The Azerbaijan State News Agency

OFFICIAL NEWS

President Ilham Aliyev chairs Cabinet meeting on results of socio-economic development in 9 months of 2013 and outstanding tasks VİDEO

Baku, October 7 (AZERTAC). Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has chaired a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers on results of socio-economic development of the country in nine months of 2013 and outstanding tasks.

The Head of State made opening speech at the meeting.

The President said nine months of the year were a success, adding “all tasks we set ourselves have been implemented”.

“Azerbaijan`s economy has been successfully developing this year too, and, I believe, this rapid development will continue in the years to come because the reforms that we have carried out so far and results that we have achieved let us say that Azerbaijan`s successful development will further be ensured.”

President Ilham Aliyev said Azerbaijan`s economy grew 5.5% in nine months of the year. “I think that taking into account the continuing crisis in the world, it is quite a high achievement, and it lets us successfully implement our investment programs.”

“Our non-oil sector is growing at a rapid pace, which has been preserved since the beginning of the year. Our non-oil sector grew 10.4% in nine months, and, I believe, it is the best indicator on a global scale. The President said “this is the results of the reforms carried out in Azerbaijan”. “We are reducing dependence of our economy on oil and gas, which contributes to solving the issue of economic diversification.”

“We will completely remove dependence of the national economy on the oil and gas factor. Development of the non-oil sector is the result of the state policy.”

The Head of State said the country`s industrial output grew as well. “Our agricultural production saw a 5% growth, and there is a good potential for further development in the future. Inflation was just 2.3%, and it is an excellent figure. The population`s incomes grew 7.6%.”

The President said macro-economic situation was stable in Azerbaijan, adding the country was among the top ten countries on a global scale in terms of this parameter. “The Global Competitiveness Report of the Davos World Economic Forum has recently placed Azerbaijan`s economy 39th on a global scale. This is a historic figure.”

President Ilham Aliyev praised the country`s investment climate. “Azerbaijan is a very attractive country in terms of investment both among former Soviet republics and in the region.” “A total of 17.7 billion dollars were invested in Azerbaijan`s economy in nine months, with $10.5 billion coming from domestic and 7.2 billion from foreign sources.”

The President said the country`s currency reserves increased this year to make 49.4 billion US dollars. “It`s a very big figure for a country with the population of 9.4 million people.” “Azerbaijan is one of the leading countries in the world in terms of per capita currency reserves.” “The growing volume of currency reserves both ensures Azerbaijan`s sustainable development and, at the same time, helps us elevate relations with our foreign partners to a higher level.”

The Head of State touched upon the country`s state debt, saying it makes only 7% or 8% of the Gross Domestic Product. “In some developed countries state debt makes more than 100% or nearly 100%.” “In Azerbaijan, we have just 7% or 8%, which means that we have built strong foundations so that Azerbaijan faces no problems in terms of state debt neither today, nor in 10, nor in 20 years.”

The President highlighted the country`s social policy, saying it is based on “powerful economic foundations”. “Wages and pensions have increased this year. Wages and pensions have grown several times in the last 10 years.” “We remodeled and reconstructed nearly 200 schools this year. All other social facilities are being renewed and modernized.”

The President said: “We have achieved all goals with respect to development of our regions. We are completing the second regional development program this year. Nine months of this year alone saw the creation of nearly 90,000 new jobs. In general, more than 1.2 million jobs have been created in the country in the past 10 years, which helped us to have considerably reduced unemployment. “According to latest figures, the level of unemployment in Azerbaijan is below 5%. This also contributes to reducing poverty. We have two months left to the end of the year, but we can already say with confidence that poverty will be under 6% this year.”

President Ilham Aliyev referred to the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict: “Unfortunately, the past months have marked no progress in settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. But we have become very powerful. Difference between Azerbaijan and Armenia is deepening, increasing.” “Recent events have once again showed that Armenia is not capable of living independently. It is in a dependent position. Even top-ranking Armenian officials are forced to admit that Armenia is not capable of ensuring its security itself.” The Head of State expressed confidence Azerbaijan would liberate its occupied lands from the Armenian occupation. “What we need is to continue our policy.” “We are stronger than Armenia 10-fold in terms of economy.” The President said: “It is our hope that peaceful negotiations will yield results and Armenia will analyze the situation to admit the reality that it must withdraw from the lands that have nothing to do with Armenia.” “However, we are well aware that in many cases international legal norms are grossly violated across the globe, and that there are double standards. In some cases resolutions of the UN Security Council are executed in just couple of hours, but when it comes to Azerbaijan-related resolutions – they were adopted 20 years ago, but have never been executed, and no one is forcing Armenia to do so. We face double standards certainly. It`s no secret. I`m confident that the people of Azerbaijan are well aware that double standards, biased position against Azerbaijan and unfounded good attitude towards Armenia are the major barrier to finding a solution to the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. But we will continue our efforts. We have to be stronger. We must further keep Armenia isolated from diplomatic, political, economic, regional initiatives. And we will do so.”

