Support to digital economy and society: EU4Digital starts operation in Baku

EU4Digital program, which is financed by EU and supports digital economy and society, held its first event in Baku with the support of EU Azerbaijan office and Ministry of Transport, Communication and High Technologies.

The event aims to introduce the EU4Digital program as a wide activity initiative supporting EU’s digital political targets. Moreover, current situation in digital sphere, achieved successes and future plans were discussed at the event.

Simona Gatti, Minister-Counsellor, Head of Cooperation at EU Delegation to Azerbaijan and Deputy Minister of Transport, Communication and High Technologies Elmir Valizade made speeches at the event.

"We are today introducing a regional initiative program with the total budget of EUR 11 million. The program is intended for Eastern Partnership and funded by EU. This is an arena with the great potential for social and economic development," Simona Gatti said.

"Our country is participating in every 6 directions carried out within the HDM initiative. Azerbaijan is a coordinating country on ICT innovation and startup ecosystem and e-customs subdirection. We think that works done within the HDM will support the digital economy in Azerbaijan," Deputy Minister of Transport, Communication and High Technologies Elmir Valizade said.

The deputy minister also said that development of digital economy is one of the issues that Azerbaijan pays special attention to: "Baku is closely following the works in this direction, Azerbaijan adopted a National Strategy for 2014-2020, formation of economy is one of main tasks and being executed."

After greeting speeches, a panel discussions were held on how to complete the other digital initiatives in Azerbaijan ad region.

EU4Digital aims to spread the advantages of EU’s single digit market in the Eastern Partnership.