Ilham Aliyev attended the opening of the Training Center of the Ministry of Taxes in Shamakhi

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has attended the opening of a new Training Center of the Ministry of Taxes in Shamakhi.

The center’s staff warmly welcomed the head of state.

Minister of Taxes Fazil Mammadov informed the head of state that the tax reform under way in the country in the last several years primarily aim to apply modern technologies and train qualified specialists in this sphere.
President Ilham Aliyev cut a ribbon symbolizing the opening of the Training Center.

It was indicated that the construction of the Training Centre had begun in 2008. The construction carried out on an area of 2.5 hectares fully meet the high standards of construction. The complex includes a three-storey center training building, a two-storey office building, a hostel for attendees and instructors, including four two-storey guest-houses for visiting experts.

The center has three lecture halls. Every classroom is equipped with all technical facilities and is intended for 20 people. Training will be organized here at three levels. The first level covers two-month courses for the newly-hired staff, the second level lasts one to two weeks and is intended for tax officers, while the third level is short-term and is meant for senior executives. The center also includes departments of economics and management, tax methodology, tax and commercial law, a scientific research department, teaching, and financial-economic departments. A total of 30 senior officials will work at the Centre.

President Ilham Aliyev also informed about the new cash registers used in the tax system and POS-terminals that will be applied in the near future. It was noted that this equipment meets contemporary requirements, and its introduction will open up extensive opportunities for further reforms in the tax system.

The center has a photo section documenting the life and activities of great leader Heydar Aliyev. There are pictures and popular literature about the multifaceted activities of President Ilham Aliyev, including the various aspects of attention and care about the tax system.

While reviewing the conference room, the head of state watched a video message from Svein Ragnar Kristensen, president of the European organization of tax administrations. He congratulated the President of Azerbaijan on the commissioning of the Training Center that meets high standards.

President Ilham Aliyev was also informed that the Ministry is successfully applying a tax curriculum model. This project is being used as an important tool in improving and developing the professional skills of tax officers. Also being applied are various forms of distance learning, using the opportunities of information and communication technologies. At the same time, on-the-job assessment of the level of knowledge and professionalism is conducted.

During familiarization with the assembly hall, the President was informed that the 96-seat hall has all the conditions for hosting important events and presentations. Along with this, the center’s lobby and other sections are finished with good and create great opportunities for a comprehensive recreation.

President Ilham Aliyev also reviewed the hostel for attendees. It was noted that there are 21 rooms for three people, three double rooms and three single rooms. All rooms are equipped to a high standard.

While examining the fitness center, the President was informed that there is a swimming pool covering 80 square meters and various fitness machines. There is also a café capable of seating 20 people at a time.

When walking about the Center’s premises, the President enquired about the houses built for invited foreign guests and experts. It was noted that the two-storey homes have all the necessary conditions. It was indicated that there is a separate building for teachers here. This building has 12 one-bedroom and 24 two-bedroom apartments. The library and the Internet café of the Training Center have already been commissioned.

After reviewing the center, the head of state met the local staff and said:

This center meets the highest standards. I am very pleased that the Ministry of Taxes has created such beautiful conditions for its staff and young workers in a short period of time. A training center that meets the latest standards has been built in a remarkable corner of Azerbaijan, in such a picturesque location as Shamakhi District. This is a wonderful event and something that directly relates to Azerbaijan’s overall development. Because the development of our education, knowledge, science, economy on a scientific foundation is the most important issue for us and is one of the reasons for our success. We are trying to build all our work on a solid foundation. All the programs, projects and initiatives being put forward are implemented on a lasting basis. This also applies to the reforms in a very important sector of our economy – taxation. The innovations we are introducing, the “one window” initiative – all this serves the development of modern Azerbaijan. And you know very well that the “one window” principle applied in the Ministry of Taxes is now used in other bodies. In essence, this principle shows a modern level. At the same time, it plays a very important part in ensuring economic transparency in Azerbaijan. We are trying to introduce “e-government” regulations now. The experience of the Ministry of Taxes is very valuable. I am very glad that your ministry is managed in a modern fashion, applies modern management practices and studies international experience. We must apply the world’s best practices to Azerbaijan.

During the opening ceremony today, the president of the European organization of tax administrations expressed his congratulations. He said the work done by the tax administration in Azerbaijan is commendable. Our cooperation with European structures, including our relationships in this area, are effective, beneficial and necessary for us. I am very pleased that present-day realities of Azerbaijan are seen, approved and evaluated both by our citizens and our partners, European representatives. A session of the Regional Committee for Europe of the World Health Organization started in Baku yesterday. Some positive views about our country and the work done here were expressed there. I have no doubt that during various international events at this center your colleagues will also say nice words about the work we have done in this building – this is a reality. We are creating these realities ourselves – the Azerbaijani people are creating them. Every officer working in public service should honorably fulfill his duty. To do this, along with all other qualities, of course, one must have a high level of professionalism. I do hope that the issues studied in this building will be as high in quality as the appearance of the building. I wish you further successes in these matters, and good health.

Х Х Х

Then a picture was taken.