Azerbaijan, Baku / Тrend corr S. Aghayeva / The Azerbaijani Government needs a systematic and enduring program for the elimination of corruption in the country, the US Deputy Secretary of Commerce, David Sampson, stated in Baku on 4 June at a formal reception held in his honour by Azerbaijani-US Chamber of Commerce.
"Serious steps must be made in efficient, systematic and transparent custom management, as well as licensing and tax functions in Azerbaijan," he said.
Sampson welcomed the new decree issued by the Azerbaijani President on the improvement of the customs services and establishment of a new economic zone for investors. Sampson called for positive efforts of the Azerbaijani Government to achieve transparent management of energy incomes through establishment of the State Oil Fund.
In Sampson's opinion, another important step in Azerbaijan's integration into the world economy is the efforts to joint the World Trade Organization (WTO). The achievements in the process in joining the WTO prove the intentions of the Azerbaijani Government to create a fair business environment.
"The United States are ready to render any assistance to Azerbaijan in creation of a stable market economy," he said.