Azerbaijan, World Customs Organization stress strong cooperation during Baku visit

Azerbaijan's State Customs Committee (SCC) and the World Customs Organization (WCO) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation, with officials highlighting the importance of international standards, technological innovation and the exchange of expertise.

Speaking at a briefing during the first visit to Azerbaijan by WCO Secretary General Ian Saunders, SCC Chairman Shahin Baghirov said cooperation between the two sides is built on mutual trust, partnership and shared strategic objectives, Caliber.Az reports via local media. 

Baghirov said the Azerbaijani customs service extensively applies the WCO's recommendations, guidance documents and international standards in its daily operations.

He also highlighted the importance of implementing the customs service's 2025–2030 strategic plan, saying Azerbaijan is focused on introducing modern technologies and tools to improve customs operations.

Saunders praised Azerbaijan's customs administration, saying its experience is valuable not only nationally but also for the broader international customs community.

According to Saunders, international cooperation and the sharing of expertise are essential to improving customs services worldwide.

"We will only be able to achieve our goals by maximising the potential of the global network and sharing the knowledge and experience we each have acquired," he said.

Saunders added that Azerbaijan's customs reforms are closely followed by the WCO.

"In Brussels, we are monitoring your work and commending it highly. We hope that you will continue your work with the same professionalism, and that the experience you have accumulated will contribute to the development of customs administrations in other countries around the world," he said.

The WCO Secretary General also expressed hope that Azerbaijan would continue expanding cooperation with its trading partners and the customs authorities of neighbouring countries.

By Sabina Mammadli