Press Review 09/23/2016

Creation of industrial parks in the country, the international response to the proposed changes to the Constitution, the problem of non-oil sector, "imitation" of reforms in the country, and the future fate of the manat are the leading topics of today's press.

The official newspaper Azerbaijan writes about the successful implementation of the "Azerbaijani model of development". We are talking about the creation of industrial parks in the country. Heading into the history of the issue, the author writes that the first industrial park called Sumgait Chemical Industrial Park was established in December 2011. This innovation completely captures the essence of the country's economic policy, he writes, because these parks contribute to the efficient operation of businesses, as they are exempt from tax charges for the period of 7 years and can receive preferential loans. The author also notes that the other day the foundation of the Mingechevir industrial park was laid. There will be 9 factories and 5,500 jobs.

The website Azad.info writes about the anxiety of the authorities before the referendum. The author writes that the international community has reacted negatively to this referendum on constitutional changes as the proposed amendments contradict democracy. The author recalls the changes made to the Constitution in 2009.

Particularly indicated is the negative opinion of the Venice Commission. In turn, the Azerbaijani authorities have criticized the opinion of the Venice Commission, calling it biased and ordered.

Bizim Yol writes about the never-ending danger that awaits the manat, especially at the end of this year. The situation is commented by the economist Gubad Ibadoglu.

Echo published an article titled Azerbaijan Focuses on Non-oil Sector Development. With the onset of economic crisis in the world, the government of Azerbaijan has made a bet on the development of the non-oil sector of the economy. In January-August, the non-oil sector of Azerbaijan remained a brake for the national economy, losing the outstripping pace of development; the recession in it was stronger than in the economy as a whole. According to the Azerbaijani State Statistics Committee, as of September 1, 2016 the volume of non-oil GDP in Azerbaijan amounted to AZN 24,981,900,000, which was by 5.8% lower than in January-August 2015, according to abc.az. The total volume of Azerbaijan's GDP made AZN 38,027,800,000 for the reported period with a decrease of 3.1% yoy. The oil GDP was estimated at 13,045,900,000 manats in January-August. The author cites the opinion of various experts on the subject.

Novoye Vremya published an article entitled Reforms. And What Will They Be Like? Large-scale reforms are prepared in Azerbaijan. This was announced by the Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan on Economic Reforms, Natig Amirov, at a meeting dedicated to the discussion of the final roadmap. According to him, the strategic roadmap of the national economy will be the main document of Azerbaijan’s economic strategy for the next ten years. The Assistant to the President said there are rare cases in the world, when the preparation of such a document actively involves academics and the public, ‘Currently, the following documents are being prepared - a detailed roadmap designed for one year, the economic development strategy for 2016 -2020 and the action plan, the long-term vision up to 2025 and the vision of the target after 2025. The roadmap covers six main sectors in manufacturing and services, two social sectors and three infrastructure sectors,’ Amirov said. If the reforms are not really and fully implemented in the coming years, Azerbaijan will lose the chances to become a modern developed country. -0-