Media Review - March 14, 2019

The transit and logistical possibilities of Azerbaijan, the problems of unregistered houses in Baku, the economic benefits of sports competitions, the litigation of citizens with banks, despite the presidential decree, are the leading themes of today's media.

The newspaper "Azerbaijan" writes that the country is turning into a transit and logistic center of Eurasia.

Azerbaijan is restoring its strategic importance, which comes from ancient times. In 2018, 9.3 million tons of transit cargo was transported through Azerbaijan.

The website "Oxu.az" writes that thousands of people live in Baku without registration, thousands of houses also do not have registration. For many years, the problem is not solved. The growing number of visitors from the regions of the country aggravates these problems. Apartments are rented without an agreement, which means tax evasion.

The newspaper Yeni Musavat writes that banks continue to demand loans from citizens, although a presidential decree was issued 2 weeks ago to resolve this issue with individuals.

Work on the execution of the decree by the relevant structures has already begun. The form of the preferential mechanism must be approved by March 15 by the Chamber and the Central Bank.

Banking expert Akram Hasanov recalls that the decree ordered the state to pay 92% of the difference in the dollar and manat rates and this applies to those who took a loan of up to 10 thousand dollars.

Preferential mechanism is not ready. Banks must forgive the interest on problem loans, but this process has not yet begun.

The site "Moderator.az" writes about the economic effect of international sports competitions held in the country. Experts advise to pay attention to those competitions that do not require large cash costs. Since expensive sports games do not guarantee profit, although such tournaments always promote sports tourism, the author notes.