On 9 July 2018, the representatives of the German-Azerbaijani Chamber of Commerce (AHK Azerbaijan) met the Chairman of the State Customs Committee of Azerbaijan, Mr. Safar Mehdiyev.
Mr. Safar Mehdiyev touched upon the ongoing reform measures taken in the customs system and stated the significance of improving customs administration, minimising documentation as well as the introduction of brief import declarations, risk analysis and "green corridor" system in acceleration of the process of border crossing of goods and vehicles.
Speaking about the main goals of the customs service in Azerbaijan, Mr. Mehdiyev underlined Azerbaijan's membership in the New Computerised Transit System as one of the recent crucial targets and stressed effective exchange of experience with the EU in ensuring transparency in the customs sector. The Chairman of the State Customs Committee also provided information about the modernisation of the customs control procedures at border crossings and cooperation with German companies in implementation of the envisaged projects and purchase of new equipment in this regard.
Furthermore, Mr. Mehdiyev mentioned the fundamental reforms carried out with regard to legislation, transparency, introducing information technologies, further improvement of customs control and appreciated the contribution of the AHK Azerbaijan members to these measures with their suggestions and remarks. It was also noted that the establishment of a working group consisting of the representatives of the State Customs Committee and the AHK Azerbaijan would be effective in terms of prompt and objective assessment of the issues in the customs sphere.
Mr. Tobias Baumann, Executive Director of the AHK Azerbaijan appreciated the efficient and constructive cooperation between the Chamber and the Customs Committee and expressed his confidence in further development of this collaboration in the future. He underlined the growing number of members joining the Chamber every year and provided information about the recently implemented new projects such as AHK-Impuls, Working Group meetings and Business Forums.
During the meeting, Deputy Chairman of the Board of the AHK Azerbaijan, Mr. Farid Isayev delivered information about the activities of the Chamber, in particular the newly established Tax & Legal Affairs Working Group of the AHK Azerbaijan and expressed his gratitude for the support provided by the State Customs Committee.
The sides also discussed the issues related to mutual cooperation and upcoming joint action plans.