News archive
News archive
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29.06.2022 Uganda is learning the experience of “Asan Imza” (Mobile ID)
On June 29th, 2022, B.EST Solutions Azerbaijan’ office team: Zahir Quliyev – CIO and Fuad Malikov – Head of Operations met with National Information Technology Authority-Uganda and Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU),
Uganda is learning the experience of “Asan Imza” (Mobile ID)
On June 29th, 2022, B.EST Solutions Azerbaijan’ office team: Zahir Quliyev – CIO and Fuad Malikov – Head of Operations met with National Information Technology Authority-Uganda and Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU), and discussed the successful execution of “Asan Imza” (Mobile ID) technology, which meets all international standards of the highest level of security, and is an important tool for ensuring information security in the provision of electronic services, preventing the risks of unauthorized access to users’ personal data.
During the meeting possible cooperation for implementation of Mobile ID in Uganda was broadly discussed between both parties.
The meeting was held within the framework of tentative programme, organized by the State Agency for Public Service and Social Innovations under the President of Azerbaijan.
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28.12.2021 1200 users already has joined to PASHA Bank’s GRO business platform
1200 users already has joined to PASHA Bank’s GRO business platform
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01.12.2021 Bakcell subscribers now have the opportunity to prolong “Asan Imza” via SMS
From now on Bakcell subscribers can prolong their “Asan Imza” services via SMS.
Bakcell subscribers now have the opportunity to prolong “Asan Imza” via SMS
From now on Bakcell subscribers can prolong their “Asan Imza” services via SMS.
Thus, all Bakcell subscribers holding “Asan Imza” certificates in such categories as “Personal”, “Business” and “State” can send one of the following keywords via SMS to number “8500” in order to prolong the “Asan Imza” service for the next 3 years:
“ferdi” – for individuals (citizens);
“biznes” – for legal entities and individuals engaged in entrepreneurial activity;
«dovlet» – for government officials.
All current users of Asan Imza prepaid and postpaid SIM cards can use the service of extending the validity period of “Asan Imza” via SMS. To receive information about the validity period of the “Asan Imza” service, you need to send an SMS message with the keyword “status” to the short number “8500”. All SMS sent to the short number “8500” are free of charge.
It should be noted that along with the extension of the validity period of the Asan Imza SIM card via SMS, users will also have to extend the validity period of the Asan Imza certificate for the next 3 years by visiting the taxpayer’s single Internet portal e-taxes.gov.az 30 days before the expiration of the certificate. After the expiration of the “Asan Imza” certificate, the subscriber will not be able to renew it online. In this case, the subscriber will need to personally apply to the Asan Certificate Service Center of the State Tax Service under the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
The “Asan Imza” service can be used by individuals (citizens), individuals and legal entities engaged in entrepreneurial activities, as well as civil servants and representatives of self-government bodies. To activate this service for the first time, subscribers must apply to one of Bakcell Customer Service Centers with an identity card and activate the “Asan Imza” service by receiving the “Asan Imza” SIM card. Then, the subscriber needs to contact the Asan Certificate Service Center of the State Tax Service to activate the “Asan Imza” certificate on the SIM card.
Note that the technical operator of the “Asan Imza” mobile electronic signature “B.EST Solutions”.
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29.11.2021 With “Asan Imza” you may benefit from the GRO business platform
Country’s leading corporate bank-PASHA Bank in cooperation with its business partners pioneered another innovative B2B project in Azerbaijan’s financial market.
With “Asan Imza” you may benefit from the GRO business platform
Country’s leading corporate bank-PASHA Bank in cooperation with its business partners pioneered another innovative B2B project in Azerbaijan’s financial market.
This new product is modern digital banking tool envisaged for commercial transactions conducted among those involved in entrepreneurship activities. PASHA Bank’s Client benefiting from this product integrates own Enterprise resource planning system with banking system through special B2B channel and without resorting to other tools (paper based tools, internet banking, mobile application etc.) conducts transactions easily and flexibly through its internal system.
