Page 49 - Azerbaijan State University of Economics

THE JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC SCIENCES: THEORY AND PRACTICE, V.75, # 2, 2018, pp. 47-63

in 20 regions of Azerbaijan. Irrigation systems were installed. Moreover, establishment
of 38 agro-parks, including 14 modern animal breeding facilities was promoted.

- Another prioritized area in the Strategic Road Map is the formation of properly
functioning food safety system based on risk assessment and covering all the stages of
supply chain. In this respect, it is considered that food safety and products inspection
procedures will be harmonized with the WTO requirements. A number of measures were
taken in the area of licensing, permits and certification dealing with an agrarian industry.
By the relevant Presidential Order, Food Safety Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan has
been established. The new established entity, which has started operating from January
2018, deals with hygienic certification of food products, including issuance of quality
certificates for export products and protection of consumer rights.

- Improvement of the mechanism to support the agricultural goods producers within
the allowed rules and principles is defined as one of priorities. In this regard, it is
envisaged to establish strong information and advisory services database which is part
of the green box instruments. Recognizing the importance of research and
development on overall food security in the country, the Presidential Decree was
signed to renovate and re-build Agrarian Science Center and its branches in the
regions, as well as to modernize Artificial Fertilization Center according to the latest
technological developments.

- The relevant Presidential Decree was signed “On some activities regarding the licensing
procedures”. Based on this Decree, process of issuance, renewal and elimination of all
kinds of activity licenses was centralized. Currently, these services are available through
“ASAN Service”, as well as “E-licensing” web-portals.

- The very Decree also eliminated licenses for import and export of alcoholic
beverages, ethyl spirits and tobacco. Moreover, the number of licensable activities
was reduced from 59 to 37. License fees were also reduced by half. Currently, the
period for issuance of licenses corresponds to 10 days (instead of previously 15 days)
and all the licenses are issued on a permanent basis.

- According to the relevant Presidential Decree on “Digital trade hub of Azerbaijan”
several important steps have been taken toward more easy and favorable e-commerce for
businesses. As per very Decree, trade portal www.azexport.az was established enabling
foreign business partners of the Azerbaijani entrepreneurs to prepare and sign documents
and agreements electronically, and perform electronic services in real time.

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