Ilham Aliyev inaugurated “ASAN Life” complex in Imishli
As part of his visit to Imishli district, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has attended the opening of the “ASAN Life” complex.
The head of state cut the ribbon symbolizing the opening of the complex.
Significant work has been done in recent years on the use of information and communication technologies in the activities of state entities and the relevant legal framework has been formed. Most government agencies provide e-services to the population. These services eliminate bureaucratic obstacles and possible corruption. On July 13, 2012, further significant reform was launched in this area. The State Agency for Public Service and Social Innovations under the President and subordinate “ASAN service” centers were established. The purpose of this entity has been to effectively manage “ASAN service” centers that will directly render services to citizens. This includes the coordination, monitoring and evaluation of the work of state entities operating in the service centers, the integration of state agencies' information bases, accelerating the process of electronic services organization and improving the management system in this field. Starting from 2012, “ASAN service” was commissioned in several districts of Baku. Later this process covered the regions. At present, services of Issuance and renewal of identity cards, renewal of driving licenses, notary service, as well as services related to migration and property issues are prevailing among the applications incoming to the centers. If earlier, there were 23 legal services in “ASAN service” centers, now there are 32 types of services rendered by 10 state entities. At the same time, more than 300 different services are rendered to the citizens by private companies. All of this is an important part of the policy pursued by the Azerbaijani state in shaping a new approach to civil servant - citizen relations.
International relations of the State Agency for Public Service and Social Innovations have also been developing. Today “ASAN service” is highly appreciated by the European Union, the European Parliament, UK Parliament, France, Germany and other countries. This model, unique in its legal structure, is highly valued by many international organizations and experts. Afghanistan for the provision of public service established the same organization named “ASAN khedmat”. “ASAN service” turned into “Azerbaijani model” of delivering public service that can be applied not only in Azerbaijan, but also in other countries of the world. Furthermore, memorandums of understanding on cooperation were signed with Italy, the Republic of Korea, France, Indonesia, Montenegro and ISESCO. In 2014 “ASAN service” received international certificates in accordance with OHSAS 18001: 2007 and ISO 9001: 2008 standards. “ASAN service” also won the international competition organized by the British Labour Protection Council. In 2015 “ASAN service” was awarded with the UN Public Service Award in the category of “Improving the Delivery of Public Services”. For the development of sectoral governance mechanism in member countries within the ISESCO's 2019-2021 Action Plan it was also recommended to benefit from “ASAN service” model, which is the best practice in Azerbaijan in the field of public administration. These facts once again confirm that Azerbaijani brand “ASAN service” draws attention of the world.
Imishli complex is the 14th center of the State Agency for Public Service and Social Innovations under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The construction of Imishli “ASAN Life” complex, which stands out in its magnificence on Heydar Aliyev Avenue, began in 2017 and completed on February, 2018. The complex consists of a fourstorey administrative building and “ASAN park” rest zone.
President`s Assistant for Work with Law Enforcement Bodies and Military Issues, department head, Fuad Alasgarov and Chairman of the State Agency for Public Service and Social Innovations under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ulvi Mehdiyev informed President Ilham Aliyev of the work done here.
It was mentioned that this center will serve to more than 624 thousand citizens registered in Imishli, Saatli, Bilasuvar, Beylagan, Zardab and Fizuli. Should note that so far, the number of applications in “ASAN service” centers is about 25 million.
President Ilham Aliyev then launched the Imishli “ASAN service” center.
The head of state got acquainted with "ASAN Vocational" created within the complex.
The objective of the project is to ensure personnel’s training and increase their compatibility to meet the changing requirements of the labour market. The “ASAN Vocational” center has been provided with all types of necessary equipment, as well as training and education means.
At Imishli “ASAN service” center, 32 types of services are provided to citizens by 10 state entities, including Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ministry of Taxes, Ministry of Economy, Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of Population, State Committee for Property Affairs, State Customs Committee, State Migration Service, State Service for Mobilization and Conscription and National Archive. At the same time, functional support services, including banking, insurance, legal support, translation and other services are rendered at the center. The center will have 184 employees and 45 volunteers.
