Category: Azer News

Azerbaijan’s telecommunications and postal services regulator, the Information and Communication Technologies Agency (ICTA), has launched the next phase of digital transformation in the country’s internet services market, AzerNEWS reports.

Under the initiative, ICTA has developed two new services – ‘Broadband Mapping’ and ‘E-Connection’ – which will allow users to select, compare, and apply for internet services from providers through a single digital platform.

The project was presented during a meeting with telecommunications operators and internet service providers (ISPs). Speaking at the event, ICTA Deputy Chairman Jeyhun Huseynzade stated that the initiative is expected to have a fundamental impact on the market ecosystem.

Through the Broadband Mapping platform, citizens and businesses will be able to identify which providers offer actual services at specific addresses using an interactive map. Complementing this, the E-Connection service offers several key features:

Transparent comparison: Users can compare tariff plans and technical parameters from different providers in one place;

Direct application: Electronic connection requests can be submitted to selected providers within seconds;

Application tracking: Users can monitor the entire process – from request submission to service activation – via a personal account;

Security: Full legal reliability is ensured through digital identification for citizens and enhanced electronic signatures for operators.

ICTA noted that the model is based on best practices from the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the EU’s BEREC framework. The platform also meets the World Bank’s B-READY assessment criteria for ‘informed choice’ and a ‘transparent market.’

Operators participating in the project will gain promotional visibility on the state platform and direct access to customers at no additional cost. Providers that fail to submit their data will not be displayed on the map, effectively excluding them from the digital choice environment.

According to ICTA, the initiative is not an administrative mandate but an economic model designed to encourage greater transparency and customer-oriented behavior among market participants. Internet service providers that were informed at the beginning of 2025 may join the project at any time.

The E-Connection service is currently operating in test mode, with full public rollout planned for March 2026.

While the idea of ??’starting your own company’ is exciting for many people, there may be concerns that the process will be complicated. Although the company registration in Azerbaijan may seem difficult, it can be simplified with the right approach. In this article, we explain what company registration is, its importance, the main steps of the process, and the required documents, as well as how Accounting.Az can support you in this area.

What is company registration and why is it important?

Company registration in Azerbaijan is the official state registration of a business. As a result of this process, the organization acquires the status of a legal entity and receives the necessary documents to conduct legal activities, including a TIN (VOEN) for taxation. Without registration, it is not possible to conclude official contracts, open a bank account, or undergo full tax registration. Company registration also limits the personal liability of the entrepreneur (especially when registering an LLC), increases the credibility of your business, and provides legal protection.

Registration Process: main steps

Step 1: Legal form and name selection – First, determine the legal form of the company you want to establish (for example, LLC) and a unique name. Make sure that the company name is not already used by another entity.

Step 2: Preparing documents – Collect the main documents required for registration (charter, founding decision/protocol, copies of founders’ ID cards, legal address document, etc.). Make sure that all documents are prepared correctly and completely.

Step 3: Submitting the application – Apply to the relevant state authority (usually the tax authority) with the prepared documents. You can submit the application electronically (via an online government portal) or in the traditional way (in person).

Step 4: Obtaining a certificate and TIN – After the application is approved, you will receive a certificate of state registration of your company and a TIN(VOEN) for taxation. This confirms that your business is now officially registered.

Step 5: Next Steps – Once registration is complete, complete additional steps such as opening a bank account and ordering a company seal if necessary.

Looking to start a company in Azerbaijan? Contact us today and get a free consultation!

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Required documents and points to pay attention to

Required documents: The charter, copies of the founders’ ID cards, the founding decision/protocol, a document on the legal address and a receipt for payment of the state fee are the main documents. The complete and correct preparation of these documents creates the basis for the acceptance of the application.

Points to pay attention to: It is important that the company name is unique – first make sure that there is no other company with the same name. Check the accuracy of the information in the documents (founder’s information, address, etc.) several times. Even the smallest mistake can delay the registration process. Therefore, be careful when preparing the documents, and do not hesitate to seek expert advice if necessary.

Why Accounting.Az?

