The Azerbaijan Trade Forum was held in Baku on the topic “Opportunities, current situation and challenges for small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs),” Day.Az reports with reference to Trend.
As the first deputy chairman of the State Customs Committee of Azerbaijan said at the forum Bahruz Guliyevelectronicization of transit procedures strengthens Azerbaijan’s position as an important transit hub at the regional level.
“One of our priorities is the simplification and digitalization of customs operations, which will reduce costs and increase the efficiency of processes. We are introducing innovative solutions and modern risk management methods, which have already made it possible to automate most of customs procedures,” Guliyev noted.
Among the key projects, the Deputy Chairman highlighted the introduction of new electronic services and the development of digital infrastructure, thanks to which the customs control system in Azerbaijan has become one of the most advanced and user-friendly.
“As part of our initiatives, special attention is paid to the development of the country’s transit potential. Electronicization of transit procedures and participation in international systems allows us to strengthen Azerbaijan’s position as an important transit hub at the regional level,” he said.
Guliyev added that in order to stimulate non-oil exports of Azerbaijan, relevant projects have been developed.
“Full automation of customs control and clearance procedures has been achieved. In response to new challenges, complete digitalization of customs services and the implementation of projects based on artificial intelligence are among the priority areas. As part of export promotion, projects have been implemented in important areas in order to stimulate non-oil exports and attract foreign investment into the country’s economy. Information about this will be provided in the near future,” he noted.
Adviser to the President of the National Confederation of Entrepreneurs’ Organizations (Employers) of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ziya Hajili noted that a customs forum will be held in Azerbaijan in December this year.
“The National Confederation of Business Organizations of Azerbaijan continues close cooperation with customs authorities. Issues raised at the established business councils are finding their solutions. Currently, our structure, together with the Customs Committee of Azerbaijan, is actively preparing for the customs forum in December this year. We are confident that The upcoming customs forum will become an important platform for dialogue and will bring significant results,” Gadzhily noted.
In turn, the head of the Association of Freight Forwarding Companies of Azerbaijan, Director of Hellmann Worldwide Logistics LLC Kamran Habibov said that there is a constant increase in transit volumes through Azerbaijan.
“But, in my opinion, now is the time for the next step. We must turn Azerbaijan into a regional trade center. This implies creating conditions for attracting global manufacturers who will be interested in organizing regional warehouses and distribution centers here. From here, goods will be able to be distributed not only to the countries of the South Caucasus, but also to the states of Central Asia. In general, international transport companies are showing interest in conducting their activities in Azerbaijan,” he noted.
It is expected that this forum will be organized in subsequent years.