Azerbaijan, Baku, Feb. 11/ Trend N. Ismayilova/
The Azericard Azerbaijani Processing Center plans to participate in state-run programs to develop the country's cashless payment systems in 2009, the center said on Feb. 11.
"The main reason for stimulating cashless payment systems in Azerbaijan is to support and improve already existing services," the center said.
The center recently joined the state program to improve and develop e-payment services in Azerbaijan, which was approved by presidential decree on Dec. 9, 2004.
"The state program to improve and develop a national e-payment system has made progress lately. The program created favorable conditions to conduct major reforms to develop e-payment services," the center said.
Since the program's adoption, the plastic card market has improved.
Pensions, salaries, scholarships and various social grants are now paid via plastic cards.
"The population will benefit from a well-developed plastic card market," the center said.
The number of Azericard cards increased to 3.3 million in 2008.
Roughly 900,000 cards were issued last year.
On Feb. 11, the official exchange rate is 0.807 manat to $1.
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