Azerbaijani Parliament discusses 2007 Draft State Budget

Finance Minister Samir Sharifov said the Budget revenues for 2007 will make up 24% of the GDP or AZN 5.336bn, 39.1% or 1.499m up from 2006's.

The Budget expenditures will be 25.7% of the GDP or AZN 5.715bn, 42% or 1.690bn up from this year's.

The state investment expenditures are forecasted to grow by 53.5%, health expenditures by 47.4%, housing expenditures by 44.7%, education expenditures by 42.1%, social security expenditures by 37.8%, culture, art and media expenditures by 26.9%, agriculture, foresting, fishing expenditures by 11%. Minimum wages are intended to be increased.

AZN 271m will earmarked for the rise of salaries of 630 000 people, APA reports.

"The Budget envisages capital expenditures of AZN 2.227bn, 52.8% up from the Budget of 2006," he said.

Parliament will continue discussions on the Draft Budget on November 8, 9, 10.

Besides, Milli Majlis will discuss 2007 Budget of State Social Protection Foundation, subsistence level for 2007, amendments to the Taxes Code etc.