Press Review 08/13/2016

Azerbaijani-Iranian relations, the situation in the cotton industry, social inequality, the growing number of divorces are  the leading topics of today's press.

The official newspaper "Azerbaijan" writes about a new stage of development of the Azerbaijani-Iranian relations. Expansion of relations with Iran is one of the priorities of Azerbaijan's foreign policy.

The author cites the economic data confirming the development and deepening of these relations - car plant in Neftchala, the transport corridor "North-South". The author also notes the confirmation of Iranian President  on the settlement of the Karabakh conflict within the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan.

"Azadlig" published an article on the situation with cotton production in the country, discussing it with expert Vahid Maharramov. During the visit of Ilham Aliyev in Ismayilli region was voiced by the volume of cotton production - from 30 to 100 thousand tons, and in 2017 cotton production will reach 250-300 thousand tons.

The expert recalled that  in April and May the government decided to expand the production of cotton. To do this it is necessary to increase the interest in the production of cotton,  and to provide  cotton growers  with water. There is no corresponding program. Without it  talking about the production of 100 thousand tons of cotton is unrealistic.

"Echo" publishes an article entitled "The Gini coefficient in Azerbaijan has not been calculated." "I can not call  exactly the Gini coefficient in Azerbaijan, but the growth of social inequality is evident. In particular, over the last year has been recorded growth of inequality in incomes of the population. For example, the income of 5% of the richest population doubled, while the incomes of 5% the poorest have fallen to the same amout," said chairman of the Center for sustainable development studies Nariman Agayev.

According to him, the income of the middle class of the population have not changed much. Basically suffered only those who worked in the service sector and construction. Their incomes have fallen, many firms went bankrupt.

  Meanwhile, in 2009, the Gini coefficient in Azerbaijan amounted to 38%. It should be noted that this figure corresponds to index of countries of Central and Eastern Europe. At the same time, according to official data, the income of the population increased compared to the previous year by 8.4% in January-June 2016, reaching 21 billion 493.9 million manats.

  According to the State Statistical Committee, the per capita income totaled  in averaged 2 million 236.5 manat, or 372.8 manat a month.  During this period, 78.2% of revenues, or about 16.8 billion manat were directed to the final consumption, 9.3%, or about 2 billion manats - on taxes, social insurance and membership dues, 2.7%, or 580.335 million manat - to pay off interest on loans, 9.8%, or 2.1 billion manat - on accumulation.

"New Times" published an article titled "How to stop the divorce proceedings?” The article says that the number of disintegrating families is increasing, the number of divorces has already exceeded the number of marriages. For example, last year, 68,773 marriages were registered in Azerbaijan. This is the lowest for the past six years.  At the same time, increased the number of divorces, which in 2015 totaled 12,764.