PASHA Bank’s Clients benefiting from B2B platform will be able to process, approve international and local transactions, including standard and urgent payments, tax and other state payments, intra-company transactions, currency exchange and other transactions, control payment status, receive respective reports and benefit from other advantages envisaged within this product.
It should also be noted that the security of transactions conducted among PASHA Bank’s clients is ensured through electronic signature certificates. PASHA Bank collaborates with Azerbaijan Republic Central Bank’s Bank Certificate Services Centre and Asan Imza in this field and all payment requests submitted to the Bank are approved with electronic signatures indicated by the Customer.
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15.09.2021 Cyber hygiene cooperation platform to be established in Azerbaijan
Global pandemics COVID-19 continue to have a huge impact on the daily lives of vast numbers of people, who need to continue to work and study online due to isolation measures. Therefore,
Cyber hygiene cooperation platform to be established in Azerbaijan
Global pandemics COVID-19 continue to have a huge impact on the daily lives of vast numbers of people, who need to continue to work and study online due to isolation measures. Therefore, special emphasis should be on online safety and it is extremely significant to strengthen the cyber security. Along with the specialists, ordinary users also need to know the fundamentals of cyber security and follow cyber hygiene rules.
The B.EST Solutions Company signed contract with the “E-GOV Development Center” under the State Agency for Public Service and Social Innovations under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Special Communication and Information Security State Service of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the framework of Public-Private-Partnership Program, which is created to implement the national Cyber Hygiene e-Learning Course. The course is intended for the various governmental organizations and agencies, financial institutions, insurances, and universities with aim to create a safer online experience and eliminate the vulnerability to cyber-attacks.
The partnership will give a start to a series of the workshop, which will be provided by the Special Communication and Information Security State Service and by the “E-GOV Development Center” along with the B.EST Solutions Company. Within the scope of this project, the trainers will provide the latest instructions, recommendations, guidelines and solutions to lower cyber security risks based on international standards, national security requirements, organizational information security policies and best practices. In the framework of this project, more than 10000 people from public agencies, universities, financial institutions and private sector will benefit from this free online course, and apply their cyber awareness skills against the threats in the digital world.
The aim of this project to make people feel responsible after taking the test and to be aware that their poor cyber hygiene can cause a crisis with unpredictable consequences.
The mission is driven by reality: there are around 30 billion gadgets online, including smart watches and teddy bears as well as high technology equipment of large-scale production facilities and nuclear power plants. But it is already now that a criminal war is raging in the cyber space on the scale never seen before. For example, approximately 1,800 people are said to fall victims to cyber-crime every 60 seconds; every minute, 5,500 data leaks are believed to take place while losses of a total of 1 million euros are incurred by the victims.
The national Cyber Hygiene e-Learning Course is developed in cooperation with CybExer Technologies is a NATO-awarded Estonian cybersecurity company, which has a wide-ranging experience in providing and maintaining highly sophisticated cyber security training platforms with a special focus on cyber capability development, which are the key to successful delivery of a plethora of cybersecurity trainings and exercises aimed at ordinary users, technical responders and the very top of strategic leadership. CybExer Technologies’ capabilities and solutions have been used to conduct some of the world’s largest cyber exercises. It is significant to mention, that CybExer Technologies has created the world’s only e-learning platform, which uses simple questions to show any participant their personal cyber weaknesses, which could tomorrow result in an attack on the person or hospitals and factories or even the entire country’s economy.
Cyber Hygiene e-Learning Course is a web-based tool, which helps individuals and organizations comprehend how their own behavior could affect in a cyber threat incident in the form of hacking, data leak or attack. The tool enables the users to both learn and test their knowledge. Importantly, the solution provides individual risk profiles that can be aggregated to identify the risk level of a particular department or of the whole organization. Both the individual and the organization can then take the necessary steps to address the identified risk areas.
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27.08.2021 “Asan Imza” now can be obtained in Rabitabank
One of the country’s leading banks, Rabitabank, expands its service boundaries and introduces another innovation. So, no individuals will be able to get “Asan Imza” – enhanced mobile electronic signature at the
“Asan Imza” now can be obtained in Rabitabank
One of the country’s leading banks, Rabitabank, expands its service boundaries and introduces another innovation.
