World Bank Issues Requirement for IT Development in Azerbaijan

The World Bank and the Azerbaijani government have presented the results of a study entitled "The information technologies sector in Azerbaijan; calls and opportunities."

The study identified the strengths and weaknesses of the IT sector. It also evaluated the difference between the skills provided by the education system and the requirements of employers.

The WB information said the share of IT jobs in the country's services sector, as well as the contribution to GDP is small. Along with the development of local IT skills, it is necessary to develop the national IT market as a priority, as well as the sector of local products and services. This will help the local IİT industry to compete in regional and global markets.

"In Azerbaijan, improvement of the rates of ICT production and services is an integral part of the reforms implemented in the tax administration and customs services. In order to support private investment in the IT sector, there is a need for reform of the regulatory framework. This will increase productivity and strengthen the private sector's position in the IT industry," the document says.

This analysis is based on discussions with the government, interviews with the interested parties from the public and private sectors and the main subjects of the IT industry, as well as surveys carried out in the technological universities. -----08D