The economic development strategy defined by the National Leader Haydar Aliyev is being successfully continued by President Ilham Aliyev. As a result of program-based public administration, oil and gas revenues are used efficiently, the non-oil sector is being developed, and, most importantly, the social welfare of the population is steadily improving. The implementation of strategically significant infrastructure projects, the establishment of modern industrial zones, and the modernization of agriculture make a substantial contribution to the country’s comprehensive and sustainable development. Today, Azerbaijan is one of the key decision-makers in regional and international projects. Our country has become a leading transport and transit hub of the Eurasian region, as well as a guarantor of Europe’s energy supply and security.

The Head of State’s constant attention to socially vulnerable groups and his practice of spending significant days together with former internally displaced persons strengthen the unbreakable unity of “People-President, President-People”. On his most recent birthday as well, President Ilham Aliyev visited the liberated territories and participated in the opening of a number of strategic, socio-cultural facilities and production enterprises. Newly opened factories and plants are of great importance in terms of job creation in the liberated areas, improving living standards, and developing the non-oil sector.

Agil Asadov, Head of Department at the Center for Analysis of Economic Reforms and Communication, noted that the First State Program on the Great Return, launched after the historic Victory, is a vivid manifestation of President Ilham Aliyev’s political will and statehood strategy. Large-scale restoration and reconstruction works in the liberated territories, the construction of modern cities and villages, and the revival of economic life demonstrate Azerbaijan’s confident progress toward the future. The systematic and large-scale measures implemented to restore and rebuild the Karabakh and East Zangezur economic regions - now transformed into zones of development and progress - stand out as one of the most agile post-conflict models.

Over the five years since the historic Victory, the victorious Commander-in-Chief has participated in 569 events in the liberated territories, laid the foundations for 177 projects of various purposes, and inaugurated nearly 170 enterprises. Under President Ilham Aliyev’s leadership and direct oversight through on-site inspections, more than 240,000 hectares have been cleared of mines and unexploded ordnance; with unprecedented speed by international standards, three international airports have been built, over 2,100 kilometers of roads, 392 bridges, 42 railway bridges, the Aghdam Railway and Bus Terminal Complex have been commissioned; 38 hydropower plants, four reservoirs, and 14 electrical substations have been put into operation; one hospital, 19 general education institutions, seven preschool institutions, and one university have begun operating; natural gas supply has been ensured for eight cities, 20 villages, and one settlement. The “Dost Agropark” was established in Zangilan district, and industrial parks were created in the territories of Aghdam and Jabrayil districts. Overall, projects worth 454 million manats were implemented, investments totaling 185 million manats were attracted, and 1,057 new jobs were created. Combined production in both industrial parks reached 949.4 million manats, of which 39.5 million manats were exported.

Considering that, by the Presidential Decree dated December 22, 2025, the year 2026 has been declared the “Year of Urban Planning and Architecture” in our country, it is expected that construction and reconstruction works will further expand next year and that architectural monuments damaged by Armenian vandalism will be systematically restored. Given Azerbaijan’s rich architectural traditions rooted in deep history, it is projected that in 2026 these traditions will be continued and developed in a more systematic and comprehensive manner, with an increase in architectural landmarks. All of this may further enhance the economic development potential of our country - rich in opportunities for diverse forms of tourism - as well as that of the liberated territories.

Agil Asadov added that under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan today possesses a strong economy, a solid social foundation, and a clear development strategy. The achievements attained once again prove that Azerbaijan is on the right path - a path that leads to progress, stability, and a prosperous future.