Closing speech by Ilham Aliyev at the meeting of Cabinet of Ministers on results of socio-economic development in first half of 2016 and future objectives

- We have to work hard until the end of the year to meet all our objectives. I want to note once again: the results of the past six months show that Azerbaijan will successfully complete 2016. Of course, we should further improve our work on key priority areas. The speeches made today have also provided information on the work already done, the work ahead of us and the main priority areas. In essence, the ideas expressed in the speeches today identify the directions of our future work. In other words, they show once again that the industrial potential and agriculture will play a major role in our future development. The economic performance of the first half of 2016 is also very encouraging. I want to note again that our non-oil industry has grown by 2.4 per cent and agriculture by 3.1 per cent. But I am also sure that agricultural production will further increase before the end of the year.

With regard to industrial production, major projects are being realized. At the same time, the development of small and medium-sized businesses will further strengthen our industrial potential. Among the major projects, of course, I want to mention the projects being implemented by the Sumgayit Chemical Industry Park. A special place among them is occupied by the construction of the SOCAR Polymer complex. Large investments are being made there - about $700 million. Two years later, this enterprise will already be producing finished products. Dependence on imports will be completely eliminated and a large export potential will emerge. This should be the main direction and a priority for our future activities. We should also work hard to eliminate our dependence on imports and increase our export capacity. In parallel with this, we should explore and identify new export markets. Of course, for products sold on stock exchanges there is no need for seeking markets, but for other products we have to be competitive. There is a lot of competition for export markets in today's world. Major states and companies have largely divided the markets. Therefore, we need to make great effort to access these markets with our products.

In addition, we plan to put into operation a plant of nitrogen fertilizer in 2018. It will fully meet our demand for fertilizer, eliminate the need for imports and create a major export potential. The advantage here lies in the fact that there will be no problems with selling this product. With regard to the activity of the polymer plant, this should be the first step. After that, and maybe even now, the private sector may join the process, so that we could start the production of finished products. After all, the production of these raw materials will open up great opportunities. Using the opportunities of this plant, the private sector should carry out operational activities and pursue a flexible policy. If need be, numerous small and medium-sized enterprises could be set up with the support of the state in the near future, so that they could produce finished products in Azerbaijan.

Other large industrial enterprises are being created, and this process will be continued. But if we pay attention to the experience of developed countries, we can see that the economic potential there is determined by medium-sized and small businesses. We should also go this way, and additional measures will be taken for the development of entrepreneurship.

In Azerbaijan, there is an industry that has practically not developed at all. The private sector showed no interest in it and the state left it somewhat out of the spotlight. I am talking about the production of drugs. We are dependent on imports practically by 100 per cent. In recent years though, as a result of the measures taken in this area, the state has been playing a regulatory role. The Ministry of Economy together with the Ministry of Health have been dealing with this issue for over a year. As a result, the prices of medicines have dropped significantly. At the same time, there is already strict control over quality. Despite the fact that the rate of manat has fallen and we are completely dependent on imports, as a result of measures taken and state intervention in the positive sense of the word, prices have now stabilized. Prices of many drugs have reduced. But the time has come for Azerbaijan to begin the production of medicines. Appropriate instructions have been issued and negotiations with several foreign companies are under way. There is a lot of interest, because the Azerbaijani market is quite big. The population of Azerbaijan is approaching 10 million people, and there is a positive trend. Therefore, foreign companies are showing great interest. We must take advantage of that. At present, a serious program for the production of drugs is being designed. A cluster must be created. Thus, we will develop industrial potential in this area too and reduce dependence on imports. At the same time, we will be able to provide our citizens with high-quality medicines. I believe that before the end of the year all the negotiations and organizational matters should be resolved. This year we should start the construction of pharmaceutical factories.

I have repeatedly stated that there should be several industrial centers in Azerbaijan. Of course, Baku is the largest industrial city of the South Caucasus. In Ganja, Sumgayit and Mingachevir, there is a huge industrial potential and well-trained human resources. This year, we expect to lay the foundation of a light industry estate in Mingachevir. This will have a very positive impact on the solution to the problem of unemployment in Mingachevir. We will create a large industrial center. In Mingachevir, there are plans to build several major industrial enterprises. We will also develop the light industry there. Thousands of jobs will be created in the near future. Thousands of people are expected to work first in the construction of enterprises and then in their operation. Thus, we will create a new industrial center and provide people with work. Before the end of this year, we intend to lay the foundation of the first enterprise, and I am sure that this will be achieved.

