Diversified exports Azerbaijan's top priority in 2017 - Aliyev
BAKU. Jan 13 (Interfax) - The Azerbaijani economy has practically been diversified, and diversified exports will be Azerbaijan's top priority in 2017, President Ilham Aliyev said.
"I believe that 2017 will be a year of economic growth in Azerbaijan. We will carry on efficient economic reforms. At the same time, we will be spending more on social initiatives," Aliyev said in an article titled 'Economic priorities of Azerbaijan in 2017' published on the official website of the World Economic Forum.
"Diversification of our economy has practically been accomplished. The non-petroleum sector accounts for nearly 70% of the country's GDP. Our primary objective for today is diversification of exports," he said.
The goal will be achieved through the measures taken in 2016, he said. "Azerbaijan ranks 37th in the World Economic Forum's Global Competitiveness Report (it is the first amongst CIS countries). We intend to foster this progress," he said.
Today's success of Azerbaijan is rooted in comprehensive special and targeted efforts of the past few years, the president said. "Projects of a global significance implemented in various economic sectors, including energy, have not just strengthened our country but have also contributed to regional and international cooperation," he said.
The supply of Azerbaijani natural gas to European markets via the Southern Gas Corridor project initiated by Azerbaijan will make an important contribution to European energy security, Aliyev said.
"The project has ensured the accomplishment of 87% of works in Shah Deniz Stage 2, 72% of works in the expansion of the South Caucasus gas pipeline, 60% of works in the construction of the Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline (TANAP), and 30% of works in the construction of the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP). Shah Deniz is a major gas field in the world with the proven reserves of at least 1.2 trillion cubic meters of natural gas," Aliyev said.