Public Debate, organized by the Open Government Platform and the State Customs Committee on “Transparency and Accountability in the Performance of Customs Authorities” was held in Pullman Baku Hotel on 14 May, organized by the Open Government Platform and the State Customs Committee.

Officials of the State Customs Committee, members of the Open Government Platform and other NGO representatives, MPs, representatives of government agencies and international organizations attended the event.

Speaking at the event, Deputy Chairman of the State Customs Committee Rza Hasanaliyev spoke about the economic reforms carried out in all spheres by President Ilham Aliyev in recent years, the role of these reforms in the dynamic development of our country and the work of customs authorities in this area, modernization of customs bodies, strengthening of personnel potential innovation projects implemented to increase efficiency of work of customs authorities.

Coordinator of the Open Government Platform, President of the “Constitution” Research Foundation Alimammad Nuriyev expressed his confidence that the event will make a significant contribution to the strengthening of relations between customs authorities and civil society. Alimammad Nuriyev emphasized the importance of deepening transparency and accountability, which has a positive impact on the effectiveness of reforms implemented in the country, and noted that the steps taken by the customs authorities in this area are worthwhile.

Then Fuad Gasimov, Head of the State Customs Committee’s Internal Security Department made a presentation on “Measures taken to ensure transparency and accountability in the activities of customs authorities”.

Head of General Department of Performance Assessment and Development Programs of the SCC, Iqbal Babayev spoke on the topic “Role of electronic services in customs-business cooperation”. He provided information on the information technology projects implemented by the SCC and the role of these projects in ensuring transparency.

Coordinator of Open Government Platform Alimammad Nuriyev made a presentation on “Civil society overview of the activities of customs authorities”. The presentation reflected the overall approach and concrete proposals on increasing public trust in the SCC’s activities, applying the latest standards of transparency and accountability, enhancing public participation, effective anti-corruption strategies. Nuriyev pointed out proposals on expanding public participation in the activities of the SCC and expressed the position of civil society on measures to ensure transparency and accountability.

Member of Parliament Gudrat Hasanguliyev highlighted the importance of personnel training in the customs service, the development of public relations of the SCC, the importance of expanding public participation in the activities of the Committee.

Members of the Platform, NGO leaders and experts Osman Gunduz, Novella Jafaroglu, Umid Rahimoglu, Rauf Zeyni, Rashad Hasanov, Rahila Mediyeva and Mahluka Rahimova also gave their suggestions and recommendations.

The SCC officials and the Platform Coordinator expressed their opinion regarding to the notes and answered numerous questions.