Azerbaijan, Baku, Nov. 7 / corr. Trend H.Veliyev /
Implementation of structural reforms is required for the privatisation of state communication entities in Azerbaijan, the Minister of Communication and Information Technologies Ali Abbasov told journalists.
"This will create conditions for competition in the telecommunications market, as well as strengthen the fight against the monopoly," the minister said.
Responding to a question on the laying of a submarine cable which is the main part of the construction project of the Trans-Eurasian Information Super Highway (TASIM), the minister said that a preliminary agreement for the implementation of construction work has already been reached with Kazakhstan.
"Harmonisation of the issues with Turkmenistan is nearing completion. We believe that this project supported by the UN, is at the centre of a special UN team's focus" Abbasov said.
The TASIM project includes such countries as Russia (Rostelecom operator), Kazakhstan (KazTransCom operator), Turkey (TurkTelecom operator), China (ChinaTelecom operator), as well as Azerbaijani Azertelekom.
The network of operators involved in the project has been sufficiently developed. At present work is planned to be conducted on the areas where a cable has to be laid. The Caspian segment is one such.
Launching the construction operations for an underwater fibre-optic cable is scheduled for mid-2013.
Azerbaijan's resolution to create a Trans-Eurasia Information Superhighway TASIM was adopted during the 66th plenary meeting of the United Nations.
The UN expressed support for the project which aims to reduce poverty and accelerate economic growth. It will play a role as an engine for the development of the region. The TASIM project aims to connect a total of 20 countries. Its implementation will eliminate the 'information gap' between the countries of Western Europe and the Pacific Rim.