Speech by Ilham Aliyev at the opening of the Heydar Aliyev Center in Siyazan

Let me heartily congratulate you on the opening of the Heydar Aliyev Center. This is a wonderful Center, a beautiful square. The Center has photographs reflecting the life and work of the great leader. At the same time, there will be various clubs here. In other words, the Center will serve district residents.

I have been shown a small presentation about the development of Siyazan District. I endorse and approve these plans. I am very pleased that the new executive authorities of the district have prepared specific proposals on a comprehensive development of the district over a short period of time. I believe that the appearance of Siyazan District and the district center will change completely in a short period of time, in a matter of a few years. So Siyazan will turn into a modern and beautiful district center. Of course, creative and landscaping work should also be carried out in the villages.

As you know, extensive creative work has been under way in Azerbaijan in recent years. There is recovery and development in every district, specific projects are implemented. I want this work to be done at a high level everywhere, in every district. First of all, we must quickly eliminate the problems worrying people, and concrete steps have been taken in this direction. We can see this in Siyazan District: infrastructure projects are implemented, roads are built, the highway has been built, and it is very comfortable to travel to Baku now. At the same time, extra measures should and will be taken to build rural roads. Power supply – there are no problems with that. A gasification program is being implemented.

As you know, gas supply in Siyazan has always been better than in other districts. But we have set the goal of laying gas lines to all villages. We are working on that now. Work on water supply and sanitation projects is ongoing, and this program also covers practically all our districts. The problems accumulated in Azerbaijan over many years should be finally resolved. Drinking water and sanitation projects are either being implemented or prepared for implementation everywhere.

Extensive work has been carried out in Siyazan District to renew the social infrastructure. Several schools have been built and renovated. Other schools in need of renovation should also be renovated in the coming years. According to my information, there are no serious employment problems in Siyazan District. There have traditionally been a lot of people working in the oil industry here. A broiler factory was once set up here at the initiative of the great leader.

It is now playing a significant role in the creation of jobs. However, Azerbaijan’s population is growing, and no matter how many new jobs are created, there is always a need for more. So there are specific programs to improve the business environment, stimulate business people, provide credits and solve all other issues.

We must take advantage of the tourist opportunities available in Siyazan District. This district has a great tourist potential. It has a large coastal area, great air and mountains.

Large complexes, hotels, recreation areas and parks are established in attractive natural conditions throughout Azerbaijan these days. Of course, we need to engage the private sector in this work. But you all know that the development of tourism is impossible without the infrastructure. Therefore, infrastructure projects should be implemented everywhere, in every district, roads should be built and modern architectural experience used. I think the proposals on further development of the district that are reflected on the stands I have been shown deserve approval.
Of course, we should do this work together – the public, representatives of the executive authority, leaders of the state. We are strengthening and developing our country. Today, Azerbaijan is among world leaders for the pace of socioeconomic development.

You will know from the media that some countries are now experiencing a second wave of the financial and economic crisis. In Azerbaijan, we see a completely different picture. The citizen of Azerbaijan is at the center of our policy. All our work serves one goal: to enable the citizens of Azerbaijan to live better. As a result of the pension reform conducted this year, the pensions of about 900,000 people have been raised by an average of 40 per cent.

Developed countries are cutting social benefits, social programs are curtailed, wages reduced, public sector jobs axed. At the same time, we in Azerbaijan are opening jobs, raising wages and pensions and implementing social programs. Not a single social program has been delayed or cut.

We have also been affected by the crisis. The sharp drop of the oil price in 2008, 2009 and even in 2010 created problems for us too. But we found a way out of this situation, as we have already developed the non-oil sector. If we look at our economic indicators, we will see that the non-oil sector grew by 6 per cent in six months of this year. Of course, these are statistical figures but they are underpinned by hard work, consistent policies and a strategic course. The development of all our districts contributes to the comprehensive development of the country.

Azerbaijan has both large and small districts. There are even districts with a population of 100,000 or 200,000 people. In terms of its population, Siyazan is a small district. Despite that, Siyazan is given the same attention as districts with larger populations. This is confirmed by the work carried out here. I should also note that the construction of hospitals has gained momentum in this region. The foundation of this program was also laid here. In 2004, the first district hospital was opened in Siyazan, and I remember attending its opening.

Let me salute and wish you all further success. A new head of your district has been appointed. He has received all the instructions to work actively, always be in touch with you and solve your problems. Siyazan District should become one of the most advanced Azerbaijani districts in a short period of time. Of course, you also need to participate in all these affairs.