The Customs-Business Forum 2024 took place today in Baku, organized by the State Customs Committee (SCC) and the National Confederation of Entrepreneurs (Employers) Organizations of Azerbaijan, with support from BP, Report informs.

The forum aimed to strengthen customs-business cooperation and establish a platform for discussing current and future projects with representatives from the private sector and other stakeholders.

Representatives from the state and private sectors, the public, customs organization specialists, experts, and media attended the event.

Key speakers at the opening ceremony included Shahmar Movsumov, Head of the Department of Economic Affairs and Innovative Development Policy of the Presidential Administration and Assistant to the Azerbaijani President; Shahin Baghirov, Chairman of the SCC; Sahil Babayev, Minister of Labor and Social Protection; Azer Amiraslanov, Chairman of the Milli Majlis Economic Policy, Industries and Enterprising Committee; Orkhan Mammadov, Chairman of the Board of the Small and Medium Business Development Agency (KOBIA); and Mammad Musayev, President of the National Confederation of Entrepreneurs (Employers) Organizations.

The forum featured presentations on several significant projects, such as the Digital Customs Value initiative, which will be implemented in 2025 to determine customs value accurately and fairly using advanced international standards. Other digital solutions presented included the Two-Step Release System, aimed at reducing storage costs and expediting goods delivery, and the Initial Information System, designed to optimize resource allocation and streamline border crossing and logistics processes.

These initiatives, incorporating digital solutions, international valuation standards, artificial intelligence, and scientific research, are expected to enhance the business environment, save time and money, and improve customs work efficiency.

Certificates were awarded to Baku International Sea Trade Port CJSC and FoodCity Agrocomplex, recognizing them as Authorized Economic Operators (AEO).

The forum concluded with a panel discussion that addressed questions from entrepreneurs.