Azerbaijani president lays foundation stone, inaugurates key projects in Aghdam District PHOTO/UPDATED

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev marked a significant day for the Aghdam district by laying the foundation stone for the village of Eyvazkhanbeyli on September 19, 2024.  

Accompanied by his son, Heydar Aliyev, the President was briefed by Emin Huseynov, the Special Representative of the President in the Aghdam, Fuzuli, and Khojavand districts, on the village's comprehensive development plans, Caliber.Az reports via Azertag.

The new village will cover nearly 300 hectares and is designed to integrate with neighboring villages, including Shishpapaglar and Kosalar. The first phase of construction will feature 427 homes, accommodating approximately 1,563 residents, alongside essential facilities such as schools, a kindergarten, a medical center, and recreational areas, all aimed at promoting local employment.

Following the foundation ceremony, President Aliyev examined ongoing reconstruction efforts in Kangarli village, also located in Aghdam. He received updates on the progress of this extensive reconstruction project, which aims to house 2,544 people over 177.2 hectares. Notably, the groundwork for 292 homes is nearing completion, with many homes already equipped with exterior finishes and undergoing interior decoration.

The President also visited the Aghdam Industrial Park, where he inaugurated several new plants. Briefed by Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov, he learned that the park has attracted significant investments exceeding 238 million manats ($140 million), with 27 business entities granted residency. The industrial park is expected to create around 2,090 jobs, contributing to the region's economic revival.

Among the inaugurated facilities was the Footwear Manufacturing Plant owned by “BAFCO Invest” LLC. This plant, which utilizes advanced German technologies, is set to produce 510,000 pairs of shoes annually, with a focus on both domestic and international markets. The President officially launched the plant, highlighting its potential to create 120 local jobs.

Additionally, President Aliyev opened several other plants within the industrial park, including those producing electric distribution equipment, automation systems, and wallpapers. Each facility is poised to boost local employment and cater to both domestic and international markets, further strengthening the region’s economic infrastructure.

In a significant cultural development, President Aliyev inaugurated the restored Imarat Complex in Aghdam, which includes the historical palace of Panahali Khan, the founder of the Karabakh Khanate. This restoration, which commenced in 2023, aims to preserve the cultural heritage that suffered extensive damage during the conflict. The complex now includes ceremonial buildings, mausoleums, and a park dedicated to the famed Karabakh horses.

The day continued with the inauguration of the Aghdam City Hotel, a modern establishment designed to support the region’s hospitality sector, and the laying of the foundation stone for the “Imarat” stadium, intended to host 11,700 spectators and enhance the local sports infrastructure.

President Aliyev also visited Khidirli village, where he inspected ongoing reconstruction efforts and emphasized the importance of local employment opportunities through diverse development projects. Additionally, he reviewed progress on the Aghdam-Asgaran-Khojaly-Khankendi highway, a critical infrastructure project expected to improve regional connectivity and support agriculture and tourism.

These initiatives reflect Azerbaijan's commitment to revitalizing the Aghdam district, promoting sustainable development, and restoring the region's rich cultural heritage.