Ilham Aliyev: Thanks to Shah-Deniz-2 our non-oil sector to have new business possibilities

Baku/10.01.14/Tutran: The session of the Cabinet of Ministers devoted to the results of socio-economic development in 2013 and the forthcoming tasks in 2014 took place under chairmanship of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on January 9, 2014.

President said that Gross Domestic Product (GDP) increased by almost 6% and the non-oil sector increased by 9.8%. The population’s monetary incomes increased by 8% and the inflation rate constituted 2.4%. During 2013 $28 billion has been invested into the economy, of which local infestments totaled $17.5 billion. At present Azerbaijan’s currency resources totaled $50 billion. 

Azerbaijani President said that the year 2013 will also remain in the history of the oil and gas industry. “In 2013 the agreements important for development and strengthening of the oil and gas potential of Azerbaijan were concluded. The agreements on TANAP were signed in 2012, owing to which in June 2013 the trans-Adriatic pipeline (TAP) was selected as the main route. After that another contracts have been concluded. All the contracts related to sale of Azerbaijani gas in Europe after 2018 have been already concluded. This was a very important event. At the end of the year on December 27, 2013 the investment decision on the Shah-Deniz-2 was signed in Baku.”

This is a historical achievement and our historical victory. This is the project of the 21st century. The project will bring Azerbaijan huge dividends – both political and economic ones. The image of our country will improve and our economic power will increase. Huge capital will be invested into the country . According to the preliminary estimates, implementation of the Shah-Deniz-2, TANAP and TAP will bring investments worth $45 billion. 

Considering that Azerbaijan already has both state and private companies, which have a great experience in the construction sector and implementation of infrastructure projects and oil and gas operations, these companies will get big orders. Therefore, our non-oil sector will achieve new possibilities in business.  We will try to make sure that Azerbaijani companies get the contracts, if they adhere to the appropriate standards, and proper conditions are created for these companies.

The project will turn Azerbaijan into a gas exporting country. Everybody knows that the project has been supported by the international community.

The ceremony with participation of high-ranking officials of the leading countries has taken place in Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan, as the initiator of the Southern Gas Corridor, has played its decisive role in it.

I can say with confidence that if Azerbaijan would not have assumed this historical responsibility and would not have demonstrated courage, foresight and principal position in the decisive moments, the project would not have been implemented. For ten years we have participated in various events related to the Southern Gas Corridor. I personally took part in almost ten international  conferences, events and meeting. But we have seen that there is no progress and advancement in this issue. For this reason we have taken responsibility upon ourselves. We understood that the project must have a leader and taken upon ourselves the position of a leader. This is a great responsibility – both political and financial. But strong economy created in the past years allows us demonstrating today our leadership qualities in these projects as well as in the global projects. Part of the issues related to Europe’s energy safety will be ensured, owing to the projects initiated by Azerbaijan. The project is very important and the years to come will confirm my words,” said Azerbaijani President.—0—