BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 7. The Azerbaijan Trade Forum focusing on "Opportunities, Current Situation, and Challenges for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)" has been held in Baku, Trend reports.
First Deputy Chairman of the State Customs Committee of Azerbaijan Bahruz Guliyev said that the digitalization of transit procedures is strengthening Azerbaijan's position as a crucial transit hub at the regional level.
"One of our priorities is simplifying and digitalizing customs operations, which will reduce costs and increase the efficiency of processes. We are implementing innovative solutions and modern risk management methods, allowing us to automate a significant portion of customs procedures," noted Guliyev.
Among the key projects, the deputy chairman highlighted the introduction of new electronic services and the development of digital infrastructure, making Azerbaijan's customs control system one of the most advanced and user-friendly.
"Through our initiatives, we pay special attention to enhancing the country's transit potential. The digitalization of transit procedures and participation in international systems allow us to strengthen Azerbaijan's position as an important transit hub in the region," he added.
Guliyev added that Azerbaijan has developed relevant projects aimed at stimulating non-oil exports.
"We have attained full automation of customs control and clearing processes. In light of emerging problems, the complete digitalization of customs services and the execution of artificial intelligence-driven initiatives are our foremost goals. We have initiated programs in critical sectors to enhance non-oil exports and draw foreign investments into the national economy. Details regarding this matter will be forthcoming shortly," he noted.
Deputy President of the National Confederation of Entrepreneurial Organizations of Azerbaijan Ziya Hajili announced the holding of a customs forum in December this year.
"The National Confederation of Entrepreneurial Organizations continues to work closely with customs authorities. The issues raised at the established entrepreneurs' councils are being addressed.
Our organization is actively preparing for the customs forum in December in collaboration with the Azerbaijani Customs Committee. We are confident that the upcoming customs forum will serve as an important platform for dialogue and yield significant results," Hajili pointed out.
Another speaker, Kamran Habibov, head of the Freight Forwarding Association of Azerbaijan (FFAA), director of Hellmann Worldwide Logistics LLC, mentioned a continuous increase in transit volumes through Azerbaijan.
"But it's time for the next step. We must transform Azerbaijan into a regional trade hub, which entails creating conditions to attract global manufacturers interested in establishing regional warehouses and distribution centers here.
From here, goods can be distributed not only to the countries of the South Caucasus but also to Central Asian states. Overall, international transport companies are showing interest in operating in Azerbaijan," he explained.
The forum is also expected to be organized in subsequent years.
