Speech by Ilham Aliyev at the opening of SOCAR Polymer’s High Density Polyethylene Plant in Sumgayit

I am very delighted that the absolute majority of those working at this plant are young people. I cordially greet you and congratulate you on the opening of the plant. The foundation of this plant was laid several years ago. There was nothing here at the time. The enterprises that used to operate here were out of order and were in a dilapidated state. The state took control over this territory and major cleaning work was carried out here. In general, the territory of the Sumgayit Chemical Industrial Park exceeds 500 hectares. All communications were laid and infrastructure projects were carried out to create a modern industrial center here. We have managed to achieve this. Today, numerous enterprises operate at Sumgayit Chemical Industrial Park, and SOCAR Polymer, of course, occupies a special place among them.

The opening of the polypropylene plant was officially marked last year. Today we are celebrating the opening of a high-density polyethylene plant. Thus, SOCAR Polymer begins to function at full capacity. This is a significant event demonstrating the development of our country. This is a manifestation of the confidence of foreign financial institution in our country because, as you know, foreign banks took an active part in the construction of the plant. In general, this is an excellent result of the industrialization policy pursued in our country.

The young people working here are well aware that the production capacity of the plant will be 300,000 tons. This means a 15 percent increase in our non-oil exports. Our main goal is to increase non-oil exports, diversify the country's economy, create jobs and achieve the creation of technologically advanced enterprises in Azerbaijan. In parallel, the operation of such large and technologically advanced plants also serves to train young people. You, the young people, have been trained and the average salary is very high. You deserve it. You will work in a modern industrial enterprise, which will strengthen our country.

The process of job creation is under way here – there will be more than 500 jobs. While attending the opening of the carbamide plant recently, it was reported that more than 500 jobs were created there. Therefore, the importance of these two important enterprises is extremely high. First of all, investments in these enterprises amount to $1.6 billion. It is a huge number, especially if we consider that these investments are made in the non-oil sector. On the other hand, the products manufactured here are export-oriented and the currency will flow to our country. We will receive currency not only from oil and gas, but also from finished products. Modern technologies are applied here, which has a positive impact on the technological development of Azerbaijan. Over a thousand jobs are created and there are great opportunities for young people.

In a word, the implementation of such major projects is of great importance and shows again that Azerbaijan is on the right track. When launching these projects, we certainly expected that this would lead to excellent results. Today we are witnessing that. The industrial potential of Azerbaijan will develop further. Industrialization is producing excellent results. Last year, industrial production in the non-oil sector increased by more than 9 percent, and in the first month of this year by almost 14 percent, also thanks to the launch of these plants. Of course, the development of the non-oil sector, the diversification of the economy, the creation of modern plants and factories will continue to be a priority. I am confident that such enterprises will significantly increase our industrial capabilities in the future and our country will always follow the path of development.

The launch of this plant is a great contribution to the overall development of Sumgayit. Today Sumgayit is the second largest industrial city not only in Azerbaijan, but also in the South Caucasus. Many modern enterprises have been established in Sumgayit in recent years. This year, several enterprises are expected to open at the Sumgayit Chemical Industrial Park. The industrial, economic and social development of Sumgayit is always in the spotlight. Sumgayit today is one of the cities that meet high environmental standards. We attach great importance to this area because, as you know, the ecological situation in Sumgayit was not pleasant in Soviet times. In this respect, Sumgayit was one of the most backward cities of the Soviet Union. And it was natural, because there were no modern sewage treatment plants at the time, and a large chemical center was created here. Today there is wonderful air in Sumgayit, there are public places, recreation parks have been created, parks have been landscaped, the Sumgayit boulevard has been built in a short time. This is also a great event. In other words, very important measures are being taken in relation to the general development of the city. Infrastructure projects are being implemented. Recently, an order was issued relating to the repair of city hospital No 2. There are approximately 200 beds in this hospital. Before that, we provided repair to hospital number 1. The level of gasification is about 100 percent. In short, the launch of such plants gives an impetus to the development of the city.

It is a significant day in the history of not only Sumgayit, but the whole country today. After all, any country can be proud of such wonderful enterprises, especially if we consider that the absolute majority of those working in these enterprises are young people. In other words, the younger generation of Azerbaijan serves modern Azerbaijan. Congratulations on this wonderful event! I wish you success. Thank you!