Speech by Ilham Aliyev at the opening of Guba “ASAN heyat” complex

It is a very significant day in the life of Guba District today. An "ASAN xidmət" Center starts functioning in Guba. I heartily congratulate you on this occasion and wish you every success.

The establishment of an "ASAN xidmət" center in Guba is a wonderful event. This is our 12th center. Five centers have been established in Baku and seven in other regions, including Guba. “ASAN xidmət” has been operating for five years. During this time, it has earned the sympathy of the Azerbaijani people. Over the past five years, “ASAN xidmət” has received more than 18 million applications. The approval rating of “ASAN xidmət” is close to 100 per cent. I have repeatedly said this and I want to repeat it today: it has created a true revolution in the sphere of public services. "ASAN xidmət" is the Azerbaijani brand, the intellectual product of Azerbaijan, the product we are exporting today. Several countries are showing an interest in “ASAN xidmət”. "ASAN xidmət" has signed relevant documents with several countries and "ASAN xidmət" centers are already being established in several countries.

"ASAN xidmət" has also won high assessments from international organizations. The UN has presented "ASAN xidmət" with a high award in the field of public services. Several influential international organizations already successfully cooperate with “ASAN xidmət”.

As you know, along with stationary centers, 10 buses also provide mobile services. The "ASAN qatar" service is already functioning. Of course, we should try to set up "ASAN xidmət" centers in all parts of our country in the coming years. I want our people to know that there are plans to open three “ASAN xidmət” centers in the cities of Mingachevir, Sheki and Imishli next year. At the same time, the construction of five centers scheduled for opening in 2019 will begin next year. We want to have 20 "ASAN xidmət" centers in our country by the end of 2019. Thus, “ASAN” comes to all our regions and provides excellent services to our people. "ASAN" has its own rules of conduct.

I am glad that the vast majority of “ASAN” employees are young people. A total of 170 young people have jobs in this center. There are also more than 40 volunteers working here. Over five years, “ASAN xidmət” has engaged more than 10,000 volunteers. Hundreds of volunteers are already provided with jobs. The impetus to the movement of volunteers in Azerbaijan was given specifically by "ASAN". These volunteers have contributed a great deal to the hosting of prestigious international competitions in our country – the European Games and the Games of Islamic Solidarity. In general, it is a major and very honorable mission to be a volunteer. This demonstrates a person’s intentions. It shows that a person tries to provide excellent services to others free of charge. I believe that there is a great sympathy for "ASAN xidmət" in our country, which is also thanks to the activity of volunteers.

We are expanding the functions of "ASAN", and I have already signed corresponding orders. When “ASAN xidmət” started to operate, it provided only public services. Today, "ASAN kommunal", "ASAN viza" and "ABAD" centers are already being established, i.e. the areas that are considered a priority for the country, the areas where there are still some shortcomings.

As you know, we are seriously engaged in the development of tourism now. In 10 months of this year, the number of tourists visiting Azerbaijan has increased by 20 per cent. Last year it also grew by 24 per cent. The key issue that used to hamper the influx of tourists was the issue of visas. In earlier years, I repeatedly gave strict instructions to relevant state bodies to carry out serious reforms in the issue of visas. However, these reforms remained half-hearted. We assigned this issue to “ASAN”. I was informed today that 250,000 foreign citizens have entered our country using "ASAN viza" since the beginning of this year. There used to be major problems, shortcomings and drawbacks in the field of utility payments. Now "ASAN kommunal" provides perfect services to our people. The development of small businesses, family businesses is of great importance for the country's economy. It is small and medium-sized enterprises that account for a major share of the gross domestic product in developed countries. Therefore, "ABAD" centers are being set up in Azerbaijan to give an impetus to the development of this sphere in Azerbaijan. The products of these centers, farmers and family farms are demonstrated here today.

I have recently issued the instruction for an even more effective fight against illegal employment. This was also an issue of constant concern for us. The measures taken in connection with unemployment in Azerbaijan have contributed to its sharp reduction. We were faced with a situation where illegal employment had turned into a problem. People were provided with jobs but did not undergo any registration, did not pay taxes and subsequently lose social security and pension. After we assigned this task to “ASAN”, an excellent system was created. Five thousand people illegally employed in construction began to work on the basis of employment agreements only a few months later. Five thousand people is a lot. If we consider that 13,000 people work at Baku construction sites, 5,000 of them used to work illegally. Today they have signed employment agreements, will pay taxes to the state, will obtain official work experience and receive a pension in the future. So wherever there are shortcomings, "ASAN" is at the forefront in addressing them. Therefore, of course, I cordially congratulate you and everyone working in “ASAN xidmət”, I want to express my gratitude to you.

"ASAN xidmət" is the most effective tool against corruption and bribery. Of course, all countries, including Azerbaijan, must fight this evil. We are fighting too. Penalties and administrative measures are being taken. But the biggest effect is produced by systemic and institutional measures – these are the most effective measures. "ASAN" took this upon itself. All government agencies should adopt the attitude to citizens and the responsible approach to work practiced by "ASAN". "ASAN" today is not only our national brand that popularizes and promotes Azerbaijan. It also applies new, modern and cultural values peculiar to the mentality of our people and promotes them. Therefore, "ASAN" has a huge role in public life.

I am sure that this center will operate very successfully because every new center makes some innovation. Every time I attend the opening of a new center, I am informed of new ideas and innovations, and every new center has even more extensive functions. I am convinced that the Guba "ASAN xidmət" center will provide perfect services to all our people, residents not only of Guba but also adjacent districts. A total of 500,000 people can use the center's services. I wish you continued success in your work and congratulate you on this wonderful occasion.