By the Order of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan dated January 26, 2021, Rashad Nabi oglu Nabiyev was appointed as Minister of Transport, Communications and High Technologies of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
In January, the work of Shusha TV and Radio Broadcasting Station was restored in order to broadcast in the territories liberated from occupation.
In February, the Postal Agency of Customer Service Department of Fuzuli Postal Branch started operating in Hadrut settlement of Khojavend region.
On March 30, 2021, by the relevant orders of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, Rashad Nabiyev was appointed Chairman of the Supervisory Boards of Azerbaijan Airlines CJSC and Azerbaijan Railways CJSC.
On April 19, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan signed a Decree on the preparation of the Smart City and Smart Village concepts.
On April 27, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan signed a Decree “On improving governance in the field of digital transformation”.
In April, the provision of optical telecommunications services began in the settlements of Hovsan and Bina. This technology not only guarantees a stable speed, but also allows providing telephone, internet and television services through a single line.
On May 31, delegations headed by Minister of Digital Development and Transport of the Republic of Azerbaijan Rashad Nabiyev and Minister of Transport and Infrastructure of the Republic of Turkey Adil Karaismailoglu jointly visited Fuzuli and Khojavend regions in order to get acquainted with the ongoing infrastructure projects in the territories liberated from occupation.
In July, optical telecommunications services started to be provided to residents of Binagadi and Sabunchu districts of the capital.
In July, Aztelecom and Baktelecom reduced tariffs for internet services. According to the new tariffs, the speed for connecting users to internet services has been increased and the monthly fee has been reduced.
In July, the ministry joined the Employment Marathon, launched with a view to providing jobs for family members of martyrs and wounded veterans of the Patriotic War.
In July, Azermarka LLC under the ministry merged with Azerpost LLC.
In July, the International Telecommunication Union published the Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI) 2020. Azerbaijan in the ranking has moved up by 15 positions and took 40th place. In total, our country scored 89.31 points.
In August, Aztelecom LLC under the ministry presented telephone communications on the basis of new technologies in order to ensure high-quality international and long-distance telephone communications.
In September, the ministry announced a scholarship program in order to accelerate training of personnel in our country in various areas of information technologies, eliminate existing shortcomings in these areas and contribute to the development of these areas in the country. The tuition fee for participants of the courses, which started in October will be paid by the ministry.
In September, Azerbaijan was represented by 11 startups at Technofest Aerospace and Technology Festival organized in Turkey. Our startups, represented in the National Pavilion, covered various areas and directions, such as space industry, military industry, education, medicine, agriculture, transport, video games, new technologies in general.
In September, Azercosmos and the International Astronautical Federation signed an agreement on holding the International Astronautical Congress in Baku in 2023.
In October, training of instructors in the field of information technologies began in the regions. The training aims to improve the skills of instructing IT professionals carrying out activities in different regions of the country and increase the number of professional IT instructors in the regions.
On October 11, based on the basis of the relevant Presidential Decree, the Ministry of Transport, Communications and High Technologies of the Republic of Azerbaijan was renamed the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Regulatory authorities in the field of ICT and innovation – Information and Communication Technologies Agency and Innovation and Digital Development Agency were established. The aim is to expand the application of digitalization and innovation, develop radio spectrum management, communication and information technologies, improve regulatory mechanisms and create a healthy competitive environment.
On October 11, 2021, based on the relevant Presidential Decrees, regulatory authorities – Azerbaijan Land Transport Agency and State Maritime and Port Agency, which will operate in the field of transport, were created. Also, a number of institutions and organizations were abolished and merged into a new agency. This process allows for effective centralized regulation and control in the field of transport.
In October, the meeting of the Coordinating Council on Transit Freight of the Republic of Azerbaijan was held. An exchange of views took place regarding current state of transit traffic through Azerbaijan at the meeting, which was chaired by Minister of Digital Development and Transport, Chairman of the Council Rashad Nabiyev.
In October, 8 TV and one radio channel were broadcast in the city of Kalbajar and 15 adjacent villages of the region. In addition, 8 TV and two radio channels began broadcasting in the city of Zangilan and more than 10 villages of Zangilan region. TV and radio broadcasting was also provided in Gubadly.
In October, educational trainings were held on the topic “Ensuring the safe use of internet by children” for students of general education schools. The trainings aimed to protect children from cyber threats and harmful information, promote the Law on the Protection of Children from Malicious Information, signed by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan on October 30, 2018, and raise awareness on the relevant topic.
On November 7, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva attended the groundbreaking ceremony for Shusha TV & Radio Broadcasting Station.
