BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 17. A customs business forum was held in Azerbaijan’s capital city—Baku on December 17, Trend reports.
The event featured speeches from key figures, including Shakhmar Movsumov, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan and Head of the Department for Economic Affairs and Innovative Development Policy at the Presidential Administration; Shahin Bagirov, Chairman of the State Customs Committee (SCC); and Sahil Babayev, Minister of Labor and Social Protection of the Population, among other officials.
Shahmar Movsumov, Assistant to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Head of the Department of Economic Issues and Innovative Development Policy at the Presidential Administration said that Azerbaijan's foreign trade turnover has doubled in the past five years and exceeded $52 billion.
Addressing the event, Movsumov highlighted the country’s focus on developing the customs and business sectors, implementing dynamic new approaches, and adopting modern technologies.
"Optimizing customs procedures, introducing digital operations, and removing administrative barriers are creating more favorable conditions for both local and foreign entrepreneurs. These reforms are strengthening the economy as a whole.
Over the past five years, foreign trade volumes have more than doubled, surpassing $52 billion," the official said.
Then he added that transport technologies are strengthening the strategic significance of Azerbaijan by creating new opportunities for business.
"From 2019 through 2024, the volume of transit transportation has increased by 2.5 times, which is linked to the strengthening of the country's position in international corridors such as the North and Middle Corridors.
Thanks especially to the Middle Corridor, it has been possible to increase the efficiency of cargo transportation from China to Europe, reducing transit time to 8-10 days. These achievements were made possible through digital services and infrastructure projects implemented in recent years," he mentioned.
Movsumov pointed out potential for further reducing both transit times and the regulatory deadlines for customs declarations.
"These opportunities should be explored and implemented jointly by customs authorities and businesses. The introduction of modern control and monitoring systems facilitates tracking customs operations," Movsumov added.
Sahil Babayev, the country’s Minister of Labor and Social Protection of the Population stressed that Azerbaijan's large-scale reforms in the customs sector are facilitating the country's integration into the global economic community.
Babayev emphasized that the successful implementation of customs reforms, along with the introduction of modern technologies, is contributing to the development of the national economy.
"Azerbaijan’s large-scale reforms in the customs sector, the positive experiences achieved, and the integration of modern technologies are driving the development of our country's economy, bolstering the entrepreneurial class, and integrating Azerbaijan into the global economic community. The Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population highly values these achievements, as they directly impact the well-being of our citizens.
Our main goal is to ensure a dignified life for every citizen of Azerbaijan, regardless of age, gender, category, or social status. The President has repeatedly emphasized in his speeches that the well-being of our citizens is the foundation of Azerbaijan's state policy. One of the key areas to ensure this well-being is employment.
Without addressing employment issues, no country can improve its standard of living. Employment provision is directly dependent on the active participation of business representatives, who are present at today's event. Despite the significant support from the state, resources are always limited,” the minister said.
The Chairman of the State Customs Committee of Azerbaijan Shahin Baghirov said that the use of the Automated Risk Analysis System (ARAS) in Azerbaijan has reduced average border crossing times by 58 percent.
“In 2023, the implementation of the ARAS system made it possible to make new achievements in the use of tools. The time spent on customs clearance is reduced, and shipping costs are minimized, creating a favorable business environment for foreign trade participants who comply with customs legislation,” he emphasized.
The President of the National Confederation of Entrepreneurs (Employers) Organizations of Azerbaijan Mammad Musayev noted that the number of entrepreneurs using the Green Corridor in Azerbaijan continues to grow.
"The customs system is a crucial tool in this direction, as it plays a key role in managing international trade and creating conditions for entering new markets. The development of dialogue between the state and the private sector is one of the fundamental principles of economic growth and enhancing investment attractiveness in our country.
The Confederation of Entrepreneurs of Azerbaijan, as one of the parties to the Main Collective Agreement with the government, is strengthening cooperation with state structures to address issues raised by entrepreneurs and to implement strategic goals, such as the development of the national economy and its orientation towards export.
In this regard, I would like to especially highlight the activities of the Council for Bilateral Cooperation between the Confederation and the State Customs Committee. Many of the raised issues have been successfully resolved, and we are pleased that the number of entrepreneurs using the Green Corridor continues to grow.
In recent years, significant progress has been observed in the customs system. The introduction of electronic declarations, trade facilitation initiatives, and the creation of procedures in line with international standards are important steps in this area. These measures not only contribute to improving the business environment in our country but also create new opportunities for the development of entrepreneurship," added Musayev.
The Digital Customs Value System and other platforms were also presented at the business forum.
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