Accounting.Az is your reliable partner specializing in company registration and legal organization of business. Our team provides a wide range of legal services, such as company registration in Azerbaijan, accounting, tax consulting and obtaining a residence permit for foreign citizens. With our advantages such as fast execution, transparent prices and professional support in preparing documents, we are with you at every stage of the company registration process. Our specialists save you time and free you from bureaucratic obstacles by performing all the steps on your behalf, from preparing applications to completing state registration.

Company registration in Azerbaijan is not so difficult if planned correctly. The important thing is to carefully follow each step and get support when necessary. If you also have plans to open a company and want help in the process, the Accounting.Az team is ready to help. Get in touch and let’s take the first step of your business together.

American entrepreneur Elon Musk has announced the start of large-scale production of the Tesla Semi electric truck, Azernews reports.

‘Mass production of the Tesla Semi will begin this year,’ Musk wrote.

According to the automaker’s official website, the truck is capable of traveling up to 500 miles (about 805 kilometers) on a single charge. Using Tesla’s proprietary charging stations, up to 60% of the battery can be restored in just 30 minutes, making it well suited for long-haul transportation.

Notably, the Tesla Semi is designed not only to reduce emissions but also to lower operating costs. Tesla claims that the truck’s electric drivetrain and advanced software could significantly cut fuel and maintenance expenses, which may give logistics companies a strong economic incentive to switch to electric fleets.

On February 9, 2026, Sheikh-ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazade, head of the Caucasian Muslims Office (CMO), met with His Holiness Pope Francis, the head of the Catholic Church and the Holy See, in Vatican City, AzerNEWS reports, citing the CMO Press Service.

The audience, held at the personal invitation of the Pope, was attended by religious leaders in Azerbaijan, including Bishop Vladimir Fekete, Ordinary of the Apostolic Prefecture of Azerbaijan; Milikh Yevdayev, head of the Mountain Jews Community of Azerbaijan; Robert Mobili, chairman of the Alban-Udi Christian Religious Community; and Zamir Isayev, leader of the Sephardic Jewish Community in Baku.

Pope Francis warmly welcomed the guests and praised the joint visit of Azerbaijan’s religious communities as a remarkable example of coexistence in an environment of peace and human brotherhood.

Sheikh-ul-Islam Pashazade conveyed the greetings of President Ilham Aliyev, First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva, and the people of Azerbaijan to the Pope. He noted the high level of Azerbaijan-Vatican relations, established by National Leader Heydar Aliyev, continued by President Ilham Aliyev, and supported by First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva.

He also recalled the historic visit of the late Pope Francis to Azerbaijan, highlighting his engagement with leaders of different religious communities and his appreciation for Azerbaijan’s multicultural values and exemplary interfaith environment.

Sheikh-ul-Islam Pashazade expressed satisfaction with the current level of interfaith cooperation between the Vatican and the Caucasian Muslims Office and emphasized the importance of further deepening these relations, noting that the establishment of a CMO representation in Vatican City could make a significant contribution to this process.

Litvintsev will begin his campaign today at the 25th Winter Olympic Games being held in Italy, AzerNEWS reports.

Litvintsev will compete in the short program event of figure skating. The competition will take place at the Mediolanum Forum arena in Milan and is scheduled to start at 18:30 (Baku time).

Another Azerbaijani representative, Anastasia Papatoma, will take to the slopes on February 15, competing in the giant slalom event in alpine skiing. Three days later, she will also participate in the slalom discipline. Both races will be held in Cortina d’Ampezzo, one of Italy’s most renowned alpine ski resorts.

The Winter Olympic Games will run until February 26, followed by the Winter Paralympic Games from March 6 to 15.

Competitions are being staged across several regions of northern Italy, with Milan serving as the main metropolitan hub and Cortina d’Ampezzo hosting many of the alpine events. Additional venues in Bormio, Livigno, Val di Fiemme, and Anterselva are welcoming athletes in disciplines that require world-class mountain and snow conditions. The Games feature around 2,900 athletes from more than 90 countries, competing for medals in 16 sports and over 110 events.

Traditional Olympic winter sports such as alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, biathlon, ski jumping, Nordic combined, figure skating, ice hockey, curling, speed skating, and short track once again take center stage. Freestyle skiing and snowboarding highlight dynamic, youth-oriented disciplines, while the sliding sports of bobsleigh, skeleton, and luge add speed and technical precision to the program.

