Ismayilli, August 25, AZERTAC

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has attended the inauguration of the Ismayilli branch of “Azerkhalcha” Open Joint-Stock Company.

The head of state cut the ribbon symbolizing the inauguration of the enterprise.

Chairman of the Board of “Azerkhalcha” Open Joint-Stock Company Vidadi Muradov informed the head of state that the construction of the building of the plant started in 2016. It is planned that 150 weavers and 12 administrative employees will work in the Ismayiili branch.

Meeting with the staff of the enterprise, President Ilham Aliyev said:

- What a great day! I congratulate you on the opening of the carpet factory.

Carpet weaver: Thank you very much, and we thank you.

President Ilham Aliyev: I am very pleased that such a wonderful enterprise has been created and women have been provided with jobs.

Carpet weaver: Thank you very much. We will start weaving beautiful carpets as of today. We have won the first place among 10 districts and will try to keep it up. You have presented a medal to us, thank you.

President Ilham Aliyev: Yes indeed, I have awarded you. Ismayilli has great traditions.

Carpet weaver: Yes, we are in first place. Let me express gratitude on behalf of all carpet weavers.

President Ilham Aliyev: You must have worked hard to finish in first place.

Carpet weaver: Thank you very much. We have good conditions thanks to you. This is why people weave good carpets. Thank you very much, thank you.

President Ilham Aliyev: Very good. Traditions of carpet weaving in Ismayilli District are very rich and ancient. It is very good that you have preserved and are continuing to preserve this art. Future generations should also join this art. The art of carpet weaving is our national asset. Azerbaijani carpets are known all over the world and are represented in the world's leading museums.

We take very serious measures to develop carpet weaving. The creation of carpet factories in the regions is part of this work. This is the fifth factory to be opened recently. Five more factories will be opened before the end of the year. In total, 30 carpet factories are to be set up in our country, so thousands of people, especially women, will be provided with work. This factory also employs women. We are creating jobs for women as well. The carpets produced here will be sold both in the country and abroad and Azerbaijan will thus showcase its export products in the world more broadly. Your work and talent will play the key role in ensuring that the art of carpet weaving continues to live in the future. According to my information, this factory has provided jobs to up to 150 people. If things go well in the future, it will be possible to expand this factory and attract more women to work.

The state will always support you. All the equipment, machines and threads are provided by the state. In the near future, next year perhaps, a spinning and dying factory will start operating in Azerbaijan. After that, it will no longer be necessary to bring materials from abroad. In other words, all material starting from threads to dyes will be produced in Azerbaijan. Carpet making in Azerbaijan has a very long history and a bright future. The establishment of the "Azerkhalcha" enterprise pursued this very goal. The tasks and instructions I have set are being fulfilled, and the carpet factory in Ismayilli District shows this yet again. I wholeheartedly congratulate you.

Carpet makers: Thank you very much.