Azernews.Az

Implementation of structural reforms is required for privatization of state-run communication companies in Azerbaijan, Minister of Communication and Information Technologies Ali Abbasov has said.

"This will create conditions for competition in the telecommunications market, as well as step up the fight against monopoly," Abbasov told journalists.

Asked about the laying of a submarine cable line, which is a core part of the project on building Trans-Eurasian Information Super Highway (TASIM), the minister said a preliminary agreement for carrying out construction work has already been reached with Kazakhstan.

Also, Abbasov said, coordination of the outstanding issues with Turkmenistan is nearing completion.

Besides Azerbaijan's Azertelecom company and Kazakhstan's KazTransCom operator, the TASIM project participants include Russia, taking part through Rostelecom operator, Turkey (Turk Telekom operator) and China (China Telecom).

At present, work is planned to be carried out in the areas where a cable has to be laid, such as the segment lying through the Caspian Sea.

Launching construction of the subsea fibre-optic cable is scheduled for mid-2013.

The UN expressed support for the TASIM project, which aims to reduce poverty and accelerate economic growth. It will play a role as an engine for the development of the region. The project aims to connect a total of 20 countries. Its implementation will eliminate the 'information gap' between the countries of Western Europe and the Pacific Rim.