We see a big potential of the non-oil sector – Mustafa Abbasbayli

I would like to note that all members of the Caspian European Club (Caspian Business Club) took part in the work on these proposals. Each member of the club, each side had certain proposals, and we finally grouped them and submitted to the Head of State in a uniform manner in the form of proposals.
 
Another item included in our customs-related proposals is to increase tariff rates for excise products, in particular, for alcohol, cigarettes, etc. Also, we would like to group all tariff rates in the sector of IT technologies. Currently there are several different tariff rates for IT technologies in Azerbaijan, and they create certain difficulties for importers. Therefore, one of the proposals is to group them according to one rate to avoid an unfair approach to different importers. And the last but important point on customs is the possibility to reduce or even completely eliminate customs charges on feedstock since, as we know, it is the basis of domestic production.
 
Mustafa Abbasbayli: With regard to the tax system, we offer a few items. The first one is to set tariffs on a value added tax. It is common knowledge that the developed countries have several categories of value added tax in place. In our country it makes 0% or 18%. Again, the developed economies use in practice several categories with rates up to 21%. Rates are much lower for first-necessity products. We offer the similar form of taxation in the part of VAT.
Also, in our opinion one of the proposals in the field of taxation is to introduce the third category to taxation. The fact is that there are two main tax regimes in place in Azerbaijan now: a simplified kind of tax and a normal kind of tax. The second one envisages a tax rate for company profit at 20%. We propose to introduce the third clause on taxes for companies with the annual turnover not exceeding 50,000 manats. Thus, from the moment of registration through the first year of operation a company with a turnover of up to 50,000 manats pays no taxes. When a turnover reaches 50,000 manats or after one year of operation a company can shift to a simplified system, which envisages charging of only 4% as tax from an annual turnover.
 
Mustafa Abbasbayli: One of the points we envisaged in the tax system is also a simplification or reduction of profit taxes for individuals. Currently it together with social insurance rates ranges from 39% to 50%. If a salary of an individual is up to 2,500 manats, he pays 39%, with a salary over 2,500 manats an individual shall pay 50%. A business entity pays income tax at a rate of 20%, so according to this scheme, rates are more favourable for companies rather than for individuals. Unfortunately, we see the cases when companies start to indicate lower amounts of salaries than the applicable level. We propose to reduce taxes on salaries of individuals to align them with the level of a tax rate for company profits. Again, here we have taken into account the international experience. For example, in Georgia, a tax rate on salaries of individuals is 20%, and income tax together with dividends is 20% too. Accordingly, there is no need for companies to lower actual amounts of salaries of their employees since in both cases the amount of tax is the same.
 
Moreover, here we also indicated the provision on visas, since some difficulties are faced in obtaining business visas for entering Azerbaijan. So, one of the proposals is to simplify the visa processes, not only for business visas but also for tourist visas, taking into account the importance of the tourism sector. And to date, a lot of work is conducted in this direction since it will promote an increase in the investment attractiveness of our country.
 
Mustafa Abbasbayli: As is known, the drop in oil prices in the global market has affected the situation in the country. Azerbaijan in particular was affected in two ways. The first is the decrease in government revenues from oil sales. So, accordingly, the government was forced to optimise spending on some projects, etc. As a result, economy narrowed. Secondly, the foreign trade balance of Azerbaijan was closed with minus and the country was compelled to devalue the local currency. This influenced the inflation. Prices for many products shot up, also negatively affecting the economy. But, as I already said, finally the government took serious measures on institutional, financial and economic reforms, improvement of the investment climate that minimized the effects caused by the global processes. In my option, the situation has stabilized now, so we do not expect another devaluation of the Azerbaijan manat.
 
Mustafa Abbasbayli: At present, we see a big potential in the sector of agriculture and tourism. We find both of these directions very promising and think the government is making maximum efforts in this area. The example of this is the new decree of the President, which envisages a creation of a new company to deal with procurement of agricultural products. We believe it will strongly influence the development of agriculture in Azerbaijan.
Along with agriculture and tourism, the transport sector is also promising. Azerbaijan is currently turning into a transit zone for the neighbouring countries. The favourable geographical location enables Azerbaijan to develop into a regional transport hub. This, in turn, will increase budget receipts and create more opportunities for the development of other sectors.
 

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