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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
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31.05.2021 “Citizen” type of “Asan Imza” service is provided free of charge
B.EST Solutions – the technical operator of “Asan Imza” mobile electronic signature and the Digital Trade Hub partner, continues to deliver innovations for users. In June 2020, the company lifted the activation
“Citizen” type of “Asan Imza” service is provided free of charge
B.EST Solutions – the technical operator of “Asan Imza” mobile electronic signature and the Digital Trade Hub partner, continues to deliver innovations for users. In June 2020, the company lifted the activation fee of 18 AZN for the “Citizen” type of “Asan Imza” SIM-card, which would be valid for a three-year period. The service still included an active monthly subscription fee, which provided citizens access to all digital public services.
Now, B.EST Solutions in cooperation with the State Tax Service under the Ministry of Economy and along with all mobile operators, has decided to abolish the monthly subscription fee for “Citizen” type of “Asan Imza” service from July 2021, for the period of the pandemic. In line with its social responsibility, the company aims to ensure comprehensive support for initiatives of Mr. Ilham Aliyev, the President of Azerbaijan in the field of digital transformation and provide a better access to a wide range of electronic services to Azerbaijani citizens.
This tariff is available for citizens, who have joined the service from June 20, 2020, as well as all citizens who will obtain the service from July 2021. It should be recalled that the monthly subscription fee for this service previously cost 2.50 AZN. Also, “Asan Imza” mobile electronic signature service can be obtained on an existing mobile number with no need to purchase a new number. By using an active number with the “Asan Imza” service, one can receive important messages from government agencies and other e-service providers directly to the number.
Now, users can obtain the “Citizen” type of “Asan Imza” service for free and have remote access to more than 1000 electronic services provided by public and private organizations in Azerbaijan. Among others, these electronic services include opening bank accounts remotely; Internet and mobile banking; mortgage application; application for affordable housing on preferential terms; declaration of goods and vehicles in customs service; electronic issuance of a power of attorney to drive a vehicle; a personal account management on the electronic court portal; obtaining information about fines; social insurance of life and property; proof of employment.
According to the legislation of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the “Asan Imza” service is equal to a handwritten signature. Therefore, one must not give anyone their personal SIM-card with “Asan Imza” and must not keep passwords in an accessible place.
It should be indicated that the monthly fee and cost of “Asan Imza” services for the “Business” and “Government” types remain unchanged for business entities and government employees.
By calling the number 1847 (“Asan Imza” Call Center) or by writing to info@asanimza.az, citizens may receive responses to their inquiries.
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28.05.2021 28 May – Republic Day!
Today – 28 May is the 103st anniversary of one of the brightest moments in the history of Azerbaijan – the foundation of Azerbaijani Democratic Republic.
28 May – Republic Day!
Today – 28 May is the 103st anniversary of one of the brightest moments in the history of Azerbaijan – the foundation of Azerbaijani Democratic Republic.
Since 1918, every year the Azerbaijani nation celebrates this date with a sense of pride for its history.
The Foundation of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, the first democratic state in the east, laid the basis for the independence of the Azerbaijani nation. This event was a signal of the awakening of national consciousness and the renaissance of the nation. During the 23-month period, the foundations of statehood were laid and key state development destinations were identified.
In recent history, under the direction of national leader Heydar Aliyev, the independent state of Azerbaijan was re-established based on the principles of the democratic republic.
We sincerely congratulate the Azerbaijani nation on the occasion of 28 May – Republic Day!
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10.05.2021 Today is 98th birthday anniversary of Nationwide leader Heydar Aliyev
May 10th, 2021 is the 98th anniversary of Heydar Aliyev’s birthday, the great son of his country and the National Leader of Azerbaijan.
Today is 98th birthday anniversary of Nationwide leader Heydar Aliyev
May 10th, 2021 is the 98th anniversary of Heydar Aliyev’s birthday, the great son of his country and the National Leader of Azerbaijan.
His role in the establishment of independent Azerbaijan cannot be overestimated: thanks to his competent and thoughtful decisions, Azerbaijan for a short time reached political recognition, economic growth, decent living standards of citizens, and during his reign the foundations for the introduction of innovations in the field of information technologies were laid.
On behalf of all “Asan İmza” staff we congratulate all people of Azerbaijan on this remarkable day and wish everyone peace, prosperity and well-being.
