President Aliyev: "Azerbaijan economy to maintain growth"

A film displaying the measures taken during three years on socio-economic development of regions was demonstrated at the conference.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev addressing the conference stressed the importance of development of non-oil sector in Azerbaijan. The head of state said the conference serves elimination of shortcomings in analyse and implementation of the State Program.

Noting that eight executive orders have been signed on development of regions, Mr.Aliyev stressed that the Program is being implemented successfully.

"Some insignificant problems appeared during the implementation of the program. Suitable business climate has been created in Azerbaijan. GDP was 26-32% in the past two years. State budget was $1.4bn in 2003 and reached $6.5bn in 2007. The state budget will be reviewed soon, as new sources of income have been discovered," the President stressed.

President Aliyev said the number of people seeking jobs in the city decreased as a result of the socio-economic development of regions. He also stressed that Azerbaijan is a leader country for its economic growth.

"Poverty reduced from 49% to 20% in the past two years in Azerbaijan. Our market economy is social-oriented," he underlined.

The head of state noted that the implementation of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway is Azerbaijan’s victory, and Azerbaijan has become a transit country.

The President also noted that 520,000 jobs were created, and the minimum salary increased several times.

"Private sector's share increased from 73% to 81% in the past three years. No other country increased budget incomes by five times in a short time. I forecast that GDP will double in two or three years," he said.

Touching upon the existing problems in Azerbaijan President Aliyev said social justice principle is sometimes violated.

"This worries me. We want to be a country where the rule of law is fully ensured. Regrettably, we have not yet fully achieved it. There are interferences in the business climate. Everyone must try to ensure the rule of the law," the President concluded.

The head of state noted that over 200 secondary schools were constructed and commissioned last year. He said health system is also improving.

"Diagnostic and medical centres will be built in all regions. Seven diagnostic centres will be commissioned this year. The level of first aid should be improved," he said.

President also said the development of tourism is of great importance and Azerbaijan has a suitable climate for this.

The head of state said he has given instructions to improve winter and summer tourism.

Ilham Aliyev stressed the importance of increasing the amount of credits given to entrepreneurs in 2008 and establishing processing plants. The conference will continue till the end of the day. APA