A major highlight of the Milano-Cortina Games is the Olympic debut of ski mountaineering, a discipline that perfectly reflects the Alpine character of the host regions. Its inclusion marks the continued evolution of the Olympic movement and its efforts to connect with new generations of athletes and fans.

The dates for the sacred Laylat al-Qadr nights during Ramadan have been announced, AzerNEWS reports.

According to a special calendar detailing daily prayers as well as imsak and iftar times, the first night of Laylat al-Qadr will fall on the night of March 7-8, corresponding to the 8th of Ramadan.

The other significant nights will be observed on the nights of March 9-10, March 11-12, and March 15-16. This year, the first day of Ramadan in Azerbaijan began on February 19.

Note that Ramadan celebrations in Azerbaijan will take place on March 20 and 21.

Ramadan was established as a holy month for Muslims following the revelation of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad in 610 CE, during the occasion known as Laylat al-Qadr, often called “the Night of Power.”

During this sacred month, Muslims around the world observe fasting from sunrise to sunset, abstaining from food and drink, as well as striving to avoid thoughts and behaviors considered impure under Islamic teachings. Fasting is obligatory for all believers, with exceptions for minors, the elderly, the ill, the mentally ill, pregnant or nursing women, travelers, and soldiers.

At sunset, Muslims gather in homes or mosques to break their fast with a meal called iftar. Mosques often host large iftar gatherings, particularly for the poor and needy. After breaking the fast, Muslims perform the fourth of their five daily prayers, followed by dinner, and then attend the Isha prayer, the fifth daily prayer at the mosque.

The day concludes with a special voluntary prayer, often performed in congregation. During Ramadan, Muslims also dedicate time to reading the Quran, performing acts of charity, and engaging in worship.

The final ten days of Ramadan are considered especially sacred, with the 27th night holding particular significance as the Night of Power, when Prophet Muhammad received his first revelation. Many Muslims spend this night in prayer and reflection.

Ramadan ends with Eid ul-Fitr, the Festival of Fast-Breaking, observed 29 or 30 days after the start of the month. It is one of the two major religious holidays in the Muslim calendar. Families gather to celebrate, exchange gifts, prepare special pastries, visit the graves of relatives, and offer prayers in mosques.

In Azerbaijan, a predominantly Muslim country, Ramadan has been officially observed since 1993, following the collapse of the Soviet Union. Even during the Soviet era, when all religious holidays were banned, Azerbaijani Muslims continued to fast.

For centuries, Azerbaijan has been a historical and cultural center of the Islamic world, with its people deeply committed to their religious, national, and moral values. Today, freedom of conscience and religion are fully protected under both local legislation and international law.

American entrepreneur Elon Musk has announced the start of large-scale production of the Tesla Semi electric truck, Azernews reports.

‘Mass production of the Tesla Semi will begin this year,’ Musk wrote.

According to the automaker’s official website, the truck is capable of traveling up to 500 miles (about 805 kilometers) on a single charge. Using Tesla’s proprietary charging stations, up to 60% of the battery can be restored in just 30 minutes, making it well suited for long-haul transportation.

Notably, the Tesla Semi is designed not only to reduce emissions but also to lower operating costs. Tesla claims that the truck’s electric drivetrain and advanced software could significantly cut fuel and maintenance expenses, which may give logistics companies a strong economic incentive to switch to electric fleets.

The South Caucasus and Central Asia are emerging as strategically important regions for American businesses, AzerNEWS reports, citing a senior official of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Speaking at a briefing held in Baku, Khush Choksi, Senior Vice President of International Member Relations, Middle East and Trkiye at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, emphasized that the organization-the world’s largest business association-operates globally and sees growing opportunities in these regions.

‘The South Caucasus and Central Asia are developing markets of significant interest to U.S. companies,’ Choksi said. He noted that the Chamber’s active engagement with Azerbaijan began two years ago, when it brought a delegation to the country during the COP conference. ‘Azerbaijan hosted the event at a very high level, placing equal emphasis on both traditional and renewable energy sources. This ideal balance attracted businesses and marked the Chamber’s first serious step into Azerbaijan,’ he added.

