The Government of Azerbaijan reported to the deputies for 2009

The next plenary meeting of the Milli Mejlis (Parliament of Azerbaijan) today was devoted to discussion of the report of the Government of Azerbaijan on the basis of socio-economic development of the republic in 2009. 

The main speaker was Prime Minister of Azerbaijan Artur Rasizade. According 1news.az, he said that "Azerbaijan's GDP had reached 34.6 billion manat ($ 43 billion). Thus, the growth of GDP compared to 2008 amounted to 9,3%. GDP growth in the non-oil sector amounted to 3,2% ", - he said. According to the Prime Minister, the inflation rate in Azerbaijan last year fell by 1,5%. 

"Average wages in the country increased by 8,6% and reached 298 manat ($ 370.5). The level of the average pension reached 100,4 manat ($ 125)", - said Rasizade. 

According to him, last year's level of poverty in Azerbaijan decreased by 2,2% and totaled for the year 11%. 

In 2009, Azerbaijan's foreign exchange reserves increased by $ 1.8 billion and surpassed $ 20 billion. "Despite the global economic crisis, the slump world energy prices, reducing the volume of trade between states, Azerbaijan's economy has continued to develop successfully," - he said. 

According to him, government revenues last year totaled 10.3 billion manat ($ 12.8 billion), expenses - 10.6 billion manat ($ 13.2 billion). On the social needs the national budget sent 2.8 billion manat ($ 3.5 billion). 

"Last year, the first time in the history of Azerbaijan's oil production has exceeded 50 million tons, up 14% more than in 2008. It was also produced 23.6 billion cubic meters of gas, which is 300 million cubic meters more than in 2008" - said Arthur Rasizade.