present day, one can see that all the work has been done and is being done consistently, he said.
"Processes in the country develop in the positive direction, there are statistics confirming this. Over the past nine years, the country's economy has grown more than three times. I believe this indicator is unique in the world. Industrial production has almost tripled, about $130 billion have been invested in the country's economy, and last year, investments reached a record level - over $22 billion. Some $13 billion of them are local investments," the President noted.
"International financial institutions appreciate the ongoing work in Azerbaijan, and leading organizations carrying out analysis of credit ratings, have increased Azerbaijan's credit rating, while credit ratings of some European countries have decreased. The experience of the last several years has been especially positive," the President said.
The President noted that even during the years of the financial crisis that covered the world, Azerbaijan's economy has grown, and thereby, country's successful development has been ensured.
At the same time, the country is engaged in addressing social issues, the Head of State underscored.
"Our reforms in the economic sphere are accompanied by strong social policy. If we again look at the statistics of the last nine years, we will see that average salary in Azerbaijan was about $100 in 2004, but today it amounts to $500. Average pension amounted to $20, but today it is $200. Of course, these figures do not satisfy us, and I believe that the level of average pension and average salaries should and will grow. Salaries of those working in state enterprises, as well as pensions will be increased. At the same time due to the conditions created for the development of entrepreneurship, those working in the private sector will also improve their financial status. Again, this great difference shows that we were able to make great achievements in addressing social issues," President Aliyev said.
More efforts have been made to date and will be undertaken in the subsequent years to diversify the economy, fully ensure food security, strengthen our industrial capacity, increase export potential and reduce dependence on imports, as well as improve business environment, he said.
"Our goal is to develop the country, to turn Azerbaijan into a developed country. Our joint activities with foreign partners both in Azerbaijan and abroad are reaching a new level. Today Azerbaijan starts investing in foreign countries. It is a new process for us. But we are prepared for this, and Azerbaijan is recognized as a reliable investor and friendly country throughout the world. Of course, our international relations, in particular, increase in the number of our friendly countries, and new business projects should meet our economic interests as well. Of course, first of all, products manufactured in the country should meet high standards to enter foreign markets. Our potential is very high." Ilham Aliyev said.
The President said that investing in foreign countries, first of all, diversifies Azerbaijan's investment portfolio.
"At the same time, we, as investors, gain great trust in many countries. Thanks to this trust our export opportunities to these countries will also increase in the future. It is necessary to efficiently use internal resources as much as possible, and we need to enter foreign markets even wider," President Aliyev underscored.
