Azerbaijan prioritises efficient customs operations through business partnerships PHOTO

24 October 2024 20:11

Chairman of the Azerbaijani State Customs Committee and Lieutenant General of the Customs Service Shahin Baghirov has said that for the efficient customs clearance of goods being imported and exported in connection with production-sharing agreements, strengthening ties with businesses specialising in this area is of particular importance.

Baghirov made these remarks during a meeting with representatives of contractor companies from the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) and bp, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

He highlighted the significance of such discussions with the companies operating in the oil and gas sector.

The chairman noted that the steps are being taken in the customs system to enhance satisfaction and transparency, as well as to digitise business-oriented projects. In this regard, the suggestions made during regular meetings with business representatives play a crucial role in improving administrative efficiency.

One of the primary goals of customs bodies is to establish business relationships with physical and legal entities on a partnership basis, which will facilitate the smooth and swift execution of customs operations.

While welcoming the participants at the meeting aimed at strengthening customs-business cooperation and addressing emerging issues in the customs sector, bp Regional President for Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Türkiye Gary Jones emphasised the importance of such events for further enhancing connections between companies operating in the oil and gas sector and customs bodies.

Established in 1992 and headquartered in Baku, SOCAR plays a vital role in Azerbaijan's economy and energy sector. The company is involved in various aspects of the oil and gas industry, including exploration, production, refining, transportation, and distribution of oil and gas products. With operations extending beyond Azerbaijan, SOCAR has established partnerships with international oil and gas companies and is engaged in projects across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

One of SOCAR's most significant undertakings is the Shah Deniz gas field, one of the largest gas fields globally, which is crucial for supplying gas to Europe via the Southern Gas Corridor. Additionally, SOCAR is a key stakeholder in the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline, which transports oil from the Caspian Sea to the Mediterranean, enhancing energy security for Europe.

In recent years, SOCAR has also focused on sustainable energy initiatives, including investments in renewable sources such as wind and solar power, as well as projects related to green hydrogen.

bp first arrived in Azerbaijan and opened its first office in Baku in June 1992. Over the past years, in partnership with the government of Azerbaijan and co-venturers, bp-operated world-class projects such as Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli (ACG), Shah Deniz and Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) have contributed to the development of the Caspian Sea as a modern hydrocarbon province. These have been remarkable years accompanied by numerous unique and significant milestones based on safe, responsible and efficient operations.