KHANKENDI, Azerbaijan, December 30. Over thepast year, significant construction and restoration work has beencarried out in Azerbaijan’s Khankendi, a city recently liberatedfrom occupation,Trend reports.
The Public Relations Department of the Restoration,Construction, and Management Service in Khankendi city, Aghdara andKhojaly districts noted the recent data in their 2024 year-endupdate.
The report highlights the substantial work completed in theseregions, particularly in Khankendi, which was returned toAzerbaijani control as a result of local anti-terrorist operationscarried out by the Azerbaijani army in September 2023. Theseefforts were part of the wider mission set by the President of theRepublic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, to restore the economy,housing, employment, and infrastructure and carry outreconstruction.
Notably, significant progress has been made in promotingeconomic activity, attracting private sector investments, andcreating jobs. Hundreds of businesses are now operating across arange of sectors, including manufacturing, services, publiccatering, and agriculture. Investments worth tens of millions ofmanats have been made, creating employment opportunities forhundreds of local residents.
Among the key initiatives is the establishment of a sewingfactory in Khankendi, set up with Uzbek investments. The factory,which opened in November, is expected to employ up to 400 peopleinitially, with plans to expand to 800 jobs in the future.Currently, 300 people are employed at the facility. The factoryproduces both local and Uzbek raw materials, with 80 percent of itsoutput set to be exported, contributing significantly to non-oilexports in the region.
Reconstruction projects in Khankendi, Khojaly, and Aghdaracontinue under the direct supervision of the head of state, whoregularly visits the area to monitor the progress of theseworks.
On May 28, the process of returning displaced persons to Khojalybegan, with the first 46 families resettled. Additional familieswere relocated in December, with 27 families moved to the villageof Ballidja and 21 families to other parts of Khojaly.
In Khankendi, the population is steadily growing, with nearly8,000 residents currently living in the city. The government plansto expand resettlement efforts further.
Notable infrastructure developments include the launch of a newairport terminal in Khojaly, which President Ilham Aliyev visitedon July 5, 2024, to oversee its restoration. This project iscrucial for improving logistical capabilities in the region.
In addition, President Ilham Aliyev participated in thereopening of the "Karabakh" and "Palace" hotels in Khankendi,following extensive renovations. The President also laid thefoundation for a new Congress Center and Hotel in Khankendi,designed in a unique Karabakh architectural style.
President Ilham Aliyev has reviewed the ongoing construction ofthe Congress Center on Victory Square in Khankendi, along with therestoration work at the Bulud Hotel on September 20, 2024. TheCongress Center is being designed to meet modern standards,providing a venue capable of hosting events of both national andinternational significance.
As part of continuing efforts to restore and modernizeKhankendi, the President signed several key orders in 2024 aimed atadvancing infrastructure projects and improving living conditionsin the city. These initiatives are critical to ensuring the returnof displaced communities and fostering economic recovery.
In addition to infrastructure development, plans for furtherinfrastructure and urban development are already in motion for2025. The continued focus will be on creating a Victory Park, aVictory Museum, and a new cultural center to enhance the quality oflife for the local population. International firms like ChapmanTaylor are working on the city’s master plan to further developKhankendi.
Looking ahead, 2025 is set to be a pivotal year, with theplanned completion of key infrastructure projects and services,alongside continued restoration work in surrounding areas. The nextphase will focus on the return of former internally displacedpersons, further cementing the region’s recovery and growth.