President Ilham Aliyev has attended the opening of the Guba-Khachmaz regional center.
The head of state cut the ribbon symbolizing the opening of the center.
Minister of Economic Development Shahin Mustafayev informed President Ilham Aliyev that the construction of the center had begun in 2011 and was completed in July 2013. The courtyard of the center, which covers an area of 1.5 hectares, has been extensively landscaped.
It was noted that the exhibition hall of the center with a bust of nationwide leader Heydar Aliyev installed in the lobby operates an exposition called "The Guba-Khachmaz economic region: results of a successful regional policy". There is a photo stand describing the visits of great leader Heydar Aliyev to the Guba-Khachmaz economic region. The exhibition broadly demonstrates the work carried out in the Guba-Khachmaz economic region under the state program on the socioeconomic development of regions, as well as major socioeconomic indicators.
The center will be developing proposals on priority areas of the socioeconomic development of the region through rational use of the existing capabilities. It will host various activities on private enterprise development, expansion of business relationships and cooperation between business entities. There are also plans to provide business entities with various organizational and advisory services related to the organization of exhibitions and sale of locally sourced produce.
It was noted that one of the important activities of the center is the organization of educational activities for young entrepreneurs, small and medium-sized businesses interested in improving their business, and provision of consulting and information services.
It was noted that a total of 122 educational institutions were built and 28 renovated in this economic region in 2003-2013.
Healthcare and social protection sectors have also developed in this period. Over the past period, 32 health facilities have been built and 14 renovated. Thirty-three apartment buildings have been built for the handicapped in the Karabakh war and martyr families. These years have also seen significant development of the tourism sector. Currently, there are more than 100 hotels and similar facilities in the Guba-Khachmaz economic region. One of the most important issues is the health of young people. Over the past 10 years, 14 youth centers and sports institutions have been built and commissioned. During this period, nine water reservoirs, 175 kilometers of water lines and 120 kilometers of sewage lines have been built as well.
The road transport infrastructure of the Guba-Khachmaz economic region has greatly improved in the past 10 years. A total of 150 kilometers of new roads have been built and 450 kilometers renovated. Twenty-two bridges and tunnels have been constructed. New buildings of bus stations have been commissioned in Guba and Khachmaz cities. There has been an increase in the production of agricultural produce. Fruit production has increased 1.4 times, meat two times, milk 1.2 times and eggs 1.7 times. One of the main directions of Azerbaijan’s economic policy is full support for the private sector, creation of suitable conditions for its further development, and the use of mechanisms to promote the development of this sector. The loans allocated by the government and the work carried out by the National Fund on Entrepreneurship Support have been instrumental in private sector development. Over the past few years 1,321 the businessmen from this economic region have received preferential loans worth 109.7 million manats. As a result, 8,400 jobs have been created.
President Ilham Aliyev was informed in detail about a business incubator. It was noted that in accordance with the state program on reliable food provision of the population, business incubators have been established. Their main objective is to bolster the competitiveness of young people in a short period of time, to develop new business entities and to further improve the investment landscape by supporting small businesses. Thanks to this program the potential of young professionals will be used effectively and the development of innovative and promising business areas ensured.
It was noted that a 280-seat conference hall has all the conditions for conducting a variety of activities. Offices of the center are fitted with the latest equipment.
While touring the business incubator, the head of state was informed that the project involves 15 people. It is planned to implement the project over a period of 24 months. The first and second stages envisage training sessions three and eight months long, while another month will be dedicated to monitoring, analysis and evaluation of results. The incubator has all the conditions for the activities of young entrepreneurs. The center will operate small conference and training rooms.
After expressing his satisfaction with the work done, President Ilham Aliyev gave relevant instructions and recommendations.
