President: Azerbaijan's non-oil export grow by 24pct in 2017
By Trend
Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev said that Azerbaijan's non-oil exports grew by 24 percent in 2017.
He made the statement at a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers dedicated to the results of socioeconomic development of the country in 2017 and future objectives on January 10.
The head of state noted that the country's export potential is growing. "In 2017, exports grew by 19 percent and non-oil exports increased by 24 percent. This is the result of the relevant work. The number of population is increasing. The population grows by at least 100,000 people a year. Consumption is increasing, the number of tourists is increasing. Last year, the country received almost 500,000 tourists more than in 2016. This, naturally, increases consumption. Nevertheless, our non-oil exports, including the export of food products, are growing rapidly. The growth of the non-oil sector by 24 percent during the year is the result of the work done," President Aliyev said.
The head of state noted that imports grew by about one percent, and this is natural. "Because, Azerbaijan, first of all, meets its demand at even larger volumes through domestic production, on the other hand, the purchasing power of citizens increases. So, I believe that the preservation of imports at a stable level is our greatest achievement. The positive surplus of trade balance is $6.2 billion. Economists are well aware that this is an excellent indicator. I am confident that the difference will be even greater in this and subsequent years. This is one of the very important factors for improving the macroeconomic situation, and keeping the stable rate of the manat," said Ilham Aliyev.
The President stressed that the major economic indicators are very positive.
"I think that every country can be proud of such results, and we are proud that we accomplished 2017 with such excellent indicators. The development of the regions was constantly in the spotlight. In the past year I visited over 30 regions. As part of these visits new enterprises were opened and foundation of new enterprises was laid, and I was informed about the situation in the regions. I visit the regions every year and I can say that I visited almost half of the regions last year. Of course this is very important for me, since I review the situation on the ground and give relevant instructions.
I know what is important for citizens residing in these regions. Of course, it is also very important for strengthening the discipline, because I have repeatedly visited every region of Azerbaijan and personally supervise the implementation of these instructions," the head of state said.
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