So, no individuals will be able to get “Asan Imza” – enhanced mobile electronic signature at the branch without going to tax offices and “ASAN Service” centers by approaching one of the bank’s Head Office, Nasimi, Narimanov, Sabail, and Center branches. “Asan Imza” mobile electronic signature allows citizens to use a mobile phone as an enhanced digital electronic signature, to obtain access to numerous electronic services provided by public and private organizations, and to sign various electronic documents. According to the legislation of the Republic of Azerbaijan, “Asan Imza” is equivalent to a hand signature.
At the initial stage, only individuals with active Bakcell numbers are able to use this service. The use of the service is now active and one can approach one of the mentioned branches.
It should be noted that in the nearest future it will be possible to obtain “Asan Imza” in other branches of Rabitabank.
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16.07.2021 Azerbaijan takes a leading position in trade facilitation in UN Global Survey 2021
July 14, 2021, saw the launch of the results from the 2021 UN Global Survey on Digital and Sustainable Trade Facilitation, made available on the interactive website. Azerbaijan has continued its upward
Azerbaijan takes a leading position in trade facilitation in UN Global Survey 2021
July 14, 2021, saw the launch of the results from the 2021 UN Global Survey on Digital and Sustainable Trade Facilitation, made available on the interactive website. Azerbaijan has continued its upward path in trade facilitation (hereinafter TF) advancement, exhibiting further improvements since the previous Survey from 2019.
The Survey covers over 140 countries and 50 TF measures specified in the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA), Paperless Trade and the Framework Agreement on Facilitation of Cross-border Paperless Trade in Asia and the Pacific (CPTA) and Sustainable TF measures (for SMEs, agriculture, women). The 2021 Survey also included 2 new groups of measures: Trade finance facilitation measures and Trade facilitation in times of crisis. The Survey is conducted by the five UN Regional Commissions along with a growing number of global and regional partners every two years.
(Table 1)
The global average of trade facilitation implementation stands at 65% and 68.8% in the overall South and East Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia region. Within this context, Azerbaijan exhibited an impressive overall trade facilitation score of 86.02% in 2021. As such, the country has gained the leading position among the CIS countries (Russia – 84.95%, Georgia – 82.8%, Iran – 77.42%, Armenia – 62.37%) and Central Asian countries (SPECA) on digital and sustainable trade facilitation (Kazakhstan – 72.04%, Uzbekistan – 62.37%, Kyrgyzstan – 69.89%). Azerbaijan ranked 9th in the survey on trade facilitation and paperless trade in Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP).
The breakdown of the evaluation of trade facilitation measures for Azerbaijan is as follows:
Transparency – 100%;
Formalities – 91.67%;
Institutional Arrangement and Cooperation – 88.89%;
Paperless Trade – 85.19%;
Cross-Border Paperless Trade – 66.67%.
Taken together, this is also a significant improvement from the country’s trade facilitation score of 81.72% from 2019.(Table 2)
General Trade Facilitation scores comparison between 2019 and 2021.
SourceThe scoring of the Survey has been applied based on 4 possible outcomes: 0: Not implemented; 1: Planning stage; 2: Partially implemented; 3: Fully implemented.
In addition to the General Trade Facilitation Measures, Azerbaijan has exhibited exemplary scores in sub-categories such as Paperless Trade Facilitation, SME Facilitation Measures and Agriculture Facilitation Measures.
The measures in the Paperless Trade Facilitation category include Automated Customs System, Electronic Single Window System, Electronic submission of Customs declarations, Electronic application and issuance of Preferential Certificate of Origin, and the e-Payment of Customs Duties and Fees – all of which Azerbaijan has now “Fully implemented”, achieving maximum scores.
Agriculture Facilitation and SME Facilitation Measures count towards the Sustainable TF measures. Azerbaijan has shown great improvements within these categories compared to 2019. In the former, Azerbaijan has “Fully implemented” all four measures, compared to three measures from the previous year.
