State program aims to slash poverty rate

The Azerbaijani government’s program targets bringing poverty rate in the country to the level of the world’s developed countries.

The rate is to go down from the current 15.8% to as low as 10% by the completion of the State Program on Poverty Reduction and Sustainable Development in the Azerbaijan Republic for 2008-2015.

The program, which was approved by President Ilham Aliyev’s decree on Monday, outlines nine strategic goals.

The Economic Development Ministry is developing a three-year plan of action on boosting the country’s sustainable development, along with fighting poverty. It includes activities seeking to increase the income of citizens, reduce unemployment, improve the quality of education and healthcare services as well as to address environmental protection problems.

A similar program was implemented in the country from 2003 to 2005.*