The final report meeting of the working group on "Tax and accountability" was held

The final report meeting Business environment and international ratings Commission of the working group on "Tax and Accountability," led by the State Tax Service under the Ministry of Economy, was held. The event was attended by the State Tax Service (STS), the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Finance, the Central Bank, the State Statistics Committee, the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, the Small and Medium Business Development Agency, the State Agency for Public Service and Social Innovations under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Center for Analysis and Communication of Economic Reforms, the Chamber of Auditors, the Bar Association, as well as representatives of business associations and leading consulting firms.

During the meeting, the overall progress of the implementation of the "Road Map" for the "Taxation" indicator of the "Doing Business Environment" project of the World Bank Group for the years 2022-2023 was discussed. Achievements were reviewed, and proposals for the preparation of the Road Map for 2024 were highlighted.

Deputy Head of the State Tax Service and head of the working group, Ilkin Valiyev, provided information to the participants about the work done in 2023 within the framework of the "Road Map" for the "Taxation" indicator. He mentioned the quality of tax compliance rules, services provided by the tax administration, tax burden, and efficiency of tax systems under sub-indicators. It was reported that 54 measures were implemented under the Road Map, covering 3 main sub-indicators and 9 components. While the majority of the work on these measures has been completed, some ongoing activities continue, and efforts are underway in the implementation of various projects and legislative initiatives.

Vusal Shikhaliyev, Commission Secretariat Executive, Head of the Sector at the Department of Economic Policy and Industrial Issues of the Presidential Administration of the Republic of Azerbaijan, emphasized the positive results of the implemented measures under the Road Map. He highlighted the need to continue work on more targeted goals and projects in the next stage. V. Shikhaliyev pointed out the necessity of conducting more extensive informative events on projects improving the business environment and benefiting taxpayers. He also drew attention to the opportunities to enhance the effectiveness of measures to be implemented in 2024 through obtaining positions and opinions of the private sector on tax compliance issues.

Representatives of the private business sector spoke about some issues they encountered in the field of tax compliance. They particularly shared their views on the situation created in the country regarding the import of automobiles and the unfair competition faced by official dealers. The need to intensify meetings with business associations in 2024 was emphasized.

The head of the working group, Ilkin Valiyev, mentioned the continuation of close cooperation with the private sector and consulting firms.

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