BAKU, Azerbaijan, September
29. The primary goal of tax administration is not
to increase oversight, but rather to accurately identify risks,
avoid imposing additional administrative burdens on transparent
taxpayers, and encourage voluntary tax compliance through digital
solutions.
This was stated by the Head of the State Tax Service (STS) under
the Azerbaijani Ministry of Economy, Orkhan Nazarli, during a B2G
meeting held within the framework of the Open Dialogue Platform
between the STS and the "Türkiye-Azerbaijan Businessmen and
Industrialists Public Union" (TÜİB).
According to him, the main objective is to establish a system
characterized by voluntary fulfillment of tax obligations,
strengthened mutual trust between the state and the business
community, and a mindset where entrepreneurs view the tax system
not as an obstacle to their operations, but as an integral part of
a transparent and predictable economic environment.
The Head of the Service emphasized the opportunities created by
the further strengthening of the strategic partnership between
Azerbaijan and Türkiye in recent years for the enhancement and
diversification of economic cooperation.
Nazarli shared his views on expanding bilateral business ties
and fostering dialogue with the business community, while also
outlining the STS’ principles for engaging with entrepreneurs. He
noted that the STS attaches great importance to maintaining an open
and continuous dialogue with the business community. Proposals from
entrepreneurs are not merely discussed; initiatives deemed
appropriate are taken into account when improving tax
administration and legislation, and efforts are focused on
transitioning the existing dialogue with the business community to
a more systematic and institutional level.
Touching upon the key directions of tax policy, Nazarli
highlighted the priority placed on promoting economic growth and
investment, actively supporting micro and small enterprises,
stimulating exports, and creating a favorable tax environment for
business entities operating in the fields of digital technology and
innovation. He also noted that work is underway to reduce the
administrative and reporting burden on entrepreneurs, simplify tax
procedures, and implement more flexible approaches to managing tax
liabilities.
Nazarli emphasized the importance of digital transformation and
data-driven tax administration. The Head of the Service stated that
the aim is to transition to a more agile and proactive model of
relations with taxpayers through the expanded use of artificial
intelligence and analytical solutions, earlier risk identification,
preventive communication, and the development of electronic
services.
Then, Chairman of the Board of TÜİB, Hüseyin Büyükfirat,
delivered a speech. He shared his views on the results achieved and
prospects regarding the development of business ties between
Azerbaijan and Türkiye. He noted that strengthening mutual
relations between entrepreneurs from Azerbaijan and Türkiye,
creating new business opportunities, and implementing joint
initiatives contribute to the economic development of both
countries.
Böyükfırat pointed out that TÜİB members operate across various
sectors of the Azerbaijani economy and make significant
contributions to the development of the non-oil sector. The head of
TÜİB emphasized the vital importance of the tax system for the
country's economic development and the sustainability of public
services.
Highlighting the significance of dialogue between the public and
private sectors, Büyükfırat stated that the Open Dialogue Platform
serves as a crucial consultation forum, enabling the business
community to share issues, ideas, and proposals directly with
government agencies. He expressed confidence that maintaining a
dialogue based on mutual trust, open communication, and
constructive cooperation would significantly contribute to
improving the business environment and fostering economic
growth.
The event continued with answering questions of interest to the
entrepreneurs and raising proposals and appeals.