On November 7, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed an order on measures for the design and construction of Shusha TV and Radio Broadcasting Station.
In November, enterprises and residential buildings in the city of Shusha were provided with optical telecommunications services.
On December 1, the process of issuing certificates to seafarers was simplified. Prior to this change, the knowledge and skills of seafarers were tested by the agency through an examination after completing advanced training courses to replace expired certificates (diplomas) with new ones.
In December, the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport, ADA University and Huawei signed a tripartite memorandum of understanding to establish a joint R&D Centre. The joint project will be implemented with the aim of developing innovative products, making a long-term contribution to the ICT segment of Azerbaijan.
December 6 – on the eve of the professional holiday of communications and information technology workers on the occasion of the 140th anniversary of the Azerbaijan telephone communications, employees and veterans who have been working effectively and for a long time in the field of communications were awarded honorary diplomas and certificates of gratitude, women with special roles in the field of communications were awarded, and veteran communications workers were visited in their homes.
On the occasion of the 140th anniversary, a competition was organized among journalists, a voluntary blood donation campaign was organized, relevant trainings were held, a postage stamp was put into circulation, and a documentary was made.
On the occasion of the 140th anniversary, the Rabita Museum was organized in the administrative building of the ministry. The museum was first visited by children of martyr communications workers and veterans, as well as martyrs of April and Tovuz battles.
On December 6, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan signed a Decree on awarding workers in the field of communications and information technologies.
On December 6, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan signed a Decree on conferring the honorary title “Honored Engineer” on communications and information technology workers.
Data Processing Center (DPC) under the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport (MDDT) was merged with another agency of the ministry – AzInTelecom LLC. AzInTelecom LLC, reorganized through the merger of the two agencies, will apply corporate standards in management based on best practices.
There was direct involvement in the restoration of the transport infrastructure on the lands liberated from occupation, appropriate measures were taken to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of projects and control over them.
Days of remembrance of martyrs who worked in the bodies of the ministry were celebrated. In those days, together with family members, they visited the graves of martyrs, held events in the relevant bodies.
Memorial plaques to martyr communications workers were installed in the administrative building of the ministry and relevant bodies.
2022
In January, the Tariff (Price) Council adopted relevant decisions for universal postal services. Tariffs for universal postal services provided by Azerpost LLC were updated.
In January, the first meeting of the State Commission for Radio Frequencies was held. The meeting, organized in an online format, discussed the current situation, existing problems and important issues related to radio frequency spectrum management.
In January, software was developed for an online application service for the issuance of “Insignia” as part of the work being done towards electronization of the services provided by Azerbaijan Land Transport Agency, as well as ensuring digital transformation.
On January 24, the first regular intercity bus routes to Shusha and Aghdam were launched.
In January, the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport organized a workshop on “Digital Development and Transport Priorities in Azerbaijan”.
In January, the groundbreaking ceremony took place for the road bridge over Astarachay River.
In January, the International Civil Aviation Organization included Zangilan Airport in its catalogue of international location indicators.
In February, the subcommission set up within the framework of the Intergovernmental State Commission on Economic Cooperation between Azerbaijan and Russia held its first meeting.
In February, as part of a public-private partnership, AzInTelecom LLC together with companies SVORT and Sinam presented a new generation cloud digital signature called SIMA.
In February, a Protocol of Intent on cooperation between the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport was signed. The main purpose of signing the protocol is to implement cooperation on issues that will contribute to digitalization, innovation and development of education for general education institutions.
In February, the State Maritime and Port Agency simplified the process of issuing certificates (diplomas) to graduates of ordinary staff specialties (a watchman, a shift engineer, a ship’s electrician, a ship’s cook, a ship’s crane operator).
In February, Azerpost LLC launched a mobile application for courier service.
In February, the 5th meeting of the Joint Commission on Intergovernmental Economic, Technical and Scientific Cooperation between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Arab Republic of Egypt was held, and an Azerbaijan-Egypt business forum was organized within the framework of the meeting.
In March, the 15th meeting of the State Commission on Economic, Commercial and Humanitarian Affairs between Azerbaijan and Iran was held in Baku.
In March, Azerbaijan was represented at the regular meeting of the International Telecommunication Union Council. Reports on ITU activities were heard, action plans for the current and future years, financial documents and a number of other issues were discussed at the meeting.
In April, Minister of Digital Development and Transport Rashad Nabiyev paid a working visit to Georgia. During the visit, the minister visited the Akhalkalaki station, where he was briefed on the progress of work on the new Baku–Tbilisi–Kars railway project.
