Feb. 13
SOCAR creates Baku gas economy database
Azerigaz production unit of the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) created a gas economy database in Baku. The database will provide data on gas pipelines, stations, and valves, which will facilitate a more rapid response to various problems, accidents and leaks. It is also planned to provide Azerigaz employees with access to the new database by creating a local network. The database will cover Baku and the Absheron Peninsula in the initial stage, but it is planned to extend the coverage across the entire country in the future.
World Bank reviews ongoing water projects in Azerbaijan
Mission of the World Bank (WB) arrived in Azerbaijan to review the implementation of the first and second national projects to improve water and sanitation in Azerbaijan. "The mission, which includes the head of the project Manuel Marino, will be in the country from February 13 to 17. Main objectives of the mission are an overview and discussion of restructuring and the implementation of projects to improve water supply system." the mission said.
Azerbaijan strengthens measures to prevent illegal use of communications
Experimental Test Centre (AzTest) under the State Committee on Standardization, Metrology and Patents of Azerbaijan is working to establish a laboratory for testing packaging materials. The main purpose of the laboratory is to define security requirements for plastic materials and influence of substances in the composition of packaging materials on food products. Thus, depending on storage conditions, there is a change in the quality of food products stored in various plastic containers.
Privatization of state property is simplified in Azerbaijan
The State Property Committee of Azerbaijan introduced number of electronic services to simplify the process of privatization of state property and real estate registration. These services allow people to participate in auctions on the privatization of state property, do some work on the design process, on the registration of real estate and so on through the Internet.
Parliament approves nomination of members of Central Bank of Azerbaijan
The Parliament of Azerbaijan approved the nomination of members of the Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA). President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev nominated Alim Guliyev to the post of first deputy chairman and Aftandil Babaev and Vadim Khubanov to the post of deputy chairmen. The chairman of the Parliamentary Committee Ziyad Samadzade noted that these people have made a great contribution to the development of the country's banking system. Alim Guliyev, Vadim Khubanov have been members of the CBA since 1996 and occupy the post of deputy chairmen of the Central Bank. Aftandil Babaev has been a member since 2001 and was appointed as deputy chairman of the board in 2007.
Islamic Development Bank assists Azerbaijan on accession to WTO
Countries which are members of the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) will share their experience of joining the World Trade Organisation (WTO) with Azerbaijan at a three-day seminar which opened in Baku. Organised by the Ministry of Economic Development of Azerbaijan and the IDB, the seminar aims to focus on the potential and technical assistance programme 'Negotiations with the WTO on non-agricultural commodities'. "Tariffs and preferences in the non-food area is the main theme of the seminar. In general, it will cover issues of international trade negotiations on accession to the WTO and foster the exchange of experience between the member countries of the IDB," head of department of the Ministry of Economic Development Bakhtiyar Alyshev said at the seminar.
Feb. 14
Largest taxi operator in Baku installs POS-terminals
Within the next month, the Baku Taxi Company will install 500 multi-purpose POS-terminals manufactured by VeriFone in its 500 fleet of London Taxi TX4 cars. Some 500 POS-terminals have been ordered initially. New multi-purpose terminals will be installed in every company car operating in Baku within the month. Terminal installation is carried out in order to simplify the payment process when using the services of our cars.
Azerbaijani Ministry of Communications discusses organization of International Forum on the internet in Baku
Delegation of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technologies of Azerbaijan discusses in Geneva the question of organizing an international forum in Baku to discuss issues of Internet governance (IGF-Internet Governance Forum). The delegation is led by Deputy Minister Elmir Velizadeh. Meeting in Geneva plays an important role in the planning of IGF-2012, and includes a discussion of the structure, program, subjects, main sessions and workshops of the future forum. Azerbaijani delegation will held a presentation dedicated to practical measures for the IGF-2012.
Azerbaijan to stop emissions of associated gas in 2012
The State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) plans to increase the collection of associated gas from its own fields to 100 percent in 2012, Vice President for Environmental Affairs Rafiqa Huseynzade said during a presentation dedicated to the works to reduce the burning of gas. The volume of the collection of SOCAR associated gas was 97 percent, which equals to about 1.2 billion cubic meters of gas at the end of 2011.
Azerbaijan, UAE discuss joint investment funds
Azerbaijan and the UAE discussed the establishment of joint investment funds and opportunities of investments through funds in other countries' economies, spokesman for the Azerbaijani ministry of economic development Abbas Aliyev said. On Feb. 14 Azerbaijani Economic Development Minister Shahin Mustafayev met with Foreign Minister of the UAE Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Baku.