As you know, we have been working for some time to establish industrial zones in every district. The first pilot project is being implemented in Neftchala District. Eight projects are ready for implementation in Neftchala. Investments in the amount of 40 million manats will be made them. A second industrial zone will be established in the town of Masalli. For doing business in the Masalli industrial area, entrepreneurs have been provided with 33 projects. The investment volume of these projects amounts to 31 million manats. This is a very positive development as it testifies to the fact that our decisions are being executed. I am sure that similar processes will be accelerated in other cities and districts of Azerbaijan because every district has ample opportunities for industrial development. First of all, we should provide ourselves with the whole range of industrial products. At the same time, we have to create a significant export potential and access foreign markets. This will have a very positive impact on employment.

The Joint Stock Company "AzerKhalcha" has recently been established. The art of carpet-weaving is our national heritage. Azerbaijan has developed carpet-weaving over the centuries. The Carpet Museum opened in the center of Baku, on the boulevard, two years ago is an architectural masterpiece. At the same time, it demonstrates our ancient art to the world. Unfortunately, carpet-weaving as an industry is not very developed in Azerbaijan. Carpets are woven only by those engaged in this business on an individual basis and capable of selling them both in the country and abroad. Considering the fact that we have great traditions in this area, that the art of carpet-weaving is a great heritage of the Azerbaijani people and we are at the forefront on a global scale, the decision has been made to regulate these issues in a consistent manner. For this ancient craft to continue to live, we have trained a large number of qualified professionals, thereby creating a carpet industry. By producing export-oriented merchandise, it will bring our country currency on a large scale.

All structural issues have already been resolved. At the same time, the Presidential Administration has been told to allocate space in various regions where people engaged in carpet-weaving could work. The instruction is being executed. The state provides and will continue to provide all the necessary equipment and machines. At the first stage, we will create a thousand and then 5,000 jobs. Employment will be provided. When we consider that it is mainly women who are engaged in carpet-weaving, we will succeed in providing women with jobs. In addition, we will export products. Thus, several objectives will be achieved here.

In short, the development of industrial capacity is one of the top priority issues. This year and in the coming years, great attention will be paid to this area.

In Azerbaijan, there is an industry that has practically not developed at all. The private sector showed no interest in it and the state left it somewhat out of the spotlight. I am talking about the production of drugs. We are dependent on imports practically by 100 per cent. In recent years though, as a result of the measures taken in this area, the state has been playing a regulatory role. The Ministry of Economy together with the Ministry of Health have been dealing with this issue for over a year. As a result, the prices of medicines have dropped significantly. At the same time, there is already strict control over quality. Despite the fact that the rate of manat has fallen and we are completely dependent on imports, as a result of measures taken and state intervention in the positive sense of the word, prices have now stabilized. Prices of many drugs have reduced. But the time has come for Azerbaijan to begin the production of medicines. Appropriate instructions have been issued and negotiations with several foreign companies are under way. There is a lot of interest, because the Azerbaijani market is quite big. The population of Azerbaijan is approaching 10 million people, and there is a positive trend. Therefore, foreign companies are showing great interest. We must take advantage of that. At present, a serious program for the production of drugs is being designed. A cluster must be created. Thus, we will develop industrial potential in this area too and reduce dependence on imports. At the same time, we will be able to provide our citizens with high-quality medicines. I believe that before the end of the year all the negotiations and organizational matters should be resolved. This year we should start the construction of pharmaceutical factories.

I have repeatedly stated that there should be several industrial centers in Azerbaijan. Of course, Baku is the largest industrial city of the South Caucasus. In Ganja, Sumgayit and Mingachevir, there is a huge industrial potential and well-trained human resources. This year, we expect to lay the foundation of a light industry estate in Mingachevir. This will have a very positive impact on the solution to the problem of unemployment in Mingachevir. We will create a large industrial center. In Mingachevir, there are plans to build several major industrial enterprises. We will also develop the light industry there. Thousands of jobs will be created in the near future. Thousands of people are expected to work first in the construction of enterprises and then in their operation. Thus, we will create a new industrial center and provide people with work. Before the end of this year, we intend to lay the foundation of the first enterprise, and I am sure that this will be achieved.

