A regular online meeting with experts from the World Bank was held on the assessment of the logistics sector within the framework of diagnostics of the private sector. The event was attended by Deputy Chairman of the State Customs Committee, Major General of the Customs Service Javad Gasimov, representatives of the relevant structures of the committee, World Bank expert Daniel Saslavsky and bank specialists.
Deputy Chairman of the State Customs Committee Javad Gasimov stressed that meetings with experts from the World Bank are important in diversifying bilateral relations, defining new priority areas.
Javad Gasimov brought to the attention of specialists information on the application by the customs authorities of the Agreement on Facilitation of Trade of the World Trade Organization (WTO), automated systems, an authorized economic operator (SIO), transit and digitization issues, the instant release system of the World Customs Organization (WCO) and expedited registration of express cargo.
The Deputy Chairman of the Committee, in particular, provided detailed information on the work done on the clearance of non-commercial cargo and postal items transported across the customs border by individuals. It was noted that for the implementation of international postal transportation and fast clearance of goods delivered by shipping companies, the State Customs Committee has developed a mobile application Smart Customs and launched an Internet portal www.e.customs.gov.az, which allows individuals to purchase ordered goods directly from their addresses without visiting customs.
The participants were also informed that in order to further improve customs clearance, transportation services, delivery of goods to individuals, the idea of a new unified logistics center was developed and implemented as soon as possible, after which the loss of time in postage will be minimized.
Speaking about the development of logistics and trade, including projects being implemented in this area, Javad Gasimov informed about the activities of the Trade Facilitation Center, built near the “Red Bridge” customs-border point on the border with Georgia. The specialists were also provided with information on infrastructure projects for the opening of new customs and border checkpoints.
World Bank expert Daniel Saslavsky expressed deep appreciation for the regular support provided by the State Customs Committee in the framework of the logistics sector assessment and private sector diagnostics, and expressed confidence that the results of the prepared report will play an important role in facilitating international trade.
Then, the meeting discussed issues of assessing the logistics sector, increasing the opportunities for private sector participation in the economy.