Russia`s Economic Development and Trade Ministry has expressed its readiness to provide Azerbaijan with all necessary documentation on founding free economic areas on development of information and communication technologies in the country. According to German Gref, Russian Economic Development Minister, Russia has an experience in the foundation of the appropriate infrastructure on IT, Trendreports.
According to Mr. Gref, a business centre has already constructed in a Russian free special area, and first buildings are expected to be opened in 2007. In order to support high-tech specialists, a favourable tax regime and full protection from red tape have been set up today. There are no customs payments in the economic areas. Social taxes aimed at IT companies have been reduced twice. On the whole, Russia does not have social taxes in this sector of its economy.
The revolutionary regime for IT was introduced in order to promote this sector. When first special IT areas appear in Azerbaijan, we shall be ready to promote the Russian companies` coming to the country, pointed out the Russian Minister.
РђThe Azerbaijani project envisages creation of technoparks in development of small-scale and medium innovation entrepreneurship, foundation of the regional base on production and export of electronic equipment and software, the country`s transferring to an advantageous transit information space (Data Centre), preparation and development of human resources aimed at the forming information society.
Within the next two months, the exact budget of the project is expected to be determined. Signing of agreements with suppliers is expected to be held in December 2006. At the same time, two groups aimed at accelerating the works which are a part of the project's actions plan. A tender on construction works is expected to be announced till the end of theyear.