Baku, Azerbaijan, May 2
By Anvar Mammadov - Trend:
The EU is interested in developing relations with Azerbaijan in the transport and logistics sphere, Kestutis Jankauskas, head of the EU delegation to Azerbaijan, said at an international conference of the International Association of Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Customs and Logistics in Baku May 2.
"Azerbaijan is a country that connects the East and the West, Asia and Europe, Jankauskas said. "So it is important for the EU that transit routes through Azerbaijan become not only the shortest and fastest, but also the cheapest and most convenient."
He said that Azerbaijan has all the technical capabilities to become the most important link between Europe and Asia.
The Baku-Tbilisi-Kars (BTK) railway was launched last year, in addition, an international seaport is being built in Baku’s Alat settlement, where the free economic zone will be created, and Baku has a wonderful international airport, he noted.
At the same time, he added that modern software is also required in the customs sphere.
European companies note significant improvement of Azerbaijan’s customs system in recent years, the progress in its work and increase of transparency, but the improvement should continue, he said.
The EU is happy to support Azerbaijan in this issue, he noted, adding that the EU is implementing several programs with Azerbaijan, among which the improvement of the Red Bridge border checkpoint and the transition to a new computer system can be highlighted.
The international conference of the International Association of AEO Customs and Logistics started its work in Baku on May 2. As many as 150 representatives of 25 countries are taking part in the conference, which will last until May 4.
Such issues as the Silk Road prospects, secure business environment and its key elements, creation of a secure supply chain, prospects for border security as part of the Silk Road, intermodal transportations and logistics prospects as part of the corridor will be discussed at the conference.
As part of the conference, an annual assembly of the International Association of AEO Customs and Logistics and a seminar on blockchain technology will also take place. The conference will end with the signing of an action plan between Azerbaijan’s State Customs Committee and the International Association of AEO Customs and Logistics.