ICT action plan 2014 targets open government, combat corruption
By Nigar Orujova
Azerbaijani Communications and Information Technologies Ministry has approved an action plan for 2014 year.
The plan is based on the "National Action Plan for the promotion of open government in 2012-2015" and the "National Action Plan to combat corruption in 2012-2015".
The action plan includes measures to facilitate access to information, to ensure public awareness about the authorities' activities, and to encourage public participation in the activities of government agencies.
Other measures include improving procedure consideration of applications and complaints, improving professionalism of the civil service, preventing the conflict of interests, providing financial declarations, increasing transparency of public procurements, and improving the rules of ethical conduct.
Last year saw a 10.7 percent increase in revenues of the ICT sector to over $2 million. The sector demonstrated a growth by 14 percent.
Azerbaijan preserved its leading positions among CIS and Central Asian countries for internet penetration, which was at 70 percent in 2013.
The ICT ministry's short-term objectives envision providing population with broadband access to the Internet, including mobile access until the end of 2017, and complete transition to digital broadcasting standards.
The perspective goals imply strengthening export capacity through the production of innovative products and services based on high technology, cyber security, and increase of the number of electronic services.