According to Choksi, the delegation included more than 31 companies and over 60 participants, with both days of the briefing proving highly productive.

Highlighting Azerbaijan’s economic profile, Choksi stressed that diversification is one of its most remarkable features. ‘Even energy today accounts for only 3.7 percent of the economy, which demonstrates the broad balance of the country’s economic structure,’ he said. ‘This is also reflected in the wide range of sectors represented in our delegation and in the overall interest in Azerbaijan.’

He explained that the delegation comprised companies from telecommunications, energy, defense, healthcare, payment systems, and banking, while manufacturing was also represented in various forms. ‘The scope is extremely broad. In other words, Azerbaijan’s economy is developing comprehensively,’ Choksi noted.

As economic growth continues, new opportunities are also emerging in the banking and financial sectors, he said. Azerbaijan’s role in multiple transport corridors offers significant potential, particularly in digital payments and related growth areas.

Choksi also pointed to the country’s expanding tourism sector, describing it as a wide-ranging field that includes aircraft manufacturing such as Boeing, as well as international hotel brands like Hilton and Marriott. ‘The diversity of opportunities in tourism alone is quite substantial,’ he said.

Addressing the energy sector, Choksi underlined Azerbaijan’s potential role as a regional hub. He noted that the country’s strong infrastructure enables it to leverage energy resources to further diversify its economy and sustain long-term growth.

‘Azerbaijan’s development presents multiple opportunities,’ he said, citing tourism as an example, including rising visitor numbers, ski resorts, modern infrastructure, and Baku’s rich historical heritage.

Choksi also highlighted Azerbaijan’s strategic geographical position. ‘Its location connecting East and West supports Europe’s energy needs, transport routes, logistics, manufacturing, and North-South connectivity,’ he said. ‘Azerbaijan can serve as an energy hub, especially as the region continues to develop. The country is strategically positioned to provide access to a number of markets beyond its borders.’

The defense has concluded its statements in the ongoing trial of Armenian citizen Ruben Vardanyan, who faces multiple charges under the Criminal Code of Azerbaijan, including crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, terrorism, and financing terrorism.

Azernews reports that on February 10, after Vardanyan and his defense team made their final statements, presiding judge Zeynal Aghayev asked both the prosecution and defense whether they would submit a draft of the final court decision. Both parties declined. The judge subsequently announced the end of the court hearing.

The final verdict will be delivered after the court returns from deliberations.

Vardanyan is accused of a wide range of offenses, including planning and waging a war of aggression, deportation and forced transfer of the population, persecution, enforced disappearance, torture, violations of the laws and customs of war, intentional and attempted murder, terrorism, financing terrorism, creation of criminal associations, and illegal crossing of the state border.

The charges cover violations of both national criminal law and international humanitarian law during armed conflict.

US forces operating in the Indian Ocean have detained the oil tanker Aquila II for violating a sanctions regime imposed by the administration of US President Donald Trump, Azernews reports.

According to the US Department of War, cited by European Pravda, the US Armed Forces overnight carried out an inspection, maritime blockade and boarding of the vessel, with the operation proceeding without incident.

In a statement published on X (formerly Twitter), the Department of War said the tanker had been operating in defiance of US restrictions.

‘The Aquila II was operating in defiance of President Trump’s established quarantine of sanctioned vessels in the Caribbean. It ran, and we followed. The Department of War tracked and hunted this vessel from the Caribbean to the Indian Ocean. No other nation on planet Earth has the capability to enforce its will through any domain. By land, air, or sea, our Armed Forces will find you and deliver justice. You will run out of fuel long before you will outrun us,’ the statement said.

Ukraine’s defence intelligence agency reported that the tanker is involved in the export of sanctioned Russian oil and petroleum products from Russian ports in the Black Sea, the Baltic Sea and the Pacific region. According to the agency, these operations were carried out using deceptive practices to conceal the vessel’s activities.

The Aquila II is considered part of Russia’s so-called shadow fleet and is linked to Sunne Co Ltd, a company sanctioned by the United States in January for its involvement in Russia’s energy sector.