Prime Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev visited Sumgait, an industrial city of Azerbaijan, on 12 October. Head of the Azerbaijani Government first visited the non-ferrous enterprise of Aluminum Plant of the “Azerbaijan Aluminum” Stock Company. Collective of the enterprise presented him bunch of flowers.

The Prime Minister cut ribbon of the new enterprise and familiarized with the technological process. He was informed that new equipment meeting world standards was installed at the enterprise and the production process was automated. The enterprise was rented by Dutch Company “Fondel Metal” on a long-term contract and there are 168 new electrolysis baths. The enterprise employs about 650 people and their monthly wages averages above 700 thousand manats.

Prime Minister Ilham Aliyev toured the territory of the enterprise, familiarized with the production process.

Then, there was held a meeting with the employees of the enterprise. Hundreds of staff members of the enterprise, as well as public figures of Sumgait gathered at the meeting.

In his opening remarks, head of the city executive power Vagif Aliyev said that the residents of Sumgait were pleased meeting the Prime Minister of Azerbaijan Republic Mr. Ilham Aliyev in their native city.

Head of the executive power recalled that in April 2003, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mr. Heydar Aliyev visited Sumgait. We are under the impression of his speech up to now, he noted. Mr. President considers Sumgait as his native city, because the 54-year old City has grown under his leadership. Therefore, with great confidence we can say that Sumgait is his native.

Due to his care and attention, the City has become nicer and better. Sumgait lives its best times now. We are implementing the tasks Mr. President put before us.

One of the tasks Mr. President put before us was to abolish unemployment and restart the industrial potential of the City. Today, opening of new aluminum production branches and reconstruction of the old ones are being realized directly under the instructions and recommendations of Mr. President. Taking the opportunity, I would extend my deep gratitude to Mr. Prime Minister. I would like to assure him that we understand the political course of Mr. President and each of us feels care and attention of the head of Azerbaijani state. Therefore, the residents of Sumgait will vote for continuation of this course. This course, perhaps, is connected with Mr. Ilham Aliyev.

Permit me to declare the meeting opened and give the floor to the minister of economic development Farhad Aliyev.

Taking the floor, Minister Farhad Aliyev congratulated ceremony participants with the re-operation of the Sumgait Non-ferrous Enterprise, one of the leading and perspective enterprises of Azerbaijani metallurgy industry. He, in particular said:

“Development of the city of Sumgait, its enterprises has been always in the focus of the esteemed President Heydar Aliyev and we feel this attention now.

Rapid development of Sumgait falls just on the early 1970-1980s, Mr. Vagif Aliyev stressed. Late of 80 and early 90s, many enterprises suspended their production in the City and the traditional foreign markets were lost. It worsened socio-economic plight of the people.

Only after return of Mr. Heydar Aliyev to power on demand of the people, production activity of the enterprises in Sumgait were restored and new enterprises were opened.

During the visit of Mr. President to Japan in 1998, was reached a favorable agreement on a credit to finance construction of the steam-generator device in Sumgait and in a shot period the installment was put into operation. Currently, the installment provides the “Azerkimya” State Company’s enterprises with steam.

In 2000, on the base of the Ganja Clay-Soil, Sumgait Non-ferrous Metal Enterprises and Dashkesen Alunite Mining Department, there was created the “Azerbaijan Aluminum” Stock Company, which was rented by the Dutch “Fondel Metal” Company on a long-term management.

Before the rent, all three enterprises suspended their production and wage arrears at these enterprises totaled 1,8 million USD.

After the enterprise was rented, only in the Sumgait Non-ferrous Enterprise was invested some 26 million USD, 650 people were employed, and wage arrears were completely paid. Currently, annual production capacity of the enterprise is 30 thousand tons, monthly wage of the staff averages 740 thousand manats.

As forecasted, in the coming two years, 50 million USD will be invested to the enterprise, while the annual production capacity be reached 75 thousand tons.

In the passed two years, the “Azerbaijan Aluminum” Stock Company was invested at amount 42 million USD, while the arrears in Ganja Clay-Soil enterprise and Dashkesen Alunite Mining Department was completely paid.

Currently, enterprises of the Stock Company employ 3 thousand 400 employees and in the coming two years their number will reach 5 thousand 400.

Then, head of the City Executive updated on the enterprises that were restored. He also highlighted Prime Minister Ilham Aliyev on pipe production, on opening of new working places at these enterprises, on energy supply of the City, on favorable investment environment and political and macro-economic stability in the Country that also was notable in the plan of activities for the coming years.