List of buildings not subject to legalization prepared in Azerbaijan
A bill to legalize illegal buildings in the country was presented to the Azerbaijani parliament. It also determines the list of land areas and buildings, which can not be legalized. Land areas and houses built on them that are in the area of pipelines, electricity network with voltage exceeding 1000 volts, subway and railway installations, defense facilities, the technical installations of water supply and sewage, oil wells, roads, water protection zones, will not be legalized according to the bill.
Feb.15
Azerbaijan, International Anti-Corruption Academy sign memorandum
The Azerbaijani Tax Ministry and the International Anti-Corruption Academy (IACA) signed a memorandum of understanding to develop cooperation in combating corruption. The memorandum was signed within the "Combating Corruption in Azerbaijan" conference in Shamakhi. The memorandum was signed by Tax Minister Fazil Mammadov and IACA delegation head Martin Kreutner. Tthe signing of the memorandum will be a new stage in the study of international experience in combating corruption.
UN proposes international center on fighting corruption in Azerbaijan
The UN proposes creating an international center to fight corruption in Azerbaijan, UN Resident Coordinator in Azerbaijan Fikret Akcura said at a conference on "Fighting Corruption in Azerbaijan" in Shamakhi. "It would be reasonable to create an international center in Azerbaijan in this sphere, to which leading experts will be involved," Mr Akcura said. Tax Minister Fazil Mammadov said Azerbaijan actively cooperates with international organizations and is ready to participate. The International Anti-Corruption Academy (IACA) delegation established by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the Austrian government, the European Anti-Fraud Office and other interested parties attended the conference.
Central bank provides Azerbaijani biggest bank with subordinated loan
The Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA) provided the International Bank of Azerbaijani (IBA) with 150 mln. manat subordinated loan for a period of 5 years. Special subordinated loan according to "Bank's Capital and its Adequacy Precudures" will count into Tier I Capital.
Feb. 16
Azerbaijan tourism potential to be presented in Milan
Azerbaijan's tourism potential was presented at the International Tourism Exhibition "BİT-2012" held in Milan on Feb 16 - 19. The Azerbaijani delegation, along with representatives of ministry, included representatives of local travel agencies. The exhibition was attended by some 600 companies from 52 countries. Azerbaijan has taken part in this exhibition since 2007. This is the fourth participation of Azerbaijan in the international tourism exhibition "BİT".
Georgia, Azerbaijan and Turkey should work together to attract investment
Tbilisi Business Forum promotes development and deepening of economic relations between Georgia, Azerbaijan and Turkey, Turkish Economy Minister Zafer Caglayan said at the Georgian-Azerbaijani-Turkish Business Forum. "This is an important event, which is aimed at establishing closer relations between the businessmen of our countries, which should contribute to economic development in the region," he said. Turkish minister stressed the importance of contact with his Azerbaijani and Georgian counterparts.
State Oil Fund of Azerbaijan starts investing in physical gold
The State Oil Fund of the Republic of Azerbaijan (SOFAZ) started from Feb.1, 2012 investing in gold bars that are in compliance with standards set forth by London Bullion Market Association (LBMA).
Feb. 17
Labour and Social Protection Minister receives citizens
The Ministry of Labour and Social Proteciton held a regular meeting with citizens who have submitted complaints to President of Azerbaijan, Cabinet of Ministers, the Parliament, the Office of the Ombudsman, as well as the Ministry itself in relation to the activities of the ministry.. Reception of citizens was led by Minister Fizuli Alekperov. Citizen complaints received by the minister concerned mainly questions of the definition of disability and accrual of social benefits, employment and labor law violations, housing, and pay for treatment of persons with disabilities overseas. In a study by experts of the complaints it was revealed that a number of citizens have not been informed of the targeted state social assistance, for the appointment of disability, as well as legislation in the sphere of social protection. In this regard, a detailed explanation of the relevant provisions of the legislation was given to those who attended the meeting.
Azerbaijan adopts rules for use of emergency communications
Azerbaijani Cabinet of Ministers approved the special rules for the use of emergency communications. Rules determine the direction of centralized management of networks, providing services to subscribers and users, as well as during emergencies. These rules govern the activities of postal operators and telecom operators during emergency situations. The rules impose on the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Azerbaijan tasks on cooperation for the sustainability of the public telephone network. In the area of emergency structural units of the Ministry of Communications of Azerbaijan (the objects of the production association "Stateradio and satellite communications" and other associations and association's enterprises, postal operator Azerpost) should apply the emergency operation mode.
WTO member countries' list for bilateral talks with Azerbaijan renewed
The Azerbaijani government received approval from other two countries to hold bilateral negotiations in Geneva in February as part of the process of joining the World Trade Organisation (WTO), the head of the negotiating group, deputy foreign minister Mahmud Mammadguliyev said. Bilateral talks will be held within the IX round of multilateral negotiations, scheduled for February 24. Previously, the U.S., EU, Canada and Ecuador agreed to hold bilateral talks.