All structural issues have already been resolved. At the same time, the Presidential Administration has been told to allocate space in various regions where people engaged in carpet-weaving could work. The instruction is being executed. The state provides and will continue to provide all the necessary equipment and machines. At the first stage, we will create a thousand and then 5,000 jobs. Employment will be provided. When we consider that it is mainly women who are engaged in carpet-weaving, we will succeed in providing women with jobs. In addition, we will export products. Thus, several objectives will be achieved here.

Reports have been made today regarding the development of agriculture. Speeches have been made by the minister of agriculture and the chairman of the Open Joint Stock Company "Irrigation and Water Management", as these issues are closely related to each other. In agriculture, we expect to achieve major development. Firstly, reforms are now under way. Measures are being taken. In addition, there is a very serious scientific approach. I am sure that we will see even more impressive results in the near future. As I have already noted, this year there is already growth of 3.1 per cent. But we expect even greater growth. Of course, we need to use the land more rationally. Some proposals have been made here. I support these proposals, in particular those, related to animal husbandry. Today, livestock breeding is developing in enclosed areas. Therefore, there is no particular need for grazing land. It is necessary to make rational use of these lands in order to fully ensure food security and create great export potential.

In the old days, we, of course, focused primarily on food security issues because we were faced with major problems a few years ago. You may remember that even the signed contracts were not being executed, because we were importing grain and wheat. But then there was a drought in some countries, there were difficulties and our contracts were canceled.

It was a very serious signal for us. After that, we decided on the rapid development of grain production. Large farms were established and productivity increased from 23 to 30 quintals. Yield in large farms is 50-60 quintals. In other words, food security issues were in the foreground. Now we provide ourselves with meat. We fully provide ourselves with poultry as well. So those were food security issues. At the same time, it is time to pay serious attention to technical plants, especially when we consider that oil revenues have declined. We must, in a sense, compensate for that with exports of agricultural products.

Therefore, rational use of lands is the key task. In some cases, lands have been seized. Thousands of land plots are fenced. There is no activity on them. I have given the instruction, a statement has been prepared and submitted indicating the names of government officials. Some of the seized land is theirs. It is unacceptable. Land should be used rationally. If it are not used efficiently, it is necessary to take it away from entrepreneurs or other persons and pass it on to those who will cultivate it. Therefore, the Presidential Administration was instructed to make sure that there is no idle arable land. Local executive authorities are also dealing with this issue. Wealthy people should invest in agriculture in order to benefit the country and themselves.

Concerning crop production. As I have already said, we can’t fully provide ourselves with grain yet. However, I believe that we need to develop grain production by raising yields in the future. We see on the example of large farms that the yield can doubled. If the average yield of grain production in Azerbaijan reaches 50 quintals per hectare, we will not need new lands. We can focus our reclamation measures on the cultivation of other products, thereby creating new opportunities for export.

This year we have taken very serious steps related to the production of industrial plants. I want to emphasize the work of the Presidential Administration in this regard. The heads of local executive authorities have also worked very effectively. Of course, the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Economy are actively involved in this process. In a short period of time, we managed to create a major breakthrough in this sphere. Some figures have been voiced here. I want to touch upon these issues more broadly. For example, sericulture was widespread in Azerbaijan in Soviet times. But then we saw this sector almost completely collapse. As has already been mentioned here, whereas a little more than 200 kilograms of silkworm cocoons were produced in one district of Shaki last year, a total of 70 tons of cocoons have been produced in 25 districts in a short time this year. In other words, in a matter of 45 days people earned honest money with the support of the state. Thousands of people have earned 560 manats for their families over 45 days.

Today we have even more ambitious plans. It is possible to say that we have tripled the amount paid per kilogram of silkworm cocoons. Earlier only 3 manats were paid per kilogram, but today this amount is 8 manat. The process of planting mulberry saplings should go faster. I have enquired about this and have been informed that there are 354,000 mulberry trees in Azerbaijan. According to our plans, 1.6 million mulberry saplings should be planted in the fall. Ultimately, this will increase the production of silkworm cocoons from 232 kilograms last year to 1,300 tons in 2019. If people earned 560,000 manats in 45 days this year, in 2019 they will make 10 million manats. This is what the government is and will be doing. But let me appeal to the people living in the countryside: you should join this work too. It will be a great source of income for the state and the people. Thus, we can access world markets with our silk. This is also necessary for the promotion of Azerbaijan, for silk factory to work at full capacity and for employment. At the same time, people will make money and the state will earn currency. Azerbaijan will receive foreign currency.

