August 12
Azerbaijan signs contracts with entrepreneurs to finance start-up projects
The State Fund of Information Technologies of Azerbaijan has signed a contract with entrepreneurs in the IT sector on grant funding of 31 startup projects.
The fund noted that these projects have already been evaluated by the expert group on the criteria approved by the Supervisory Board of the State Fund.
The projects to receive public funding cover the areas of high-tech, e-payment, software applications, the air navigation system, e-government, e-commerce, as well as projects in education, health and others.
The maximum grant amount can reach 300 thousand manats (for 36 months). Small grants are provided in size from 10 thousand to 100 thousand manats, medium - from 100 thousand to 200 thousand manats, and large - from 200 thousand to 300 thousand manats.
August 13
Two more countries asking Azerbaijan initial negotiating rights within WTO
Dominican Republic and Honduras wish to obtain initial negotiating rights (INRs) from Azerbaijan as part of talks on the country's joining the World Trade Organization (WTO), Azerbaijani Deputy Foreign Minister Mahmud Mammadguliyev said.
Mammadguliyev, who is also the head of the negotiation group on Azerbaijan's accession to the WTO, added that these countries are willing to obtain the INRs if Azerbaijan changes tariffs on some commodity items so that they can be the first to negotiate this issue.
"We are currently studying this issue, because such a right can not be given to all countries," Mammadguliyev said. "We will see on which goods it will be possible to provide such a right, and will make a decision based on current practices."
The initial negotiating rights are granted to a country if the share of its exported goods exceeds 30 percent in total imports.
Azerbaijan prepares bill on public information systems and resources
The Azerbaijani Ministry of Communications and High Technologies and the State Agency for Public Service and Social Innovations under the president of Azerbaijan prepared a draft bill "On public information systems and information resources".
The draft bill has been prepared and submitted to the government in accordance with paragraph 2.2 of the decree of the president of Azerbaijan dated February 5, 2013 "On approval of the "e-government" portal and measures of extension of electronic services".
The main criteria for the formation, management and security of the public information systems and resources indicted in the bill are their integration and elimination, identification of the rights and duties of entities of public information systems and resources, as well as regulation of the issues arising in relationships created between them, the report says.
August 14
Georgia, Azerbaijan plan to hold agricultural forum
Azerbaijan intends to study Georgia's experience in agriculture, Azerbaijani agriculture ministry's delegation members said at a meeting with Otar Danelia, Georgia's Agriculture Minister.
Georgian side briefed Azerbaijani delegation on the projects that have been implemented in the country in recent years in order to develop the agricultural sector.
The parties also discussed projects implemented by Azerbaijan in the irrigation system, introduction of new technologies, and procurement of European-made equipment for the agricultural sector.
Georgian side also expressed special interest in Azerbaijan's experience in agricultural leasing.
August 15
Azerbaijan's ore to go to European markets in 2015
Russian Electrostal Heavy Engineering Works OJSC and Dashkesan Ore-Dressing Plant OJSC signed a contract. The Dashkesan Ore-Dressing Plant is a structural unit of the Azerbaijan Steel Production Complex CJSC.
Under the contract, modern equipment and spare parts will be purchased from Russia for the Dashkesan Plant. The equipment and spare parts will be used to modernize of the production process. "Following the works, the iron ore concentrate's quality will rise from 60 to 66-67 percent, being accompanied with an increase in production capacity. This will allow the plant's products to go to European markets in 2015," according to the message.
During its visit to Russia, the Azerbaijani delegation also got acquainted with the production process at two enterprises - the Lebedinsky GOK and Oskol Electric and Steel Works, which are owned by the company 'Metalloinvest'.
U.S. invites Azerbaijan to discuss specific programs in customs sphere
Starting from November 1, 2014 the number of documents to be submitted to the customs authorities of Azerbaijan during the execution of the foreign operations will be reduced to three, says a statement released by the State Customs Committee (SCC).
The statement was released after a meeting of the chairman of the State Committee Aydin Aliyev with Charge d'Affaires in Azerbaijan Derek Hogan.
At present, citizens should submit eight documents on execution of export operations for customs purposes and 11 documents within the framework of import operations, Aliyev said.
Simplification of customs procedures is stipulated in the changes of the governing rules of the export-import operations made in accordance with the presidential decree "On additional measures in connection with the development of business" on the third of March 2014.