President Aliyev: SGC, other projects to support long-term, sustainable growth of Azerbaijan

By  Trend

Major energy projects being implemented today - the $40-billion Southern Gas Corridor and other projects - will support the long-term, successful sustainable growth of Azerbaijan, said Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.

He made the remarks addressing the opening ceremony of the international conference, titled “2017 – Year of Islamic Solidarity: Interfaith and Intercultural Dialogue”, kicked off in Baku on December 21.

The head of state underlined that Azerbaijan successfully develops, despite big and complex problems.

"We have turned into a very reliable partner in the international arena, a few years ago, we were elected a member of the UN Security Council by the votes of 155 countries. This was our great political victory, because then Azerbaijan was an independent country for only 20 years and during these years managed to gain recognition the international community," he said.

President Aliyev went on to ad that several economic reforms are being implemented in the country.

"Over the past 14 years, Azerbaijan has been developing more rapidly than others in the world from the point of view of economic development. Our economy, GDP grew by more than three-fold," President Aliyev said.

He said that Azerbaijan also carries out a very serious social policy, as a result of which the level of unemployment and poverty is at the level of five percent.

"Huge funds are invested in human capital. Over the past 14 years, more than 3,000 schools, over 600 medical institutions have been reconstructed or built, 12,000 kilometers of roads have been constructed and other necessary social infrastructure is being created in Azerbaijan. International financial structures very much appreciate the carried out reforms. It is enough to name one figure so that you have an idea.The World Davos Economic Forum placed Azerbaijan 35th in the countries' competitiveness rating. Of course, Azerbaijan is rich in energy resources, and we manage these resources efficiently, but the country's competitiveness is measured by other parameters, and this indicator puts us on a par with the 35 most competitive economies on a global scale, " said the president.

The head of state stressed that the society is positive about the future development of the country.