There is a huge interest in the development of tobacco growing. A lot has been done in this area in a matter of one year. In 2015, tobacco was planted on an area of 1,400 hectares and on a further 2,500 hectares this year. This should gain even more momentum. Tobacco-growing is also a very profitable sphere. Unfortunately, this sector was overlooked for many years. Now we will restore tobacco as well. People engaged in tobacco growing in traditional regions should be prepared for that. The government provides and will continue to provide necessary support. At the same time, the state should and will provide support in purchasing tobacco.

Serious steps have been taken in connection with cotton growing. We are restoring and reviving cotton production, trying to return its former glory. Unfortunately, this industry also went through a recession in recent years. Last year, only 30,000 tons of cotton were picked from 18,000 hectares. As a result of the measures taken in just a few months, we sowed cotton on 52,000 hectares. This is why we expect to harvest 100,000 tons this year. Next year we should sow 120,000 hectares. We will apply new technologies and new irrigation systems. Therefore, the yield per hectare should increase from the current 20 quintals to at least 30. In this case, next year we should pick at least 300,000 tons of cotton. This will bring our country currency and provide employment. People who lived in the Soviet era will remember that at least two people worked on a hectare at the time. If there are two people working on a hectare, it means that 100,000 people will be employed this year and 250,000 people next year. I think that we need to fully restore cotton growing. The 300,000 tons expected next year are not the limit. We have to improve this figure. There is a great interest in this area. Currently, cotton is grown in 24 districts. People are very satisfied and express their gratitude. I want to say again that this sphere will remain a priority and we should apply the most advanced technologies there. A particularly important role will be played by the measures related to irrigation and land reclamation. Along with this, the Ministry of Finance was instructed to allocate large funds to purchase equipment this year.

A total of $360 million will be spent on equipment over the course of two years, including $170 million this year. Although we should save currency, it is necessary to invest in this industry in order to increase employment. In addition, this will pay off because the produce sold will bring currency and the debts will be repaid. Of course, the money spent on the purchase of equipment will also be returned to the state.

When one enquires about the production of other agricultural produce, an interesting picture comes up. It is known that the products that bring the most currency include hazelnuts. However, I should point out that the state has not provided sufficient support for the cultivation of hazelnuts. Last year, Azerbaijan received $90 million from hazelnut exports. After hazelnuts, the most currency is fetched by persimmons. We need to know this. These areas should receive serious government support. So I am instructing the Presidential Administration, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Economy and other relevant bodies: these areas should be given serious government support, so that we could increase the volume of collected products. Azerbaijan is in 3rd or 4th place in the world for the production of hazelnuts. Our products are in great demand. Hazelnut production is possible not only in the north-western zone, but also in many other districts. Therefore it is necessary to conduct a research in all our districts where there are favorable climatic conditions. The state should provide strong support for the production of hazelnuts to develop rapidly and for people to earn more.

Currently, the construction of greenhouses has become widespread in Azerbaijan. It is also very gratifying. Businessmen invest heavily in this sphere. The state also provides support, which has a very positive impact on our export potential. The minister of agriculture has said here that prices are going down. At the same time, exports of agricultural produce have increased by 27 per cent. This is a very good indicator. Imports have reduced.

I believe that importation should not even exist as a concept. We should probably allow imports for the sake of diversity now. Some people are accustomed to foreign goods and give preference to them. Therefore, we can’t stop imports. But customs duties should be applied appropriately, so that people could prefer local products. First, the money fetched by local products stay in Azerbaijan. Secondly, local products are of high quality. They have no chemicals or substances hazardous to health. Unfortunately, some foreign products do contain such substances. In order to speed up and increase local production, we should, of course, adopt some regulatory measures. In general, imports of agricultural products in a country such as Azerbaijan do seem a little strange. Therefore, we should grow quality products, become self-sufficient and of course, protect our domestic market.