In April, in order to improve the quality of services provided in road transport, ensure citizen satisfaction, attract investment in road transport, increase the number of carriers and expand the supply of transport services in the market, “A Guide for Carriers” was organized at Azerbaijan Land Transport Agency.
In April, Baktelecom commissioned its optical network in Dede Gorgud housing estate.
In April, Minister Rashad Nabiyev took part in the presentation of the project “Digital Development of Sabirabad”. The aim of the project, which is supported by the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport, is to promote the development and improvement of digital skills among young people in Sabirabad.
In May, the project “100 new international drivers” was launched. The aim is to train professional drivers in the field of international transport, to improve transport safety and increase competitiveness of the industry.
In May, a new portal, portal.rinn.az was launched to receive all electronic services of the bodies within the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport (MDDT) and its subordinate bodies through a system.
In May, the 10th meeting of the Joint Commission on Cooperation between Azerbaijan and Austria and the Azerbaijan–Austria Business Forum took place.
In May, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Ministry of Industry and Technology of the Republic of Turkey to establish a joint technology park.
TEKNOFEST Aerospace & Technology Festival was held in Baku for the first time on 26–29 May. On 28 May, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and President of the Republic of Turkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan attended the festival in Baku for the first time. As part of the TEKNOFEST Aerospace and Technology Festival, Smart Karabakh Hackathon, Take Off Baku Startup Summit, European Rocket League Championship, Robotics, Model Satellite Cansat, Glider, UAV, Socially Oriented Technologies, Green Technologies, Agrarian Technologies and Baku Skills competitions were held. Some 300 thousand people visited the festival over four days.
In June, AzInTelecom LLC’s availability zone was commissioned in the city of Yevlakh.
In June, an innovative volunteer program was launched at the initiative of the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport.
In June, the first regular intercity bus route Baku–Fuzuli–Baku was launched.
In June, Deputy Minister of Digital Development and Transport Farid Ahmedov was elected to the UN Human Rights Committee.
On June 22, during the state visit of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev to the Republic of Uzbekistan, an “Agreement on International Road Transport Relations between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan” and “Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Digital Development & Transport of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Ministry of Innovative Development of the Republic of Uzbekistan” were signed.
In June, an agreement was signed between the Electronic Security Service under the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport of the Republic of Azerbaijan and well-known Israeli Technion University to establish the Azerbaijan Cyber Security Centre.
In June, an air transport agreement was signed between the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Ministry of Transport and Road Safety of Israel.
In July, Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Garibashvili received Minister of Digital Development and Transport of the Republic of Azerbaijan Rashad Nabiyev. They exchanged views on issues related to how best to meet the growing demand for freight transport through the Middle Corridor and attract additional freight traffic to the corridor.
In July, the reopening of the renovated Absheron branch of Azerpost took place.
In July, the procedure for allocating frequencies for portable radios was simplified.
In July, the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) of the Republic of South Korea signed a Grant Agreement to establish an innovation policy in Azerbaijan.
In July, Aztelecom started providing broadband services using GPON (Gigabit Passive Optical Network) technology in the village of Ivanovka and in the settlement of Lahij in Ismailli region.
In August, a trilateral meeting of ministers responsible for transport sector of Azerbaijan, Turkiye and Georgia was held in Tbilisi. During the meeting, the issues of wider use of the potential of the Middle Corridor, increasing the capacity of the Baku–Tbilisi–Kars railroad as part of this corridor, and forming a unified tariff policy for transit freight traffic were discussed.
In August, the 8th International Conference on Industrial Application Control and Optimization (COIA–2022) was held in Baku with the support of the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport, organized by the Institute of Applied Mathematics, Baku State University.
In August, Azerbaijan was represented by a national pavilion at Teknofest 2022 in Turkey. The 16 winning teams of TEKNOFEST Azerbaijan took part in the festival in Samsun and presented their projects to visitors.
In September, the first trilateral meeting on the development of the International North–South Transport Corridor was held in Baku between Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan Shahin Mustafayev, Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Alexander Novak and Minister of Roads and Urban Development of the Islamic Republic of Iran Rostam Ghasemi.
On September 9, Lachin radio and TV station was commissioned as part of the reconstruction of the radio and TV broadcasting network in the territories liberated from occupation.
In September, Azerbaijan was represented at the 73rd International Astronautical Congress.
In September, Azercosmos under the Ministry of Digital Development & Transport and the Turkish Space Agency signed a memorandum of understanding in the space sector. The memorandum envisages strengthening cooperation in remote Earth observation and technology development, as well as the expansion of mutually beneficial experience and knowledge exchange programs to assess commercial and educational opportunities in the space sector.
In September, the groundbreaking ceremony of Aghband road bridge that will be built on the state border with Iran on the territory of the East Zangezur Economic Region was held.
