Azernews.Az

By Aynur Jafarova

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev presided over a conference on the results of implementation of the "State program on socio-economic development of Baku and its settlements in 2011-2013" in Baku on December 23.

The Head of State first saw a photo stand depicting reconstruction activities in Baku and surrounding settlements.

President Aliyev gave an introductory speech at the conference.

In his speech the Head of State said successful and dynamic development was ensured in Azerbaijan in 2013.

"Within the year all the tasks were carried out and the economy developed. In comparison to the world scale, one can see that Azerbaijan's economy is developing with the highest speed. This year the GDP increased by about 6 percent, while our non-oil sector-about 10 percent," the president said.

President Aliyev also said Azerbaijan's non-oil sector is developing as well.

"I am sure that these tendencies will strengthen in the coming years. However to achieve this, we should work more actively, as the growth of oil and gas sector is expected as well. In particular, the Shah Deniz 2 project signed in Baku on December 17 will serve for the further development of the non-oil sector. Due to this, we should attach significant attention to the development of the non-oil sector. We will do it. The reforms carried out in our country, thoughtful economic and social policy, create possibilities for Azerbaijan's further development," he said.

President Aliyev said the period covering 2011-2013 years was very successful for Azerbaijan.

"I can say that in last ten years there was no another country in the world developing like Azerbaijan from the economic viewpoint. It is approved by all statistical data. Our economy developed by over than 300 percent or 3.4 times. The number of people living in the poverty conditions has been sharply decreased. Currently the poverty level in Azerbaijan amounts to a bit more than 5 percent. In other words, it is at the level of developed countries. We are even ahead of some developed countries. The issues related to the unemployment are resolved. The unemployment is at the lowest level, at the level of 5 percent. I think we've found a solution for this issue in Baku," the Head of State noted.

President Aliyev also said Azerbaijan's economic reforms are appreciated by world's leading economic and financial organizations.

"Today the comprehensive development of our country, including its successful experience in the humanitarian field - in the field of holding international and inter-religious dialogue - is studied worldwide. It is no coincidence that Baku has become one of the centers of the region, I also can say, of the world. The high-level events in Baku have become commonplace. Summits, meetings of world leaders, economic forums, humanitarian forums- all of these are reality, and Baku was able to take a rightful place in the world map," he said.

The president also said Azerbaijan has concrete plans for coming years.

"We will further work on these programs. I have no doubt that the sustainable development of our country will be ensured," he said.

President Aliyev also noted that Azerbaijan should join the ranks of developed countries and the non-oil sector in the country should be developed.

Speaking at the conference, Azerbaijani Economy and Industry Minister Shahin Mustafayev also said Azerbaijan has allocated three billion manats to the implementation of measures reflected in the state program on socio-economic development of Baku and its settlements in 2011-2013.

"The ministry and Baku Executive Power coordinated and exercised a control over the implementation of the state program. The results of the monitoring are published on the Internet, and all the fields reflected in the program are being regularly discussed with the representatives of executive bodies and society. Some 3,500 kilometers of gas pipelines were constructed, and an additional 132,000 consumers were provided with gas in Baku, settlements and towns near the capital, and Absheron peninsula as a result of the measures within three years. Furthermore, 39 electric substations and 264 transformers were constructed or repaired, and 4,400 kilometers of electric power lines were launched," the minister said.

He also noted work on reconstruction of the Zabrat-Mashtaga-Buzovna highways and part of the Zigh circle-Heydar Aliyev International Airport road was completed.

He went on to say that within three years 680 entrepreneurs operating in Baku settlements were allocated preferential loans worth 148 million manats through National Fund for Entrepreneurship Support under the Economy and Industry Ministry.

The December 23 meeting was also addressed by Baku Mayor Hajibala Abutalybov, Chairman of the Azersu OJSC-national Water Operator Gorkhmaz Huseynov, and Chairman of the Azeristiliktechizat OJSC-national Heat Supply Operator Yashar Hasanov.

President Aliyev made his final remarks at the event.

He noted the state program on socio-economic development of Baku and its settlements in 2011-2013 - approved by the presidential decree on May 4, 2011 - was positive.

The Head of State said the electric power and gas supply problems were resolved in Baku.

"Drinkable water and canalization projects are important issues for Baku, and for our country. Currently drinkable water and canalization projects are being implemented in all parts of the country," he added.

In his speech the Azerbaijani president mentioned the importance of the first European Games which will be held in Baku in 2015.

"We, of course, should do our best to hold these games at high level. Preparation work is underway. Next year we will start the decisive phase. Large sport facilities are being constructed in Baku," he said.

The Azerbaijani president appreciated the construction of modern hotels in Baku as a good trend.

He further said the third stage of the state program on socio-economic development of Baku and its settlements in 2011-2013 will start to be implemented next year.

"The unresolved issues and all infrastructure, transport and social problems existing in Baku and its settlements will be resolved as a result of implementation of the third stage of the state program," the president noted.

President Aliyev said the third state program should be adopted at the beginning of the next year. The city executive power, Economy and Industry Ministry, and other related bodies are actively working in this direction. The most part of the program is ready.

"We should do our best to make sure that the state program for 2014-2016 covers all the issues and no problem stays out of focus," he concluded.