President Aliyev: Azerbaijan important agricultural exporter globally

By Azernews

By Amina Nazarli

Agriculture, one of main goals for Azerbaijan to remove dependence of economy on oil and assure expansion of economic development to rural areas, begins to gain momentum in the country with farsighted reforms.

Traditionally the main destination and the largest consumer of agricultural exports has been the CIS market, but in recent years this market has expanded to include many other countries in Europe, Asia and the Americas.

This was also mentioned by Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev at his visit to north-western region Gazakh on October 19, who stressed that the country has become an important exporter of agricultural products, not only in the region but also globally.

Attending the opening of Birinci Sh?xl? Farm LLC, the president got acquainted with the rural farming activities in the Gazakh region, noting that such farms will benefit greatly the growth of agriculture and the country as a whole.

President Aliyev said that the products grown here will provide for the country’s food security and ensure exports in the future.

“Thus, the development of agriculture will be even more rapid. Today it is a reality. Despite the fact that the world experiences crisis, agriculture in Azerbaijan has increased by more than 2 percent this year,” he said.

Speaking about the modern approach implemented in this sphere, the head of state noted that such methods will strengthen the country.

“First of all, we must meet the domestic demand,” he said. “We should meet not only domestic demand, but also provide for exports.”

At the initial stage the products manufactured in the farm, occupying an area of 151 hectares, will be supplied to the local market.

As part of his visit to Qazakh, President Aliyev attended and inaugurated several facilities. 

The president attended the opening ceremony of the 10km-long two-lane Qazakh-Kosalar highway after renovation and of the 110/35/6 KV Dash Salahl? sub-station.

The sub-station was built to improve electricity supply for the large part of Qazakh and is the fourth 110KV facility built in the western region of Azerbaijan and the 44th in the country.

The sub-station will also supply electricity to farms, plants, hospitals, schools and other infrastructure facilities in Qazakh and Aghstafa regions.

Then, President Aliyev also inaugurated a new building of the Museum of History and Local Lore.

Later on this day, the president visited western region of the country -- Aghstafa.

Here, the head of state viewed conditions created at the newly renovated Heydar Aliyev Center, inaugurated “Modern” furniture factory, which is an affiliate of home-made “Saloghlu” furniture plant and launched “Modern” furniture factory.

Following this, the president also inaugurated a Music Center and viewed conditions created at the newly-renovated Aghstafa Region Cultural Center.