(Table 3)
In the latter – SME Facilitation – the country has “Fully implemented” three measures and “Partially implemented” the remaining two, which also illustrate a significant increase from 2019, as illustrated in Table 4.
(Table 4)
Furthermore, Azerbaijan has become one of the first countries to sign the Framework Agreement on Facilitation of Cross-Border Paperless Trade in the Asia-Pacific Region, which entered into force on February 20, 2021.
Many of these improvements have been supported by the implementation and ongoing development of the Digital Trade Hub (DTH) of Azerbaijan. The DTH is a cross-border e-commerce platform that simplifies export procedures for local SMEs, foreign investors and businesses globally. Built for the development of the digital infrastructure for cross-border e-Trade, the DTH connects different stakeholders and policy areas across sectors, borders and institutions, facilitating the legal movement of goods between countries. The DTH platform was built in public-private partnership between the Center for Analysis of Economic Reforms and Communications, PASHA Bank, B.EST Solutions and AzerTelecom.
The DTH has also supported Azerbaijan in exemplifying improved results in the cross-border paperless trade category, which was highlighted as a challenge on a global scale. In 2021, Azerbaijan’s cross-border paperless trade score has increased from 50% in 2019 to 66.67%. This is well above the global average as well as the average in its region, as visualised in Table 5.
(Table 5)
“Countries across the globe continue to move towards a more seamless trading environment. The implementation of WTO TFA+ measures increased 5 percentage points across 128 countries since the last survey in 2019. Benefitting from the opportunities of global value chains is predicated on states’ continuous pursuit of trade facilitation. From the simplification of bureaucratic trade procedures to their digitalisation, trade facilitation efforts aim to reduce the time and costs of cross-border transactions. Beyond enhancing the global economy, this helps increase national trade competitiveness and support sustainable development,” notes Jana Krimpe – UNNExT’ Expert in the UN Network of Experts for Paperless Trade and Transport in Asia and Pacific, founder of B.EST Solutions and founder of the Public Association “Supporting Women in Tech” – Femmes Digitales.
“Thanks to the Decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan on additional measures for strengthening the position of Azerbaijan as a digital trade hub and expansion of foreign trade operations, the country has started to implement cross-border e-Signatures mutual recognition schemas with several countries around the world. This is taking place under the management of the Center for Analysis of Economic Reforms and Communications in cooperation with other government institutions. It offers a wide range of useful e-services including m-Residency, online company registration, issuance of a virtual address, opening online bank accounts, issuance of free sales certificates and much more. The DTH was put in place to simplify everything related to international export by digitalising and automating all paperwork and payments as well as eliminating bureaucracy,” Mrs. Krimpe adds.
“The reduction of trade costs can make or break a country’s integration with regional and global value chains. In order to maximise trade as a driver of growth and sustainable development, it is therefore crucial for countries to recognise and pursue the most valuable areas of change. In addition, more efforts to design and implement TF measures for women and for achieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls are needed. The latest reforms and digital transformation initiatives in Azerbaijan could increase its position as a leading country in cross-border eTrade and create the fundamental base for cross-border data flows,” Mrs. Krimpe concludes.
The Survey has been conducted by The United Nations Regional Commissions (UNRCs) since 2015, in cooperation with UNCTAD, ICC, OECD and many other organizations. The UNRCs are currently in the process of finalising feedback from some member countries on data validation. Results may therefore be slightly revised in the final report to be issues in the coming months.
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22.06.2021 Entrepreneurs can sign agreements with Kapital Bank using “Asan Imza”
Another innovative service is now offered by B.EST Solutions jointly with Kapital Bank. In addition to being able to receive the “Asan Imza” qualified electronic mobile signature in Kapital Bank branches, legal
Entrepreneurs can sign agreements with Kapital Bank using “Asan Imza”
Another innovative service is now offered by B.EST Solutions jointly with Kapital Bank. In addition to being able to receive the “Asan Imza” qualified electronic mobile signature in Kapital Bank branches, legal entities and individual entrepreneurs can now sign agreements with Kapital Bank for financing products by using “Asan Imza”. Customers no longer need to waste time visiting bank offices to sign loan and guarantee agreements.
