Draft Budget for 2017 Prepared

The Ministry of Finance has prepared a preliminary draft of the state consolidated budget for 2017 and for the next 3 years. The documents have been submitted to the Cabinet of Ministers and the Accounting Chamber, the ministry’s press service said.

The parameters of the state budget are not disclosed. It is noted that the priorities for 2017 are:

- The continuation of social policy aimed at improving the social welfare of citizens, including the internally displaced socially sensitive groups of the population;

- Ensuring national defense and security;

- The continuation of investment projects, which began in the country and abroad;

- Stimulating the development of regions and the non-oil sector, support for small and medium-sized enterprises;

- Increasing public concern with agriculture and industry;

- Holding international events in Azerbaijan and in foreign countries.

Particular importance will be attached to servicing the public debt and liabilities.

The revenue part of Azerbaijan's state budget for 2016 was approved at the level of 16 billion 822 million AZN, and the expenses – at 18 billion 495 million AZN.   ----08D