The President highlighted Azerbaijan`s achievements in foreign policy. He said the number of Azerbaijan`s friends was growing. “The number of countries that want to cooperate with us is growing, Azerbaijan is known as a very reliable partner in the world.” “Visits by senior state and government officials of foreign countries who visited Azerbaijan in the last quarter of the year signal our successful foreign policy. Last quarter marked the visit of Italy`s Prime Minister to Azerbaijan. Italy is one of the leading countries in Europe. We have excellent relations. It was the first visit of the Italian Premier to Azerbaijan. The results of the visit were very successful. Several days later the Russian Prime Minister visited Azerbaijan. This visit, too, was a success. It was of profound importance in terms of development of Russia-Azerbaijan strategic relations. Several days later Azerbaijan hosted the Summit of Turkic-speaking States. The presidents of Turkey, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan visited Azerbaijan.”

President Ilham Aliyev highlighted achievements in the country`s energy policy. “Trans Adriatic gas pipeline project has already been launched. I believe Trans Adriatic pipeline TAP will be a historic project allowing Azerbaijan to transport its natural resources to the world and European markets in the decades to come.”

Economic Development Minister Shahin Mustafayev, chairman of the Board of Directors of the Central Bank Elman Rustamov and chairman of the State Social Protection Fund Salim Muslumov highlighted what had been done in nine months of the year.

President Ilham Aliyev made closing remarks at the meeting. He stressed the importance of continuing measures to preserve the development dynamics.

The Head of State said the third State Program for development of the regions would be adopted next year.

The President emphasized the necessity of continuing work to strengthen fight against corruption, develop electronic services, expand ASAN service, as well as improve electricity, drinking water and gas supply. President Ilham Aliyev also said measures would be continued to develop agriculture.

 

Share news on social media

Follow us on social network

VIDEO

President Ilham Aliyev chairs Cabinet meeting on results of socio-economic development in 9 months of 2013 and outstanding tasks VİDEO

Transit officials approve New York City traffic congestion fee

Azerbaijani weightlifters to fight for glory at 2024 IWF World Cup

Taha Ayhan: We want to share the story of the liberation of Shusha with the whole world

Hirshhorn at 50: ‘Revolutions’ offers an artistic journey through time, Arts innovations

Attacks in NYC transit jump a massive 50% as subway murders surge: stats

Protocol signed to implement Shusha OIC Youth Capital-2024 program

Pope appears in better health, praises Israeli and Arab fathers who both lost daughters in conflict

Latvian foreign minister resigns amid private flights controversy

Azerbaijan's Minister of Labor and Social Protection of Population meets with UNDP Resident Representative

Rediscovered Raphael masterpiece to be exhibited in French Basilica

Draft law on Corsica`s autonomy adopted. MP Josepha Giacometti Piredda protests describing it as “shackles”

China’s CATL to cut its EV battery costs by up to 50% this year, heralding a price war

UN chief applauds Türkiye's Global Zero Waste Initiative, calls for end to waste cycle

Azerbaijani ambassador meets with representatives of Egyptian media outlets

Türkiye ‘neutralizes’ 38 PKK/YPG terrorists over past week

Azerbaijani boxers claim 2 golds at Great Silk Way international tournament

Azerbaijani female boxers claim nine medals at Great Silk Way International Tournament-2024

From Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa

With 783 million people going hungry, a fifth of all food goes to waste, UN says

Trump leads Biden by 5 points in new national poll

Chairman of Azerbaijan’s State Customs Committee meets with Egyptian ambassador

Georgian Gov’t approves 2024-2025 climate change action plan

Guivami Rahimli: “…Azerbaijan’s aim is to transform the role of energy in international relations from fueling disagreements to oiling cooperation…”

Azerbaijani Ombudsperson meets with residents of Armenian origin in Khankendi

Seoul bus drivers go on general strike

Azerbaijan to pin hopes on seven female gymnasts at 35th Rhythmic Gymnastics International Grand Prix in France

Western Azerbaijan Community issues statement

Practical classes held with Military Institute’s cadets

Telescope shares clear image of Sagittarius A* black hole in Milky Way Galaxy

Artificial intelligence laboratory launched at Baku Higher Oil School for first time among higher education institutions in Azerbaijan

Election results confirm Bassirou Diomaye Faye's victory in Senegal's presidential race

