The next meeting of the Cooperation Council was held

The next video conference meeting of the Cooperation Council between the National Confederation of Entrepreneurs (Employers) Organizations of the Republic of Azerbaijan (ASK) and the State Customs Committee was held.

The meeting was chaired by ASK Vice President Vugar Abbasov and First Deputy Chairman of the State Customs Committee Ismayil Huseynov.

At the meeting attended by the heads of big companies which they are member of the Council and heads of departments of the State Customs Committee, First Deputy Chairman of the State Customs Committee. Ismayil Huseynov briefed the participants on the situation created by the COVID-19 pandemic at customs checkpoints and he noted that in the leadership of the Head of State all necessary support measures have been taken to preserve the country’s export and transit potential, and the sanitary-epidemiological situation is now under full control. According to I.Huseynov, in this period, the necessary conditions have been created at checkpoints to ensure food security of the country and the smooth movement of goods.

Emphasizing that they will continue to work to simplify customs procedures and ensure transparency, which is a manifestation of the President’s support and attention to entrepreneurs, Ismayil Huseynov said that innovative projects will be developed to contribute to the development of the business environment, simplification and full electronicization of customs services and announced improvements of the “Green Corridor” system.

ASK Vice President Vugar Abbasov stressed that the reforms implemented in the customs system over the past year have given serious support to business development. Noting the steps taken in connection with the convenience and transparency created by the “Green Corridor” system for entrepreneurs, V.Abbasov highlighted some issues of concern to entrepreneurs in customs procedures.

One of the entrepreneurs, Savash Uzan, a member of the Management Board of Azersun Holding, suggested that inspectors specialize in the field (customs clearance should be carried out only for certain segments of goods). According to him, sending the same goods for re-examination causes delays in shipments. Ilgar Nuri, General Director on Business Support of Veyseloglu Group of Companies, made proposals on the current procedure for VAT withholding.

“During the quarantine period, there was no shortage of any products in Azerbaijan. Along with entrepreneurs, the State Customs Committee has done a great job in this matter. We thank you for your hard work, ” I.Nuri said and he touched upon several issues related to delays in determining the customs value of goods. In addition, Kamran Habibov, Executive Director of Helmann LLC, informed the members of the Cooperation Council about the improvement of customs procedures for the replacement of goods guaranteed for replacement of spare parts, temporary storage of goods, difficulties in some goods imported to the country under investment promotion projects.

There was a detailed exchange of views on the issues raised and proposals made.

Deputy Chairman of the State Customs Committee Javad Gasimov stressed the importance of monitoring the implementation of decisions during the discussions on the views and proposals of entrepreneurs.

“A system of binding decisions will be established and the answers of experts on imported goods will be systematized, as a result of which these issues will be eliminated,” J.Gasimov said and he expressed his views on all issues of concern to entrepreneurs and noted the importance of such meetings for the country’s economy.