State Program of socio-economic development of the regions in Azerbaijan in 2019-2023.

The State Program of socio-economic development of the regions in Azerbaijan is a national policy covering the period between 2019 and 2023. The main goal of the State Program is to ensure sustainable and balanced development of regions by achieving a competitive economy based on the principles of local sustainable development, social welfare meeting high standards, efficient use of natural resources, and high level protection of the environment.
Measures will be taken to increase investment and innovation in the regions. The potential of local economy will be increased through the application of advanced technical equipment and technologies and involving them in the economic cycle as fully as possible. The diversification of the economy will be achieved with an emphasis on products and services that have a comparative advantage and create added value, and competitiveness will be increased to increase efficiency. The development of tourism will be supported in the regions, including further improving the quality of services provided in the field of tourism.
In order to support the realization of the development potential of the regions, new SMEs will be created and the existing SMEs will be developed. The development of entrepreneurship, including SMEs, will be accelerated and their financial stability will be strengthened. The development of SMEs will be supported by the State through better quality, convenient, new style and modern innovations. The access of SMEs to state support mechanisms will be ensured through the formation and efficient operation of the SME Friends network across the country.
Social services will be strengthened, their quality will be improved, and their availability for low-income people will be ensured. Decent living standards will be achieved in the regions, including rural areas. The State Program addresses poverty reduction and social protection of vulnerable groups. Employment opportunities will be increased in the regions. Furthermore, the inequality in the level of socio-economic development between the capital and the regions will be reduced. Road and transport infrastructure will be developed in villages. Stimulating measures will be undertaken to improve the level of education, healthcare and other social services in the regions. Water supply for irrigation of agricultural lands will be improved. State support mechanisms will be strengthened for increasing agricultural production by intensive methods. The level of self-sufficiency will be increased at the country level with key food products.
The State Program emphasizes environmental protection and sustainability of natural resources management. The production of environmentally friendly products will be increased in regions. The use of renewable energy sources will be expanded in the regions.