Azerbaijani president gives tasks on infrastructure projects

In order to provide all regions with sustainable energy, “Azerishiq” has to carry out additional works, construct new substations and light poles, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev said in the conference dedicated to the results of third year implementation of "The State Program on socio-economic development of the districts of the Republic of Azerbaijan in 2014-2018".

He said Azeravtoyol has to implement 40 rural road projects: “This will provide comfortableness for people and contribute to economic development”.

According to him, the first stage of Alat International Sea Port project should be completed this year: “Regarding other transport projects, Azerbaijan has fulfilled its obligations on Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway and North-South transport corridor. We renew our fleet thanks to shipbuilding plant and can also provide Caspian states with vessels”.

The president also gave tasks to Azersu: “Intermittent water supply reached 80% in Baku, 65% across the country. This figure should be increased. It was 25% when we started this program. At least 50 villages should be provided with water treatment plants this year. On the other side, 150,000-160,000 ha of land should be supplied with water. As a result of these projects, our export potential will be increased. Works are underway for which products will be planted in the lands to be irrigated. Firstly, the domestic need should be met. Thereafter, the products can be exported”.

The head of state stressed that these works need strong state and public control: “It was asked to drill 30 artesian wells in Aghdam district. These wells will irrigate 1,000 ha of lands. 15,800 ha of land will be irrigated in Kurdemir, 4,800 ha in Hajigabul, 3,000 in Imishli, 8,000 in Neftchala, 8,000 in Shamkir, 2,100 in Ujar. These works will be carried out by local executive power bodies. New branch of Araz river will irrigate nearly 40,000 ha of lands as a result of projects implemented by Melioration and Water Economy OJSC. Totally, 160,000 ha of sown areas will be created. I sound these figure because the community should know about and have control over this. We for the first time entrust the district executive powers with doing a part of these works and these works have to be done”.

Azerbaijan should try to fully ensure its food safety – president

Azerbaijan meets its demand for beef by 95%, for mutton by 99%, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev said in the conference dedicated to the results of third year implementation of "The State Program on socio-economic development of the districts of the Republic of Azerbaijan in 2014-2018".

He said that Azerbaijan meets its demand for butter by 76%, of which 10 percent is an external factor: “The 10 percent in here is related to the packing. The packing is not an issue that we cannot solve. We meet our demand for wheat by 53%, of which 23% is an external factor. We also meet our demand for barley by 102%, for corn by 71%, for soybeans by 4%, for fruit and berry by 102%. However, there are some sorts that we cannot meet our demand. Fruit and berry are our important export products”.

The president said that Azerbaijan meets its demand for all types of vegetables by 96%: “Demand for potato is met by 86%, for sugar by 115%, of which 73% is an external factor. State Program has been developed for planting, growing of sugar beet. Demand for honey is met by 97%”.

The head of state noted that Azerbaijan should try to ensure its food safety in the period of independence: “Thanks to new lands, we can put an end to dependence on import and increase export. We grew 90,000 tonnes of cotton last year, but expect 200,000 tonnes this year. This sphere is related to the industrial park to be created in Mingechevir. Some factories which we founded in Mingechevir should be launched this year. By the way, currently, people are engaged in silkworm breeding in 37 regions. In 2019, 1,300 tonnes of cocoon are planned to be produced”.

President Ilham Aliyev also spoke about the development of hazelnut growing. He said that if 50,000 heads of cattle are brought to Azerbaijan, demand for dairy products will fully be met. The president also said development of bee-keeping, tea-growing is also paid attention. According to the head of state, despite the grain-growing is a strategic sphere despite its low-profitability: “Azerbaijan meets its demand for grain by 53% and this figure should be increased. Now, $250-300 million is spent for purchase of grain from abroad”.

President: Strong business sector created in Azerbaijan

A strong business sector has been created in Azerbaijan, the country’s President Ilham Aliyev told a conference dedicated to the results of third year implementation of "The State Program on socio-economic development of Azerbaijani districts in 2014-2018".

The head of state noted that Azerbaijan has created the National Fund for Entrepreneurship Support with the aim of allocating loans to entrepreneurs.

“Today, a number of countries are benefiting from our experiences. Infrastructure projects and social projects for business support are being implemented successfully within a single program,” President Aliyev said.

He pointed out that the main goal is to strengthen the independence of Azerbaijan and achieve sustainable development of the country.

“We want the Azerbaijani people to live in better conditions. Pensions, allowances and salaries are increased in this regard,” the president added.

Ilham Aliyev recalled that more than 300 schools have been built and reconstructed in Azerbaijan since 2003.

“During this period, over 10 theatre buildings, 20 museums have been reconstructed. The construction of Olympic sports complexes are continuing in the country. A large amount of funds will be allocated from this year’s budget for the establishment of social infrastructure,” he added.

The head of state noted that Azerbaijan has already become a country with a cosmic industry.

“We have launched two satellites into the orbit. Well-built cosmic industry is a great source of income. Incomes will surpass the funds allocated to the launch of satellites,” President Aliyev said.

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