Head of the City Executive Power assured the Prime Minister that the residents of Sumgait would fulfill all the assignments to continue the political course of President Heydar Aliyev aiming at improving welfare and economic power of the Republic.

I would like to assure You, Mr. Prime Minister, that the residents of Sumgait would vote for Heydar Aliyev’s policy on 15 October presidential elections.

Then, Prime Minister of Azerbaijan Republic Ilham Aliyev made a speech. He, in particular, said:

“Dear residents of Sumgait,

Dear ladies and gentlemen,

I cordially welcome you. Today is a landmark day in the economic life of Azerbaijan. Sumgait Aluminum Plant resumes its operation. To this end, I congratulate all of you. This is, indeed, an important and worthy event. As I was provided, the other workshops also will be restored and meet modern standards. It once again shows that Heydar Aliyev’s policy goes ahead and is yielding its fruits. Especially, development of the non-oil sector is an important factor for Azerbaijan’s future. As you know, things in the oil sector are good. We implement all the mentioned programs. In this connection, there is no problem and will not be. Tens of thousands of working places have been opened. Large infrastructure objects were built. Millions of investments were made. In the near future, after operation of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan MEP, the people of Azerbaijan will see what a courageous and right choice was made in 1994.

Development of the non-oil sector is priority of our economic policy. It is pleased that you are aware of the development in this direction. Minister of economic development updated on the things. This plant employs 650 people. The “Azerboru” Plant employs some 1200 people. Over 300 people were employed in other enterprises. The suspended enterprises resume their activity. The tendency of opening new working places will be continued. Sure, in the coming years, unemployment will be put an end.

We have all opportunities, natural reserves, the economy is strengthening, human potential is strong and the Government has a special program. This Program has been realizing. In the opening ceremonies in several enterprises I have inaugurated in the regions, I saw that the process goes ahead. New working places are opened. New plants, factories, social objects are constructed. Azerbaijan becomes economically stronger.

This, in its turn, will promote to attach great attention to solution of the social problems. We were eyewitnesses of changes in Sumgait today. Local authorities have done much in the City. Large construction works are underway. First question the executive bodies should pay attention is to create every condition for our citizens. There are issues that the local authorities should not ignore. They must be attentive and careful to needs of the people. In that sense, last times in Sumgait, there was done a lot. I appreciate it and wish new successes to the local executive bodies.

Social problems should be attached great attention in all regions of the Republic. It is necessary for future of Azerbaijan. I know that over 60 thousands of refugees and IDPs have found shelter in Sumgait. You also know that on the Decree of Mr. President HydarAliyev, a plan of activities are being implemented to better life conditions of them, new houses, whole settlements are built. I assure you that this work will be continued in future.

But, of course, for essential solution of the problem, the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict should be ended. We are hopeful that the negotiations will give result and we shall liberate the occupied lands of Azerbaijan. I reiterate that solution of the problem should base on the international legal norms. Territorial integrity of Azerbaijan should be preserved, and the occupied lands liberated. We have every opportunity to reach this. International position of Azerbaijan strengthens and we are supported. Of course, econ9my of Azerbaijan must be stronger to achieve these goals.

The enterprise we are opening today shows that we have strong potential. This plant will produce over 100 thousand tons of high quality aluminum and this production will be exported. In the coming years, it will produce 100-175 thousand tons.

Some like to compare. How was then and how is now. There was no unemployment than, in the soviet times, nor other problems. We were not independent at the same time. Despite all the difficulties, the greatest accomplishment is that Azerbaijan is an independent state. We should preserve our independence, our statehood. I am certain that as soon as we become stronger, there will be a great range of new plants and factories in the Country.

We shall do everything to open new working places in Sumgait, Ganja, Baku and other regions. We adhere the policy of Heydar Aliyev. We need this policy. The people of Azerbaijan also back this policy and I am sure that it will support this policy in the coming presidential elections.

Dear friends, I once again congratulate all of you with the restoration of this enterprise and wish success. Thank you.

Then, Prime Minister Ilham Aliyev toured the City, familiarized with the construction works around the residential areas, in the seaside parks, met with refugees, residents of Sumgait.

First Deputy Prime Minister Artur Rasizade, minister of internal affairs Ramil Usubov, Members of Parliament and other officials were attending the meetings.