Financing products include loan, overdraft, bank guarantee, and trade finance (factoring, sales financing, and pre-shipment finance). Surety contracts and pledge agreements can also be signed with “Asan Imza”. In addition, those who want to get a qualified mobile electronic signature can do so in Kapital Bank’s branches of Merkez, Yasamal, Ganjlik, Nasimi, Sabail and Khatai, without visiting the tax authorities and ASAN service centers. For the activation of the “Asan Imza” service, clients must have a SIM card with a valid Bakcell or Nar mobile number. “Azercell Telecom” subscribers can activate “Asan Imza” certificate only with a valid “Asan Imza” SIM card.
Kapital Bank regularly offers entrepreneurs new opportunities. With the recently introduced Client Profile (“Muştəri profile”) platform, legal entities and individual entrepreneurs can create a personal account and apply for financing products, without opening a bank account or connecting to the Client Bank internet banking system. Through the personal cabinet of the Client Profile platform, entrepreneurs can get detailed information about all the business financing products offered by Kapital Bank. Customers do not need to visit the offices or contact the bank’s representatives to place an order for any of these products.
Until June 30, 2021, clients receive a 30% discount on issuance fees and other benefits when applying through the Client Profile platform for products such as loan, trade finance and overdraft in the AZN currency. Visit to use the service.
According to the Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan, “Asan Imza” is equivalent to a handwritten signature. For that reason, secure implementation and compliance with all cryptography standards are strictly applied in all user identification procedures to ensure users’ interests.
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16.06.2021 COVID passport can now be obtained with “Asan Imza”
“Asan Imza” mobile electronic signature users can now obtain a COVID passport on the official website of the State Agency of Mandatory Health Insurance and on “MyGov” portal.
COVID passport can now be obtained with “Asan Imza”
“Asan Imza” mobile electronic signature users can now obtain a COVID passport on the official website of the State Agency of Mandatory Health Insurance and on “MyGov” portal. On May 25th, 2021, the State Agency of Mandatory Health Insurance made a statement regarding the obtainment of COVID passports. There are two types of COVID passports: “COVID-19 Vaccine Certificate” and “COVID-19 Immunity Certificate”. A “Vaccine Certificate” is issued to individuals who have been vaccinated with two doses against the disease, and “Immunity Certificate” is issued to the individuals who were infected and have recovered.
In order to obtain these certificates on the official website of the State Agency of Mandatory Health Insurance, one needs to open “Şəxsi Kabinetə giriş (enter personal account)” subsection under the E-xidmətlər section (https://kabinet.its.gov.az/az/index). This section is also integrated into the “MyGov” portal. The user has to enter the “ASAN Login” system by using “Asan Imza” mobile electronic signature and select the “Digər xidmətlər (Other services)” section in the opening window.
When selecting the “Digər xidmətlər” section, the screen displays the following options: “COVID-19 Vaccine Certificate” or “COVID-19 Immunity Certificate”. If a citizen has been vaccinated, s/he needs to select “COVID-19 Vaccine Certificate”. An individual, that was infected and has recovered needs to select the “COVID-19 Immunity Certificate”.
The obtained COVID passport can be downloaded in electronic format, and/or received in a printed version. Authenticity verification of the COVID passport is possible by using the “QR Code” from the document. Additionally, citizens may obtain a COVID passport through the “E-Təbib” mobile application.
Importantly, when using an active number with “Asan Imza” service, one can receive important messages from government agencies and other e-service providers directly to the given number. Accordingly, it is strongly recommended to obtain the “Asan Imza” service on an active SIM-card, and there is no need to acquire a new number.
