After restoring independence in late 20th century, the Republic of Azerbaijan carried out radical reforms in public-political and socioeconomic spheres of the country. As a result of the policy of national leader Heydar Aliyev, in 1993 Azerbaijan started building a democratic state and market economy. Since then, serious actions were taken for socioeconomic development of all regions, oil revenues were directed to nonoil sector to end oil dependence. Continuing this tradition, started by great leader Heydar Aliyev, President Ilham Aliyev pays huge attention to the development of regions.

To take series of measures in order to renew infrastructure in regions, intensify development of nonoil sector, fruitfully use existing labor resources, natural and economic potential, increase population’s employment, reduce poverty, create favorable investing environment, modern enterprises, new workplaces, the State Programme on Socioeconomic Development of Regions of the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2004-2008 was accomplished in accordance with presidential decree of February 11, 2004. Huge achievements were obtained in all these spheres within the Programme.

To continue these achievements, State Programme on Socioeconomic Development of Regions of the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2009-2013 was approved. Implementation of the Programme brought to development of nonoil sector in regions, improvement of infrastructure, lifting employment of population, poverty reduction, improvement of water supply, development of agriculture and so on. Accomplishment of these programmes provided a basis to the intensive development of regions.