Azerbaijani parliament starts to debate 2010 state budget

Milli Majlis Speaker Ogtay Asadov described the state budget for 2010 as social, investment and defense oriented.

Azerbaijan’s GDP growth rate exceeds 6 percent, the highest rate in the CIS area, he said.

“The private sector accounts for 85 percent of production. The state budget blueprint is prepared in accordance with the realities and taking into account the crisis. The price of oil is also envisaged at a level which meets current realities,” he added.

Ziyad Samadzade, chairman of a parliamentary committee on economic policy, introduced the draft for discussion.

Prime Minister Artur Rasizade and members of the government are attending the session.

Discussions will run for four days.

Azerbaijan’s state budget revenue for 2010 is projected at AZN 10, 015 million, expenditure at AZN 11, 264 million, budget deficit at AZN 1, 249 million.

/APA/