Speech by Ilham Aliyev at the opening of Khachmaz branch of "Azerkhalcha" OJSC

It is a very significant day in Khachmaz District today. A carpet factory is being opened. I sincerely congratulate you on this remarkable event. It is a wonderful occasion. This is the fourth carpet factory to open in the past two years, and the process will be continued. We should and we will cherish the art of carpet weaving, and the opening of such factories attests to the overall development of our country. There are more than 100 jobs here and over 150 more will be created in the future. All conditions are available for that. I am very glad that jobs are being created for women. In general, a lot has been done in Azerbaijan to create jobs. It is gratifying that women are also engaged in active work. Carpet weaving is an art cherished and developed by women.

Two years ago, the "AzerKhalcha" Joint Stock Company was set up on my resolution. It was tasked with maintaining and developing the art of carpet weaving and opening 30 carpet factories in various places of our country. This is the fourth factory, and a total of 30 factories will start functioning before the end of next year. Thousands of jobs will be created.

Carpet weaving is our national art, a national asset and treasure. The Azerbaijani people have preserved this art for centuries. Our carpets are exhibited in the world's leading museums. A beautiful carpet museum has been built and commissioned in Baku. So by developing carpet weaving, we have once again demonstrated to the world how talented the Azerbaijani people are. At the same time, this art attracts the younger generation, girls. Therefore, I am fully confident that Azerbaijan will continue to have a say in the development of carpet weaving in the world. The creation of jobs is a very important issue. As I have already noted, thousands of jobs will be created when these factories become fully operational.

"AzerKhalcha" also has another task: all raw materials used in carpet production must be of local origin. For this purpose, centers for the production of wool are being established in various parts of our country today. Cocoon-breeding is also rapidly developing, so that we could also produce silk carpets. A wool spinning and dyeing factory is under construction in Sumgayit. It will probably be put into operation next year. Therefore, there will be no need for importing raw materials from abroad any more. Azerbaijani carpets will be demonstrated in the world as fully Azerbaijani products.

Another important issue is that Azerbaijani carpets are of very good quality and have a high selling price. Thus, the carpets sold both in the country and abroad will contribute to the economy of Azerbaijan, bring hard currency to our country and develop our non-oil sector.

As you can see, by developing the art of carpet weaving and successful operating "AzerKhalcha", we are achieving several goals. Carpet weaving is of great importance from the standpoint of job creation, development of local production, local raw materials and promotion of our country in the world. It is no coincidence that Azerbaijani carpets always demonstrated in the exhibitions and presentations held in various countries.

I am glad that such a wonderful enterprise is being set up in Khachmaz. A lot of attention is being paid to the development of Khachmaz. We will mark the opening of a drinking water project in Khachmaz today. This is also a very large social project. Other social issues are also being addressed. In recent years, about 40 schools have been built or renovated. The central district hospital has been refurbished. I have attended the opening ceremony of that. I have also taken part in the opening of an Olympic sports center. In general, this is my eighth visit to Khachmaz as President, and wonderful enterprises and facilities have been opened during all these trips.

I should also note that other infrastructure projects are being implemented in Khachmaz as well. Gasification already exceeds 80 per cent. New roads are built. Both the rural road and the Khachmaz-Khudat highway will be opened today. According to the information available to me, seven road projects have been implemented in recent years. Seventy per cent of the population is already using new roads. This process will be continued in the coming years too. There are no problems with electricity either. Gas supply in Khachmaz District should reach 100 per cent. Such a task has been set and we will achieve it in the near future.

As you know, great attention in our country is being paid to agriculture. More than 40 agricultural estates are being set up. The first agricultural estate was opened in Khachmaz District with my participation. Currently, the Yalama Agro-Park is functioning successfully. Numerous jobs are being created there too. Of course, Khachmaz District also has a huge tourist potential. The number of tourists coming here from different parts of our country and from foreign countries is growing. There are numerous recreation centers here. There should be more of them, so that the development of Khachmaz District goes even faster.

Thus, the development of industrial production, agriculture, tourism and, of course, the improvement of the city of Khachmaz are very delightful phenomena. Khachmaz today is a city of museums and parks. Some fine landscaping work is under way here, so that our people could live even better, development could go even faster and our country could always be on top. Of course, your hard work is very important in all this. I heartily congratulate you again.