To the participants in the 19th Azerbaijan International Telecommunications and Information Technologies Exhibition and Conference - BakuTel-2013

Dear participants in the exhibition and conference!

I heartily congratulate you on the opening of the 19th International Exhibition and Conference BakuTel-2013.

Azerbaijan, which has attained sustainable growth in all areas of the economy and in the social sphere, has also risen to the level of the rapidly developing countries of the world in the sphere of ICT. ICT have had a great impact on society in the country. 70 per cent of the population use the Internet, and half of them - broadband Internet. The latest technology and digital television are successfully being implemented and the scope of sectoral investment and private sector activity are expanding from year to year.

One of the historic achievements of our country - the placing of the first national telecommunications satellite Azerspace -1 into orbit, as well as the creation of a university and a state fund for information technology, a high-tech park and the adoption of stimulating measures create a solid base for transition from an economy based on natural resources to an innovative and technological economy. The adoption of a resolution endorsing the proposal of Azerbaijan on the establishment of a Eurasian alliance of communications at the 67th session of the General Assembly of the United Nations is a clear reflection of the growing support of the countries of the world for the implementation by our country of international challenges in ICT.

Ideas shared by organizations, scientists and experts from different countries at the International Exhibition and Conference BakuTel annually held in Azerbaijan create an opportunity for expanding business ties and studying advanced technological achievements and innovations.

The holding of this exhibition and conference within the framework of the "Year of ICT" declared in our country, the inclusion of the conference on cybersecurity and other representative events in its programme and the broader representation of leading companies in this exhibition raise the importance of the exhibition and conference.

I am confident that the exchange of experience held during the 19th International Exhibition and Conference BakuTel-2013 will contribute to the further deepening of effective cooperation between the participating countries and the creation and implementation of new initiatives at the international and regional level.

I wish success to the exhibition and conference.

Ilham Aliyev,

President of the Azerbaijan Republic

Baku, 2 December 2013