In September, the flag of the International Astronautical Federation was presented to Azerbaijan.
In September, the Azerbaijan–Pakistan Technology Forum was held.
In September, the Aerospace Monitoring Training Centre was opened at the National Academy of Aviation with the support of Azercosmos.
In October, Azerbaijan re-elected to ITU Council and Radio Regulations Board.
On October 7, a twinning project “Increasing Road Safety in Azerbaijan” in order to improve standards, management of road safety, coordination between agencies, and enhance the knowledge and skills of staff in relevant agencies was launched within the framework of the EU’s European Neighbourhood Policy Instrument.
In October, the Roadmap for 2022–2023 for the implementation of improvements in the relevant area on the indicator “Connection to public utilities (Internet)” was presented.
In October, a memorandum of understanding was signed between Azercosmos and the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. The memorandum provides for cooperation in various areas of space.
In October, monthly subscription fee for fixed network telephones and tariffs for long-distance calls were updated.
In October, a meeting was held to discuss transport issues. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the current situation, problems and prospects in the transport sector and to listen to proposals.
In October, the employees of the ministry who fought in the Patriotic War and family members of martyrs visited Shusha.
On October 31, a high-level conference on “Digital Transformation of Information Exchange in Supply Chains Using United Nations Standards” for SPECA countries, the UN Special Programme for the Economies of Central Asia was held in Baku.
In November, a meeting of experts on digitalization of multimodal transport and railways in North and Central Asia was held in Baku in a hybrid format under the organization of the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport, in cooperation with the Secretariat of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP).
In November, broadband services were launched in Zira settlement as part of “Online Azerbaijan” project.
In November, an international conference on “Innovative approaches to urban and rural development: smart cities and villages” was held.
In November, during the official visit of President Ilham Aliyev to the Republic of Serbia, “Memorandum of Understanding on the recognition of certificates of the 1978 International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers between the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Ministry of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure of the Republic of Serbia” was signed.
In November, the second trilateral meeting of ministers of foreign affairs and ministers in charge of transport of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Turkiye was held. The meeting resulted in the signing of a Road Map 2022–2027 for the development and operation of the Middle Corridor route passing through the territories of Azerbaijan, Turkiye and Kazakhstan.
In November, Innovation and Digital Development Agency, PASHA Holding Group of Companies and individual investors established a venture capital fund Caucasus Ventures, which has great significance for the development of the innovation ecosystem. The main purpose of the fund is to invest in post-seed growth and A-stage startups.
In November, Azerpost LLC launched a cargo service.
In December, Minister Rashad Nabiyev paid a working visit to Brussels.
In December, AYNA Passenger Transport Monitoring Centre was commissioned.
In December, Minister of Digital Development and Transport Rashad Nabiyev met with a delegation of leading international technology company Lenovo, headed by Wilfredo Sotolongo, Senior Vice President at Lenovo ISG.
In December, the biletim.az portal was launched, providing online ticketing for intercity and interregional regular bus services.
In December, a meeting was held between ministers responsible for the transport sector of Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan and Turkiye. Discussions were held in the transport sector.
In December, Baktelecom started to provide broadband services in Surakhany and Sabunchu districts.
On December 14, a document on cooperation in the field of transport was signed between relevant bodies of Azerbaijan, Turkiye and Turkmenistan. The agreement provides for trilateral cooperation on such issues as the development of multimodal transport between the territories of the three states and in transit through their territories, the simplification of administrative and visa procedures for the smooth movement of vehicles, and the creation of efficient conditions for road carriers.
In December, the 9th meeting of the Azerbaijan–Georgia Joint Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation was held in Tbilisi. The meeting extensively discussed the prospects of development in all areas of strategic partnership relations between Azerbaijan and Georgia.
In December, Azerpost issued a collection of stamps dedicated to the “Year of Shusha”.
In December, Aztelecom LLC and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) signed a loan agreement worth 50 million USD (85 million AZN) in connection with the financing of the broadband internet expansion project of Aztelecom LLC.
In December, Aztelecom LLC set up a fibre optic network based on GPON technology in the village of Slavyanka in Gadabey region.
In December, Azerpost LLC received the status of a full member of the international payment system VISA. Thus, in addition to Mastercard holders, VISA cardholders will be able to make non-cash payments in all offices and branches of Azerpost, where POS terminals are used.
In December, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed a number of documents related to the ICT sector, providing for amendments to relevant laws and codes and their application. According to these documents, starting January 1, 2023, Azerbaijan will be included in the list of countries whose ICT sector enjoys the most extensive benefits.
