Dear Forum participants!
I would like to sincerely congratulate you on the opening of the Second Forum on Economic Policy in Baku.
Having achieved consistent successes in the field of socioeconomic development since restoring its independence, the Republic of Azerbaijan has secured a worthy place in the world. In a short time, due to the rapid development, the economic situation in the country has improved, the level of poverty dropped and major progress made in various spheres of life.
As a result of the ongoing effective reforms, our country has managed to maintain development momentum even despite the global recession. The goal of Azerbaijan’s new development strategy is to improve the well-being of the population, further increase national revenue and enhance economic competitiveness. This strategy is aimed at the effective realization of the country’s existing potential and building a diversified and export-oriented sustainable economy.
From this standpoint, it is worthy of commendation that in view of the contemporary challenges World Bank and authoritative international experts are showing great interest in matters relating to the assessment of future possibilities of our country.
I do hope that the useful discussions to be held during the Forum will create a fertile ground for the development and implementation of new concepts in the name of a future development of our republic.
I wish each of you success in your activities, hood health and happiness.
Ilham Aliyev
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan
Baku city, 2 March 2012