More than 1000 electronic services offered by public and private organizations are available with the “Asan Imza” mobile electronic signature. With a mobile identity, one may access vital electronic services, such as filling electronic tax returns; online credit; declaring goods and vehicles at customs; provision of notifications on labor contract to workers; application for affordable housing on preferential terms; opening bank accounts remotely; online issuance of tender guarantee; limitless transactions and internet and mobile banking.
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14.06.2021 “Asan Imza” and Digital Trade Hub of Azerbaijan were presented at the EFPE conference
On June 10th, 2021, Europe’s largest international conference on digital trust and security services – the European Forum on Electronic Signature and Trust Services (EFPE) – took place. EFPE is dedicated to
“Asan Imza” and Digital Trade Hub of Azerbaijan were presented at the EFPE conference
On June 10th, 2021, Europe’s largest international conference on digital trust and security services – the European Forum on Electronic Signature and Trust Services (EFPE) – took place. EFPE is dedicated to electronic trust services, including electronic signature and PKI, as well as electronic identification and digital security. For two decades, EFPE has brought together experts and professionals in law, technology and practice in the application of electronic trust services.
This year, the theme of the EFPE was “e-identification and trust services as the future of the digital economy”. The event was held online, with over 700 participating experts from all over the world. Well-known representatives from private companies and public organizations, supporting e-transformation around the world, reflected on how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the development of paperless services.
The speakers of the EFPE 2021 included representatives from renowned international companies and organizations, such as the European Commission, ISO International Organization for Standardization (USA), ETSI European Telecommunications Standards Institute, Samsung Electronics (Poland), Cosmos Corporation (Japan), Asseco Data Systems, Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) (Germany) and many others.
The founder and CEO of B.EST Solutions, Mrs. Jana Krimpe provided a comprehensive presentation on “Trusted Services connecting countries: e-ID the base for cross-border and e-Trade and digital transformation”. Mrs. Krimpe presented the achievements of Azerbaijan in digital transformation, the provision of trusted services and Mobile ID – “Asan Imza”, the Digital Trade Hub of Azerbaijan (DTH), and cross-border schemas for e-Trade. She shared that the implementation of the innovative “Asan Imza” technology in Azerbaijan has been added to the best practices of numerous reports of international organizations as a tool to ensure accessibility, inclusivity, and the transparency of service delivery to the population. “Asan Imza” service users have access to more than 1000 electronic services provided by the public and private sectors.
She also gave an overview of the DTH – a Public-Private Partnership Consortium between the Center for Analysis of Economic Reforms and Communications, PASHA Bank, B.EST Solutions and AzerTelecom. DTH represents a hub, where the government and private sector jointly create an advantageous business environment for digital nomads, freelancers, and entrepreneurs. Mrs. Krimpe stressed the impact of the DTH project both in the region and around the world. The panelist noted that the further development of DTH will strengthen the recovery of the country during the post-COVID period with the use of digital technologies in the social, economic, and financial sectors. Mrs. Krimpe also emphasized the value of the m-Residency program – the first Mobile Residency program in the world. This enables entrepreneurs to run a location independent company in Azerbaijan and benefit from its major electronic services.
Additionally, Mrs. Krimpe introduced Azerbaijan’s digital initiatives in the panel discussion: “Are the e-Identification and trust services the future of the digital economy?”, moderated by Slawomir Górniak – Senior Cybersecurity Expert, ENISA. The panelists discussed the perspective of cross-border mutual recognition schemas between EU and third countries, new eIDAS, European Digital Identity Wallets, new concept of electronic identification schemes, electronic ledgers for legal certainty, additional security of personal data, certification under the European Cybersecurity Act.
Mrs. Krimpe provided an analysis of the current situation in Azerbaijan with existing trusted services and described different cross-border models for the mutual recognition of e-Signatures. Presented activities related to the Framework Agreement on Facilitation of Cross-border Paperless Trade in Asia and the Pacific under the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP). The Agreement promotes the establishment of cross-border mutual recognition mechanisms for trade-related data and documents in electronic form among members as well as allows members to conclude bilateral and multilateral mutual recognition arrangements for the implementation of the recognition.
The detailed information about the conference can be found here