BAKU, Azerbaijan, Feb. 11
Trend:
Last year, our economy grew by more than 5 percent. Industrial production in the non-oil sector increased by about 20 percent, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev said in an interview to Azerbaijan State News Agency-AZERTAC, Trend reports.
"The demographic situation in Azerbaijan is very positive. In the years of independence, our population increased from 7 to 10 million. This is a manifestation of the positive trends in the country, a manifestation of stability, peace, economic development and social well-being. Of course, the potential we have in all areas must be commensurate with this demographic growth. At the same time, the country's economy is growing, and so is industrial potential. Last year, we were able to delight our people with good results. Last year, our economy grew by more than 5 percent. Industrial production in the non-oil sector increased by about 20 percent. The first results of January were reported to me these days. The results are even more promising. Economic growth was about 6 percent, GDP growth in the non-oil sector was at about 9 percent and non-oil industrial production increased by 24 percent. This is a record. So it shows that the positive trend will be ensured this year as well. January is the beginning of the year. Economic growth in any country in the world in January is usually not very high, including Azerbaijan, but these indicators, as they say, are a result in themselves," President Ilham Aliyev said.
"Of course, a growing industry requires increased generation capacity. This is why we are building such huge facilities. We will meet the growing domestic demand with such beautiful power plants. At the same time, as I said, the demand for our energy is growing abroad. Electricity exports to our four neighboring countries are growing – Turkey, Russia, Georgia and Iran. As I mentioned, we have exported 1.6 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity. Today, our oil, gas and electricity exports contribute to the energy security of Azerbaijan, neighboring and even European countries. Azerbaijan is one of a handful of countries that exports crude oil, natural gas, petrochemicals, oil products and electricity to all neighboring countries," Azerbaijani president said.
"Of course, these are the achievements of recent years. We all remember that in the first years of our independence we did not have enough energy. The stations existing at the time were in disrepair and we did not have the money to build new ones. Azerbaijan imported electricity from Russia. There was a shortage of natural gas, there was no gas at all in the regions, and oil production had fallen sharply. Today, Azerbaijan is one of the world's leading countries in terms of development of all these energy components. It is no coincidence that the 8th Southern Gas Corridor Advisory Council meeting, held this month, reaffirmed these successes. Almost all participants spoke about Azerbaijan’s potential and the opportunities available to Azerbaijan. Speaking there, I said that we were a reliable partner, we were fulfilling our obligations, we had the strength, the resolve and the responsibility. Therefore, today's picture is very positive and there are no problems with energy security in the country. However, many countries around the world are facing these problems and they are exacerbating. Some countries are unable to properly balance their energy at all. Because they depend on foreign suppliers and there are certain problems with that. This is why we have become a very reliable energy supplier both within the country, in the region and in the wider continent. Of course, we have further plans as well. We have major plans to meet the growing demand, both at home and abroad, and they are being realized, including our plans on renewable energy. I am sure that there will be many more opening ceremonies similar to the one we are celebrating here today," the head of state said.