The minister of agriculture mentioned here that the development of animal husbandry is also entering a new phase. A new approach is being applied. In previous years, we purchased and distributed purebred cattle to farmers. This had a positive impact, because the productivity of pedigree cattle is, of course, higher. Also quite positive was the delivery of cattle of dairy and beef breeds. Today, we are moving on to the next new stage. We will try to improve the breed of cattle through artificial insemination. This will take several years. All necessary measures have been taken and, as already mentioned, funds have been allocated the Contingency Fund of the President for this area and for seed growing. I am sure that there will be serious progress here too. We pursue several goals. First of all, we will continue to fully provide ourselves with meat, milk and dairy products. The second objective is that we are about to develop an export potential. Third, we will use the pastures for growing other plants. Every inch of land is valuable for us. Let me reiterate that we can’t afford wasteful use of land. Therefore, the modern animal husbandry techniques will have a very positive effect on crop growing. Of course, it will also be necessary to take ameliorative measures on the lands intended for crop production. This year, funds have been allocated from the Contingency Fund of the President for the drilling of artesian wells. On the one hand, it provides the villagers with drinking water. On the other, it is good for arable land. The artesian wells to be drilled this year will provide irrigation to 3,000 hectares of land. We have to go this way, and the State Investment Program should continue to envisage funds for land reclamation measures. If need be, we can consider this issue in the current year. We have funds in the budget. Manats are also available in the State Oil Fund. The State Oil Fund sells dollars in the market. There is now a stock of manats. The government should submit a proposal on how we can use these funds, make the necessary arrangements and not waste any time.

Azerbaijan has started creating agro-parks - in Yalama and Shamkir. This is a good phenomenon, but it is not enough. We should create several agro-parks in all our regions. It is very important and beneficial. I think that the Ministry of Economy should pay attention to this matter when issuing loans. The Ministry of Agriculture and entrepreneurs should also join this process. The establishment of agro-parks requires large funds, but entrepreneurs can cooperate and set up a consortium. This is a more progressive approach. The establishment of an agro-park in Yalama is drawing to a close. Work in Shamkir is also progressing on schedule.

The state will continue to support the development of entrepreneurship. This year, entrepreneurs have received concessional loans worth 73 million manats. 77 per cent of these funds were issued after the previously granted loans had been repaid. This is also a very positive fact. The state budget is not overburdened and 80 per cent of the loans are granted to the agricultural sector. This reflects our policy. 74 per cent of the loans are issued to the regions. The implementation of the regional development programs is well under way.

We are creating a strong non-oil export potential today. At the same time, we are taking and will continue to take institutional measures to boost exports, so that entrepreneurs were keen to sell more products abroad. A rewards mechanism is already in place. I am sure that this will have a very positive impact and entrepreneurs will take advantage of that. In other words, the government provides subsidies for acreage, fuel and fertilizer, provides entrepreneurs with low-interest loans amounting to more than 1 billion manats. The government gives businesses advice and provides guidance documents so that they could build their business. The state acquires agricultural machinery and hands it over to farmers through leasing, builds a fertilizer plant. We now plan to build a pesticide plant. We carry out irrigation work, create large reservoirs of Shamkirchay and Takhtakorpu worth hundreds of millions and billions of manats. We ensure the flow of mountain rivers through canals into these reservoirs. At the same time, the state is prepared, as a matter of assistance, to purchase products from farmers for shipment abroad.

In other words, the state is doing everything. Where else are farmers provided with so much support?! Farmers pay only land tax. They are exempt from all other taxes. In other words, it is hard to find another country where the government would provide such support. Of course, we expect a result. And the result is the benefit of farmers. Let them live even better, earn even more, work, invest and increase our export potential. I am sure that we can thus assert Azerbaijan in the world as a country exporting modern agricultural produce. Of course, we need to expand into new markets. There are very good traditional markets. We should try to access the markets of developed countries. And to achieve this, quality and standardization should, of course, be at the highest level.

One of the areas bringing currency is tourism. Here, too, we expect very good results, especially when we consider that a lot of work has been done in recent years to promote Azerbaijan in the world. Azerbaijan hosts international events that attract attention around the world. For example, the Seventh Global Forum of the UN Alliance of Civilizations has been held this year. This is a global event. Several years ago, a great interest was aroused by the "Eurovision" song contest. Last year there were European Games. So Azerbaijan is already known. Of course, a special place in the promotion of our country belongs to Formula 1, because this competition has an audience of 500 million people. In terms of its popularity, Formula 1 is comparable to the World Cup in football and Olympic Games. It is not inferior to them. Whereas a World Cup and Olympic Games are held in the same city once or twice in 50 years, the Formula 1 competition will be held in Azerbaijan for at least four more years. Our advantage lies in the fact that it is a city competition, and the beauty of Baku has already been demonstrated to 500 million people.

