DEVELOPMENT CONCEPT “AZERBAIJAN - 2020: OUTLOOK FOR THE FUTURE” Project education and services, to strengthen social security, ensure gender equality and to develop the family, youth potential and sports. The issue of poverty within the framework of the concept is assessed at the level of the concept of “multi-factor poverty” in line with modern approaches to the human development concept. Over the past 10 years, Azerbaijan has gained undeniable achievements in drastically reducing poverty. The settlement of the problem of “absolute poverty” in our country, i.e. the sharp decline in the number of families included in the category of the poor within the framework of accepted criteria is a result of the successful socio-economic policy. Within the framework of the current concept, the problem of “absolute poverty” will constantly be in the centre of attention again, and along with that, the expansion of the middle class and the strengthening of the role of this class is one of the main purposes. The experience of various countries shows that countries with a stronger middle class are more sustainable from political, economic, social and other aspects and have higher development potential. Quantitative and qualitative indicators linked with the population and its structure are the main elements of national power, and the protection of the gene pool of the Azerbaijani people, issues like migration and demography are of special importance in terms of national security. During the period covered by the concept, the country’s population will increase by 1.1 per cent a year on average and is expected to total about 10.2 million in 2020. In order to realize the targets stipulated by the concept, measures will continue to constantly improve the legislative base and strengthen the appropriate institutional potential. The preservation of cultural heritage, its effective management, the protection and enrichment of new creative results, environmental and ecological problems are accepted as the main priority within the framework of the concept, and it is planned to take the appropriate policy measures in these fields. 4. Towards an economy with high competitive power 4.1. The formation of an economic model based on effective state regulation and mature market relations Achieving the socio-economic targets set within the framework of the concept makes it necessary to form an economic system that is working highly effectively and has enough competitive power on a global scale. Historical and modern experience shows that such a system can emerge only in market relations based on private initiative and free 11