Press Review 09/24/2016

Strategic objectives of the national economy, the creation of industrial parks, the increase in crime and the issue of financial amnesty are the leading topics of today's press.

The official newspaper Azerbaijan writes the country is entering a post-oil period with a new economic model. The article discusses the way of economic development. The author argues that, to this end, a package of reforms has been prepared. He also refers to the strategic road map, considering that this paper works for the future. The author also says the draft state budget for 2017 has been prepared and submitted to President Ilham Aliyev.

The website Azadliq.info wonders for what money the industrial parks will be built. The author believes that to exit the crisis the government has not taken the necessary steps and the measures taken do not correspond to reality and are cosmetic in nature. Currently, the country is in serious search of finance. According to the expert Nemat Aliyev, the construction of industrial parks is more decorative. He believes it is necessary to eliminate the prevailing corruption in the country to achieve economic development. However, in Azerbaijan, the fight against corruption and monopoly seems unrealistic.

Novoye Vremya has published an article entitled Will Algeria Meeting Stabilize Oil Market? Within the framework of the International Energy Forum in Algiers on September 27-28, an informal meeting of OPEC and non-OPEC oil producers will discuss the issue of freezing oil production. How the economy of Azerbaijan will behave in the new oil rush conditions time will tell. But in order to insure the domestic economy from the adverse effects, to protect the manat from further decline and to ensure social protection of the population, economic reforms are urgently needed.

Bizim Yol writes about the rise in crime, while most of the crimes are committed by the unemployed. This opinion is based on information provided by the Interior Ministry in the first half of 2016. During this period, 14,251 crimes were registered. The number of crimes grew by 5.3%, compared with the same period last year. The article gives detailed figures of growth of various types of crime.

Yeni Musavat writes about the need for financial amnesty. The economist Gubad Ibadoglu notes that the population's deposits in banks have decreased significantly. In July, in comparison with January of this year, the amount of deposits decreased by 800 million AZN. The country has not developed a market for securities. The expert also notes that part of the funds taken from banks by the population flows abroad. Azerbaijan is facing with a daily growing need for investment. To achieve some positive changes, the expert believes financial and tax amnesty is required. -0-