Seminar on telecoms law and practice in Azerbaijan and the EU and WTO regulation thereon is presented

In the framework of the ongoing cooperation with the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport, the EU-funded “Strengthening capacity of the Government of Azerbaijan in the WTO Accession negotiations and other trade related activities” project has presented a seminar on telecoms law and practice on January 28, 2022.

The event was opened by Mr. Mammadov, Head of the Department of Technological Development of the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport, Ms. Alasgarova, Deputy-Head of the Trade Policy and WTO Department of the Ministry of Economy, and Ms. Abdullayeva, Task Manager of the EU Delegation.

Regarding WTO accession, the project’s telecommunications expert stated that, in order to move forward the ongoing accession negotiations in this area, the following aspects need to be addressed:

• Legislative reform – new competitive landscape/safeguards for operators;
• Introduction of a National Regulatory Authority (NRA);
• Reference Interconnection Offer/New licensing regime.

Mr. Mammadov presented the normative and institutional changes that have occurred during the past year. Among others, he stressed the establishment of the NRA, whose Charter is currently under development.

The project’s expert also presented the European Electronic Communications Code and its implementation. Aspects dealt with included competition, consumer protection, end-user rights and end-user protection, universal service obligation and emergency services / public warning systems.

7 officials from various departments of the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport, as well as from the Ministry of Economy, participated in the online event.

The PPT may be accessed at the following link: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1scCuS2JzOPw95gI4HbbUjf8W5Q_RtKlj/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=102270338528426763815&rtpof=true&sd=true

Marius Bordalba, the project team leader, stated: “EU-funded projects have been cooperating with the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport to support its efforts to reform the telecommunications sector, liberalize the market, improve regulatory mechanisms and form a competitive environment, in line with international standards and best practices. The Trade Policy project is ready to support the Ministry in the operationalisation of the newly established NRA and in the preparation of amendments to the Law on Telecommunications, among others.”