DEVELOPMENT CONCEPT “AZERBAIJAN - 2020: OUTLOOK FOR THE FUTURE” Project Special attention will be paid to the division of state resources between priority state services and to their efficient and economical use. As an important and integral part of democratic and transparent governance and in line with the principles of equality, neutrality and openness, citizens’ rights to access information disseminated by the state will increase and a number of services in the state sector will be handed over to private enterprises specializing in appropriate spheres. In line with the concept, complex measures will continue to improve methods and mechanisms of governance in government agencies and to ensure that citizens and organizations can use services in a simple, easy and free manner, while the number of state services provided to the public through electronic channels will increase. Necessary measures will continue to protect the domestic market from hazardous products, to eliminate technical obstacles in trade, bring the system of standardization, which is of importance in the development of trade, in line with international requirements and to improve and develop it. Based on international experience, it is planned that every government agency and enterprise will prepare and implement a strategic plan in order to determine the priority development goals of government agencies and enterprises in spheres of activity, to bring those goals in line with relevant state programmes and effectively implement them. 9. The development of civil society The rapid socio-economic development of Azerbaijan and the ensuring of national interests make it necessary to deepen democracy even further, constantly modernize relations between the state and civil society institutions and stimulate the activities of NGOs. During the period when the concept is implemented, the development of civil society and the state policy to enhance cooperation between government agencies and civil society institutions will continue. To this end, “a national action plan on the development of civil society” will be prepared and implemented. The programme will provide for the preparation and adoption of new legislative acts that stimulate the development of civil society and the support of the state and private sector for civil society, an increase in financial aid to NGO projects and programmes, the creation of “NGO houses” and education centres and other issues. NGOs’ substantiated proposals on the improvement of mechanisms of cooperation between the state and public organizations and on alternative solutions to problems in various spheres of public life will be the focus of attention. NGOs will be involved in the preparation of state programmes of special importance and will closely participate in the 29