Shamkir, August 20, AZERTAC

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

The head of state cut the ribbon symbolizing the official opening of the branch.

The construction of the building of the Shamkir branch started in 2016, and ended in 2017. The building occupies a total area of 1100 square meters. 150 weavers and 12 administrative and other staff will be employed in the branch. The building consists of a textile workshop, an artist room, a warehouse, a canteen, a medical point and a sales room.

After touring the branch, President Ilham Aliyev met with carpet-weavers. The head of state made a speech at the event.

Speech of President Ilham Aliyev

I congratulate you on the opening of the carpet factory. It is a wonderful event. This is the second carpet factory to be opened in Azerbaijan. The first factory was opened in Horadiz town of Fuzuli District last year. A total of 150 jobs were created there and 150 people will be provided with jobs here as well. Almost all the people working here are women. The establishment of this carpet factory is a very significant event.

Some time ago, the "AzerKhalcha" Open Joint Stock Company was established by my order. The Company was tasked with setting up carpet factories in all the regions of Azerbaijan in a short time. Ten factories will be created this year, another 10 next year and 10 more in 2019. Thus, the number of factories in Azerbaijan will reach 30. These factories will provide permanent jobs to more than 5,000 people, the absolute majority of them being women.

This is a great initiative. After all, carpet weaving is our national craft, our national heritage. We have preserved this art for centuries. We rightly believe that carpet weaving is our national art. Azerbaijan is the birthplace of carpet weaving. This is a history that leads us into very ancient times. In various regions of our country there are carpet weaving schools, and such fine people as you continue this art.

Our carpets are displayed in the world's leading museums and in palaces of various countries. A magnificent carpet museum has been created in Baku. Additional measures are being taken to develop the art of carpet weaving, and the creation of such factories is part of this work. After all, it also means jobs. We have preserved our historical art and heritage. We also create jobs for women. It is also very important that women are provided with jobs, contribute to the family budget and keep busy, especially in such excellent conditions.

This factory meets the latest standards. Great equipment has been installed here. The carpets you produce will be sold both in the domestic market and abroad. More money will come to our country, and our country and the ancient carpet weaving art will be represented in the world. Many countries in the world already know that there are fine traditions of carpet weaving in Azerbaijan, and by accessing foreign markets, we are achieving this goal. This is very important for the promotion and popularization of our country.

At the next stage, we plan to create a spinning and painting factory, so that we could reduce our dependence on foreign paints. Issues of wool procurement are being addressed. At the same time, you know that silkworm breeding is developing rapidly in Azerbaijan. The production of silk carpets is also on the agenda. So the establishment of "AzerKhalcha" gave a great impetus to the preservation of the art of carpet weaving and to the development of the non-oil sector.

I am glad that the second factory has been established in Shamkir District. Shamkir is the ancient land of Azerbaijan. The exhibits and photographs displayed at the Historical and Local History Museum today show this once again. There is a large archaeological expedition here and the historical finds of the ancient city of Shamkir are already on display.

Great attention is being paid to the development of Shamkir. The city is getting better and better. I can say that Shamkir has become one of the most beautiful cities of our country. Creative work is carried out in Shamkir, there is landscaping and infrastructure problems are addressed. Four years ago, I attended the launch of a project to supply drinking water to the city. Today, the construction of a large hospital for 200 patients continues. It will be commissioned next year. New roads are being built. We have opened a road project today. The provision of electricity is improving, the level of gasification exceeds 90 per cent, more than 30 schools have been built and renovated. So comprehensive development of the district is ensured.

Shamkir District has great economic potential. Agriculture and processing industry are developing here. As a result of the commissioning of the Shamkirchay water reservoir, sowing is carried out on tens of thousands of hectares of land. The largest agricultural park of our country is being created here. The opening of a logistical center is also planned for today. The opening of such a beautiful factory is another contribution to the economy of Shamkir District. "AzerKhalcha" is fulfilling my orders very well. We have achieved the opening of a second factory in such a short time. These two factories have provided 300 jobs and, as I noted, the number of these jobs will reach 5,000.

I wish you success. I want you to pass on your knowledge to the younger generation so that the art of carpet weaving in Azerbaijan lives forever.