Azerbaijani oil price declines in global markets

Oil prices surge in global markets

Moscow checks, discusses with Baku alleged arms deliveries to Kiev — MFA

Russian diplomat accuses France of intelligence operations in Caucasus

Childbirths in S. Korea hit another low in January

Azerbaijani delegation of Chamber of Accounts visits US

China opens WTO dispute against US subsidies to protect its EV industry

Aykhan Hajizade: We strongly condemn anti-Azerbaijani allegations in report prepared by group led by Rasmussen

Indonesia's Marapi volcano erupts

Türkiye says it will always ‘stand shoulder to shoulder’ with Pakistan in fight against terrorism

Obama, fearing Biden loss to Trump, is on the phone to strategize

Georgian PM, Parliament Speaker nominate national football team for Medal of Honour

Türkiye to host 2027 European Games

Passenger traffic at Baku Airport increased by more than 30% during the holidays

Number of those injured in Moscow attack rises to 360

35 more families relocated to Fuzuli city get house keys VIDEO

Controversial Titanic floating door prop sells for $718,750

Humans pass more viruses to other animals than we catch from them

On World Theatre Day, ICESCO calls for greater integration of “father of all arts” into school curricula

Black Carbon: Not just pollutant, but also driver of global warming

From Daniel Noboa Azín, Constitutional President of the Republic of Ecuador

Two Azerbaijani boxers qualify for final of Great Silk Way International Tournament-2024

1 in 3 migrant deaths occur en route to escape conflict: UN migration agency

ICESCO obtains Observer status in Non-Aligned Movement Parliamentary Network

China sends multirole satellite into orbit VIDEO

® Member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina Mladen Ivanic elected Honorary Member of the Editorial Board of the My Azerbaijan International Magazine

Japan aims to launch next-generation passenger aircraft by around 2035

Global oil prices drop

Austria stun Türkiye 6-1 in international friendly

Six workers presumed dead after crippled cargo ship knocks down Baltimore bridge

Azerbaijani oil price drops on world markets

Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry: Statements by EU and US clearly have a one-sided and biased character VIDEO

2 UK ministers resign, forcing Sunak into Cabinet reshuffle

Poland, Ukraine bag EURO 2024 tickets

Azerbaijan relocates 35 more families to Fuzuli city VIDEO

Speaker of Azerbaijan's Parliament meets with ICESCO Director General

Attack on Turkish nationals in Belgium demonstrates PKK terror threat to Western Europe: Türkiye

Moldovan delegation addresses appeal to PACE regarding Azerbaijan

AI plays key role in protecting Australia's giant kelp forests

ANAMA: 462.1 hectares of territory cleared of mines and UXOs over past week

Moscow court arrests eighth suspect in Crocus City Hall terrorist attack case

Azerbaijan's Defense Ministry: Another stronghold of Armenians found in Karabakh region

Global Times newspaper hails Azerbaijan-China relations as "Gold standard friendship"

Over 1.6M competitors applied to technology contests at Türkiye's TEKNOFEST

Western Azerbaijan Community strongly condemns Tovio Klaar's anti-Azerbaijani stance and approach violating media freedom

Boeing CEO to step down in management shake-up as manufacturing issues plague storied plane maker

Geneva hosts 3rd Conference of Non-Aligned Movement Parliamentary Network

To His Excellency Mr. Mohammed Shahabuddin, President of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh

Death toll in Moscow terror attack rises to 139: Russia

Azerbaijan draw 1-1 with Bulgaria in FIFA Series 2024

Turkish foreign minister, NATO chief discuss forthcoming meeting, regional developments

Speaker of Azerbaijan’s Parliament meets with Serbian counterpart

Azerbaijani female gymnast qualifies for Paris 2024 Olympics

EU investigates Apple, Meta and Google owner Alphabet under new tech law

Azerbaijan to face Bulgaria in FIFA Series 2024

State Security Service conducts an operation: a person planning acts of terror arrested in Azerbaijan

Ecuador's youngest mayor found shot to death alongside staffer

® Former President of Croatia Ivo Josipoviс holds meeting with staff of My Azerbaijan International Magazine

Azerbaijani aerobic gymnasts win silver medal at Cantanhede tournament

Azerbaijani shooters secure gold medal at international tournament in Germany

Speaker of Milli Majlis addresses 148th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union

Release of the Press Service of the President

Earthquake of magnitude 6.7 strikes Papua New Guinea, GFZ says

King of Sweden honours ABBA members with Order of Vasa for outstanding achievements in music

Switched at birth at a Manitoba hospital over 60 years ago, 2 men seek answers, compensation from province

5 dead in chemical factory fire in western India

Azerbaijani shooter gains second gold medal at international tournament in Germany

Speaker of Milli Majlis Sahiba Gafarova chairs Asian Parliamentary Assembly Co-ordinating Meeting

Argentine President: I will continue to spare no effort to strengthen our bilateral cooperation and economic relations in areas of mutual interest