BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 28
By Nargiz Sadikhova - Trend:
CAREC countries could benefit from the improvement of customs efficiency, ADBI’s Dina Azhgaliyeva said, Trend reports.
Azhgaliyeva made the statement during the podcast on the topic of ‘What Central Asia can tell us about bridging infrastructure and firm competitiveness gaps’.
In her words, improving access to, and the affordability of, a broadband internet connection can positively affect sales, including export sales.
“Thus, policy in this direction should be oriented towards widening access to, and the affordability of, the internet for firms. Improvements in customs efficiency could positively affect firm exports, particularly those of medium and large-sized firms. CAREC countries could benefit from the improvement of customs efficiency. Further bilateral and multilateral cooperation for reducing trade barriers, digitalization, and other measures improving customs efficiency may stimulate firms’ engagement in international trade,” she said.
Azhgaliyeva noted that the importance of stable energy and a decrease in the number of power outages could improve firm performance.
“Electricity expenses have a significant negative effect, particularly on small firms. Reducing electricity expenses for small firms could improve firm performance. This necessitates government policies aimed at reducing electricity costs for small firms, for example, by providing progressive electricity tariffs with lower rates for smaller consumers or firms,” she said.
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