Azernews.Az

By Aynur Karimova

Azerbaijan now is the leading country in the region, Azerbaijan’s deputy prime minister Ali Ahmadov said on November 21.

Speaking at the event dedicated to the 23rd anniversary of the establishment of the ruling New Azerbaijan Party, Ahmadov, the deputy chairman and executive secretary of the ruling party, said Azerbaijan has strengthened its position in the international arena as well.

"The country hosted various international events after gaining independence," he noted adding that development and modernization of the economy has contributed to strengthening the position of Azerbaijan in the region and in the world.

For several years, Azerbaijan enjoys a status of the leading country of the region.

"I am convinced that the country will never lose this status. One can show numerous examples as a proof of Azerbaijan's strengthening position on the world scene. The fact that a few years ago, Azerbaijan was elected a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, testifies successful foreign policy pursued by the young state, and the state policy in general," Ahmadov stressed.

The deputy premier believes that the ruling party's idea of renovation has gone beyond Azerbaijan.

"This idea comprises the philosophy of creating a new society. The New Azerbaijan Party established under the leadership of Heydar Aliyev, is the leader in this issue," he stated.

Political and macroeconomic stability, protection of investors' rights, a favorable geographical location, rich natural resources, and a highly skilled workforce have turned Azerbaijan, the largest nation of the South Caucasus, into one of the fastest developing countries in the world.

Over the past 10 years, Azerbaijan, an energy-rich South Caucasus country with a population of over 9.6 million, has significantly improved the living standards of Azerbaijani citizens, and the country has developed rapidly.

Today, Azerbaijan is one of the world’s fastest growing economies and the government's development strategy is aimed not only at economic growth and political stability but also at increasing human capital and improving civil society.

Thanks to the reforms enacted over the past decade, Azerbaijan has diversified its economy, social policy, oil strategy, and GDP per capita and improved the efficiency of allocation of budget revenues.

Today, Azerbaijan is modernizing its education and reforming its judiciary, infrastructure, and agriculture along with many other sectors of the economy.

Over the last 10 years, the GDP increased by 3.4 times, the non-oil sector by 2.6 times, and budget revenues by 16 times, and the volume of strategic currency reserves exceeded $50 billion. More than one million new jobs have been created during this period. The rates of poverty and unemployment have also dropped significantly among all population cohorts, including the youth.

Today, the government continues to pursue a wise and purposeful foreign policy aimed at turning Azerbaijan into a leading country across the South Caucasus and into a regional power with global plans.

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Aynur Karimova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Aynur_Karimova

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