To participants of 21st Azerbaijan International Telecommunications and Information Technologies Exhibition and Conference Bakutel 2015

Dear participants of the exhibition and conference,

I wholeheartedly welcome and congratulate you on the launch of the 21st Azerbaijan International Telecommunications and Information Technologies Exhibition and Conference Bakutel 2015.

Azerbaijan is among the countries that are dynamically developing in terms of information and communication technologies. The country is making strides in building the foundations of information society in our republic. Broadband internet services, latest technologies, digital TV broadcasting are widely used, continuous work is carried out to establish E-government for ensuring modern management and strengthening transparency. The number of users of electronic services, arranged on the basis of a “Single window” principle, is increasing at a rapid pace.

The country joined the global space family by putting Azerspace-1 and Azersky satellites into orbit. Recognized by international institutions, Azerbaijan-initiated “The Trans-Eurasian Information Super Highway” and “Europe-Middle East Information Highway” projects are being successfully implemented. The establishment of technology parks, application of latest technologies in education, state support for innovative projects in the fields of production and investment contributes to the development of high technologies in the country and in the region.

This exhibition and conference, which have already become regular, have great potential in terms of displaying latest accomplishments and exchanging experience. This year the number of countries that have their national pavilions increased, testifying to the expansion of the geography of your event. I am confident that fruitful meetings between representatives, scholars, specialists of the participating countries, members of the public and business, as well as reports and speeches made at the conference will contribute to the determination of new areas of international cooperation.

I wish you new accomplishments in this responsible and honorable undertaking.

Ilham Aliyev

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

Baku, 2 December 2015