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31.03.2021 31 March – Azerbaijaniani Genoside
103 years have passed since the genocide committed by the members of Armenian Dashnak party in concert with Bolsheviks against Azerbaijanis.
31 March – Azerbaijaniani Genoside
103 years have passed since the genocide committed by the members of Armenian Dashnak party in concert with Bolsheviks against Azerbaijanis.
Within the period from 30th March to 3rd April 1918 in Baku and regions of Baku province, as well as in Shamakhi, Guba, Khachmaz, Lankaran, Hadzhigabul, Salyan, Zangezur cities, Karabakh and Nakhchivan regions and other territories massacre directed against Azerbaijanis was committed by representatives of the Baku Soviet and armenian dashnaks. As a result of the massacre were killed more than 12 thousand Azerbaijanis, tens of thousands gone missing.
Considering tragic of events occurred, on 26 March of 1998 the President of Azerbaijan Heydar Aliyev issued a decree according to which the date of March 31 was declared as the Day of Genocide of Azerbaijanis.
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20.03.2021 Happy Novruz!
We wish this wonderful holiday will gift you full of happiness moments.
Happy Novruz!
We wish this wonderful holiday will gift you full of happiness moments.
Wish you strong health and prosperity, coming true of your dreams and more achievements in your life.
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22.02.2021 “Asan Imza” featured as the best practice in worldwide report
Azerbaijan’s Mobile ID – “Asan Imza” was featured as the best practice case in the joint report published by Secure Identity Alliance and OnePoint – “Giving Voice to Digital Identities Worldwide”. Secure
“Asan Imza” featured as the best practice in worldwide report
Azerbaijan’s Mobile ID – “Asan Imza” was featured as the best practice case in the joint report published by Secure Identity Alliance and OnePoint – “Giving Voice to Digital Identities Worldwide”.
Secure Identity Alliance (SIA) in partnership with OnePoint, recently produced “The Giving Voice to Digital Identities Worldwide report” charting the current state of government-led digital and mobile identity projects across the globe.
The aim of the project was twofold. First, to highlight specificities of different digital ID schemes as well as explore innovative use cases, governance & processes, technological choices, and go-to-market strategies. Second, to understand the drivers of decision-making and benefit from best practices shared by key actors.
The report compiled key insights and experiences gathered from official and documented analytical sources, as well as a cross-analysis of 25 interviews with key international actors and country representatives. Highlighting innovative models, lessons learnt and showcasing best practice, this highly visual report analyses ID projects and models from around the world including best practice examples from USA, Canada, Austria, UK, France, Netherlands, Denmark, Estonia, Azerbaijan, India, Singapore and many more.
ccording to Yannick Ragonneau, Partner at OnePoint, “As transactions move from the physical to the digital world, trusted digital identity is now the cornerstone of a new and growing range of public services. In this report, we give voice to the leaders of the most innovative and challenging identity-led projects across the world – leveraging their ‘on the ground’ insights and perspectives to help public and private policymakers understand the art of the possible.”
Azerbaijan’s “Asan Imza” was featured to exemplify best practice in two areas: digital inclusivity and the trend of digital identification going mobile. In the first category, Azerbaijan was featured next to France and Australia, standing out with the verbal solutions of Mobile ID designed to ensure digital inclusivity in the provision of public services. In the second category, “Think Mobile First”, Azerbaijan’s SIM-based “Asan Imza” solution was highlighted next to Liechtenstein and Italy.
As recognized by multiple experts in the report, the future of identification is mobile. Azerbaijan’s accomplishments in implementing its Mobile ID, place the country as one of the frontrunners of the trend.
“With the uptake of digital ID now at a crucial tipping point, mobile ID is set to become the primary source of digital ID onboarding, verification and authentication for over 3 billion people by 2024,” shares Kristen Teyras, Chair at the SIA Digital ID Workgroup, citing recent findings by Juniper Research. “Next-generation mobile ID technologies that support both online and in-person identification are already helping to propel pro new era of innovative trusted ID services that are redefining how people interact with public authorities and private sector players,” she observes, referring to the use cases featured in the report.
The study is the result of a joint effort by Secure Identity Alliance (SIA) and OnePoint:
SIA is a non-profit organization, which brings together public, private and non-government organizations to foster international collaboration on the provision of legal and trusted identity for all and the development of inclusive digital identity services.
OnePoint are enterprise transformation architects, guiding their clients from the definition of the strategic vision to its technological implementation.