Azerbaijan

Dear Mr. Chairman,
Dear participants of the Conference,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
 
Let me express my deepest gratitude on behalf of the delegation of the Republic of  Azerbaijan to the host of the Plenipotentiary Conference – the United Mexican States for the high level of hospitality and extend my appreciation to the ITU and generally to all organizers for the high-level of organizational works.

I wish all success to the work of the Conference and to the countries, as well as nominees- nominating their candidatures to various posts at the ITU. I believe that with joint efforts of the member countries we will make crucial decisions on the future technological progress and development and these decisions shall serve to the development of our countries and the regions that we represent. As a member-country, Azerbaijan is determined to actively participate in these undertakings and contribute to the activities of the ITU.

It is undeniable fact that information and communication technologies (ICT) so inevitably impacting on the socio-economic as well as cultural and daily life of both developed and developing countries has turned to the most dynamic and promising sector of the world economy. We believe that any achievements attained through this sector shall serve to economic, social and cultural development interests of society, quicken convergence and dialog between peoples and expand integration between countries and regions. From this standpoint, the policy and activity run by the ITU is of great importance. The role of the ITU has been growing during the recent years especially during the tenure of Secretary-General Hamadoun  Touré for which I would like to thank Mr. Secretary-General and his team.  
 
Honorable Mr. Chairman,

H.E. Ilham Aliyev, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan has declared in his speech at World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) back in 2003 his intention to convert “black gold into human gold” and ever since application of ICT in the country has been expanding whilst ICT has been becoming one of the priority sectors of the Azerbaijan’s economy.

At the moment the process of formulation of information society is underway in the country, National Strategy and various State Programs were approved and are being implemented. These programs were drafted in accordance to WSIS Principles and Action Plan adopted in Geneva and Tunis and based on experiences of different countries in this field. Programs were prepared by taking into consideration characteristics of our country. Within the framework of general works these years Azerbaijan has organized numerous international exhibitions and conferences, symposiums, held meetings, as well as organized joint regional events with the ITU and other international organizations; Secretary General of the ITU as well as other high officials and specialist paid a visit to our country and got familiar with the works carried out in the field of ICT, local, regional and global projects and initiatives that were being realized.

For your information, I would like to emphasize the fact that in Azerbaijan the revenues from the ICT sector have been increased in average by 30-35% per year over the last 5 years. Internet connection fees were repeatedly decreased whereas number of users reached 50% of population 12% broadband users. 95% of population use mobile phones. Multi-program TV and radio broadcasting access was provided for the whole population.

Its special weight in GDP has increased by 2 % and share of private sector has reached 83 %.

Export of national manufacture has been ensured, relations with more than 70 countries have been built and various Agreements and MOU’s have been signed.

Developments in the field of ICT in Azerbaijan also drew attention of international and other organizations, especially ITU, Davos World Economic Forum and this in its turn enabled others to show this dynamic in their table of ratings.

Dear participants,

Azerbaijan is implemeting such projects which will develop its national economy as well as contribute to the development of the other country’s economies.

In this sense, “Regional Innovation Zone”, “TransEurasian Information Super Highway”  initiative which was approved by UN’s General Assembly’s special resolution, and “Azerspace” projects are diverted to renewing the infrastructure of the broad region in the future as well as to building a “knowledge-based economy” in the region. 

Honorable Chairman,

Since joining ITU in 1992, this year Azerbaijan nominated its candidature to the ITU Council from the  Region C as a country having been duly implementing its duties. I think, by continuing our contribution, supporting activity of the ITU in a new status –  we can be more transparent as a memebr of Council and to this end we call all member-states to support us in this.

Honorable Chairman,
Honorable participants of the conference,

Once again I wish good luck to the work of the conference, prosperity and development to our countries, and success to the future activities of the ITU.
 
Thank you!