Customs-Business Forum was held
On December 17, the “Customs-Business Forum 2024” was held at the “Gulustan” Palace, organized by the State Customs Committee, the National Confederation of Entrepreneurs (Employers) Organizations of the Republic of Azerbaijan and supported by the “bp” company.
The aim of the forum is to strengthen customs-business cooperation and create a business platform for discussing ongoing projects implemented this year, as well as those planned for the future, with representatives from the private sector and other stakeholders.
The forum was attended by representatives of the state and private sectors, the public, scientists specializing in the organization of customs work, experts and media representatives.
At the opening ceremony of the event, Assistant to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Head of the Department of Economic Issues and Innovative Development Policy of the Presidential Administration of the Republic of Azerbaijan Shahmar Movsumov, spoke about cooperation between the state and the private sector. He highlighted the development of customs-business relations formed with the attention and care of President Ilham Aliyev, and noted that a more favorable business environment has been created in our country for local and foreign investors thanks to the simplification of customs procedures and the introduction of electronic services.
Chairman of the State Customs Committee, Lieutenant-General of the Customs Service Shahin Baghirov stated that thanks to the sustainable and continuous development policies established by the National Leader Heydar Aliyev, political and economic stability has been preserved, leading to successful outcomes across all sectors. It was also noted that, based on the pragmatic policy implemented by President Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan is recognized as an initiator of global-scale projects, and our country's reputation in the international arena is increasing. The 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, held in November of this year, and its highly successful outcomes are a clear example of this. This prestigious event introduced Azerbaijan as a leading partner in the fight against global climate change and demonstrated to the international community our country's effective strategy for ensuring environmental sustainability.
Information was provided on the positive results achieved in simplifying customs operations, saving time and money, combating violations, increasing customs revenues, accessibility and transparency through recently implemented projects.
Then, the speakers at the event - Minister of Labour and Social Protection of Population Sahil Babayev, Chairman of the Committee on Economic Policy, Industry and Entrepreneurship of the Milli Majlis Azer Amiraslanov, Chairman of the Management Board of the Small and Medium Business Development Agency Orkhan Mammadov, and President of the National Confederation of Entrepreneurs' (Employers) Organizations Mammad Musayev spoke about the multifaceted reforms carried out in the customs system in recent years, and drew attention to the positive experience gained in this direction, the significant contribution of digitalization to the development of our country's economic environment, entrepreneurship, further strengthening of effective cooperation between the state and private sectors, and Azerbaijan's integration into the international economy.
A presentation was held on the projects developed by specialists of the State Customs Committee, including the "Digital Customs Value" system, which will be implemented starting from 2025 to accurately and transparently determine customs value based on digital solutions; the "Two-Step Clearance System," which will enhance the agility of business processes; and the "Pre-Notification System" project, which is important for the more rational distribution of resources for carriers, accelerating border crossing and formalities, and improving the efficiency of logistics operations and forecasting.
It should be noted that new projects based on digital solutions and international valuation standards, artificial intelligence and scientific research will create additional opportunities for foreign trade participants in terms of forming a favorable business environment, saving time and money, and increasing the efficiency of customs work.
Later, certificates were presented to "Baku International Sea Trade Port" CJSC and "FoodCity Agrocomplex", which received the status of SIO within the framework of the Authorized Economic Operator project.
The forum continued its work with a panel discussion. In the discussion moderated by Taleh Ziyadov, General Director of Baku International Sea Trade Port CJSC, questions of interest to entrepreneurs were answered by the First Deputy Chairman of the State Customs Committee, General-Major of the Customs Service Bahruz Guliyev, Deputy Chairman of the State Customs Committee, General-Major of the Customs Service Natig Shirinov, General Manager of "EMBAWOOD" LLC Elshad Abbasov, and General Director of "Azerfloat" CJSC Emil Hasanov.
