Azerbaijan, Baku, July 25 / Trend S. Agayeva /
Uzbekistan has been paying special attention not only to economics and politics, but the strengthening of the spiritual atmosphere in the society from the first years of independence, Uzbek Ambassador to Azerbaijan Sherzod Fayziyev said at a press conference in Baku today.
"An important role in this process belongs to the family institution," the diplomat said.
"2012 was declared the 'Year of Family' upon the Uzbek president's initiative to strengthen the family institution and increase its prosperity," he said. "The appropriate state programme was approved. It is designed for the long term support of family values, rather than one year."
Fayziyev also stressed that Uzbekistan's development rose to a new level in 2012.
"The results recently achieved by Uzbekistan in the economy are appreciated by authoritative international financial institutions," he said.
The ambassador said that the budget surplus by remaining stable for several years, a high level of reserves, low public debt, a stable banking system and prudent borrowing on international financial markets protected the country from the direct consequences of the global crisis.
GDP growth last year was 8.3 per cent and the volume increased by 2.1 times in 2000-2011. Uzbekistan is among the most rapidly developing countries on this index, the diplomat said.
"Industrial production steadily increased by 6.3 per cent, agricultural production - 6.6 per cent, retail trade turnover - 16.4 per cent and paid services rendered to the population - 16.1 per cent in 2011," the ambassador said.