This should and will give a huge impetus to the development of tourism. And we must be ready for that. We conduct these activities ourselves. Measures are being taken to promote our country in the world. We have recently eliminated problems with visas. The service “ASAN viza” is being set up. Anyone interested in coming to Baku as a tourist will be able to get a visa in three days and come here without any problems and any other requirements.

The main issue is to create the tourism industry, both for domestic tourism and for foreign visitors. We have a wonderful climate. There is Caspian coast in the summer and mountain ski resorts in the winter. We have a lot of historical monuments not only in Baku, but also in all regions. We have a modern infrastructure, hotels and roads. So a lot still remains to be done in this direction.

I have mentioned “ASAN viza”. I should also say that over these years the centers of “ASAN xidmət” have processed 10 million applications. These 10 million applications are an indicator in itself. I do not want to comment on that. We all know that service at “ASAN xidmət” is at the highest level. There is no bureaucracy, red tape or bribery. There is clear, transparent and cultured service. It has been a kind of a revolution in the field of public services. There are already nine centers - five in Baku and four in the regions: Sumgayit, Ganja, Barda and Sabirabad. This year we will create two new centers in Masalli and Gabala. There are 10 mobile buses. A new project will start operating soon: a system called “ASAN Qatar”, i.e. the services will be provided on trains.

In general, the reforms in this area are paying off. The fight against corruption and bribery is yielding fruit. We will take administrative measures, sanctions and structural measures.

I want to bring another figure to your attention. As you know, I have issued serious instructions regarding inspections. People were fed up with these inspections, as they did not allow entrepreneurs to breathe freely. Very serious instructions and were given. In six months of this year, there have been only 56 inspections, excluding tax audits. For comparison, let me say that there were 40,000 inspections last year. Just compare: 40,000 and 56. No comment is needed. This is the way it should be. What is behind these 40,000 inspections?! People subjected to such inspections will know it too well. We have saved them from that.

So this should be the case in every area. Transparency and honesty should be the norm. Honestly, I am saying this with a sense of pride. But this should be the norm. This should be the norm, not the 40,000 inspections.

Another serious social initiative has been put forward this year. The process of building low-cost housing for low-income families is kicking off. The State Housing Agency, SHA, has been set up. Organizational matters are being addressed now. Lands are allocated and the SHA should start the construction of housing soon. This housing will be provided to low-income people on long-term concessional terms. This is a very serious social initiative. It should receive strong momentum. There is a need for that in every region and district. At the same time, this initiative and this project will have a significant impact on the construction sector, because it is seriously lagging behind. It is in the construction sector that jobs were lost.

Large-scale construction projects are therefore expected. This will have a great positive impact, increase employment and revitalize the building materials sector. So entrepreneurs should also be prepared for that. It is a long-term project. The activities of the State Housing Agency will start this year and will be continued. Therefore, all construction materials must be produced in Azerbaijan. A considerable part of them is already produced in Azerbaijan. But now the volume and the demand will increase. The private sector must also be ready. It should build its work so that we could implement our development plans. Otherwise we will have to buy building materials abroad. Of course, we do not want to do that.

Since the beginning of this year, we have been implementing infrastructure projects. I must say that work is under way on trunk roads. The Ganja-Georgian border road is being turned into a four-lane highway. Expansion work is under way. A lot remains to be done this year on main road to the Russian border. Our agencies should try to complete this highway too. The process of transforming the Baku-Shamakhi road into a four-lane freeway is ongoing. Work on the Baku-Iranian border is also under way.

In addition, the construction of rural roads is also progressing fast. Funds amounting to 200 million manats have been allocated from the state budget for that. In the suburban settlements of Baku, we are implementing approximately 60-70 road projects. This will also have a huge impact. We are creating both the infrastructure and jobs. Tens of thousands of people are provided with jobs in these projects. This process will be continued next year too. After a few months perhaps, I should be provided with projects for the next year.

Projects of drinking water are implemented throughout our country. In many districts, they have already been realized. A drinking water and sanitation project should be implemented in each district center.

These are the objectives ahead of us. I want to say again: I am pleased with the results of the first half of 2016. We are developing despite the crisis. The important thing is that we have very clear programs for each area. There are many other areas I do not have time to talk about. But there are specific programs for every area. However, the main thing for us is industrial production and agriculture. I am sure that all of my orders will be fulfilled and we will successfully complete the current year. Thank you.