The section for the Children's Psycho-Social Development Center was also created in the complex. This section provides a variety of services to support the psychological and social development of children aged 3-12. The center also has offices in Baku "ASAN service" No4 and Guba, Sabirabad, Masally, Gabala, Mingachevir regional “ASAN service” centers. Within a year, these sections have rendered psychological services to over 18 thousand children and adolescents.
For the first time in the "ASAN service" center in Imishli "ASAN Lawyer" Bureau was established. So, on October 3, 2013, as per agreement reached between the State Agency for Public Service and Social Innovations under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Azerbaijani Bar Association, the legal services in “ASAN service” and “ASAN Kommunal” centers, as well as in mobile way will be rendered in conformity with the principles of efficiency, transparency, politeness, responsibility and convenience. Furthermore, according to the agreement, legal awareness campaigns will be provided to State Agency staff and ASAN Volunteers.
A separate section has been created for the provision of utility services in the center. There will be services provided by “Azerishig” OJSC, “Azersu” OJSC and “Azerigas” PU. It was noted that so far, applications of about 800 thousand citizens have been registered in two "ASAN Kommunal" services operating in capital - Baku. Additionally, there will be nine services provided by the Food Safety Agency.
President Ilham Aliyev got acquainted with innovative projects in the center. Robot "Sophia" is the first artificial intelligent humanoid robot in the world. This robot is designed by “Hanson Robotics” company in 2015 and is able to communicate with people using artificial intelligence. One of the distinguishing features of the robot is that it reflects more than 60 human emotions. Sophia has met many famous people around the world and has been featured on well-known television channels, news programs, and TV debates.
President Ilham Aliyev talked to "Sophia" robot.
"Sophia": Hello Mr. President. I have just started to learn Azerbaijani language, so I want to continue in English with your permission. Mr. President, I am pleased to meet with you. I arrived yesterday, and Azerbaijan has amazed me. I saw a unique architectural style, modern buildings and technological achievements in Baku. Though your country is young, it implements a large scale global projects, making contribution to the development of high technologies. It is very much appreciated
President Ilham Aliyev: Thank you very much, "Sophia". First of all, welcome to Azerbaijan. Despite your busy schedule you have visited Azerbaijan and it pleases us very much. You are traveling the whole world and it is pleasing that your destination is Azerbaijan today. You are here, not in the capital city, but in one of the cities - Imishli. We are opening together with you a new “ASAN service” center. It is also innovation and it reflects our capacity and intention to build up our modern country. Thank you for your kind words about our country. Today Baku is truly one of the most beautiful cities in the world that embodies the unity of new technologies and innovations, modern and ancient architectural style. I hope you will have time to see this beauty, and be a special guest in Baku.
"Sophia": Of course, Mr. President. As soon as I had arrived at the airport I was given ASAN visa. I am also acquainted with the “ASAN service” concept, the Azerbaijani brand created with your initiative. I think “ASAN service” is a successful example of innovation in public administration. Your current visit shows that you pay special attention to e-governance and the innovation ecosystem. By the way, I liked the conditions created here.
President Ilham Aliyev: Thank you very much. "ASAN" is our national brand. This is our know-how. Today we are proud of Azerbaijan's export of its intellectual products along with natural resources or products. We already work with some countries that want to create such a service. Therefore, "ASAN" has a bright future not only in Azerbaijan, but all around the world. Thank you very much, you are very smart and beautiful. I'm glad to see you.
"Sophia": Thank you Mr. President.
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The document circulation system permits all state entities to implement centralized and cloud-based circuits based on cloud technology. This system will provide unlimited storage capability and centralized system cost savings, as well as accelerated processes for all organizations.
During the presentation of the Civic Information System, it was reported that this is a new mobile application and analytics system. The application of the mobile system will provide citizens with information on events, such as fire, natural disasters and accidents, poisoning, changes in water and air, and other occurrences related to space, timing and other criterias. Most importantly, users will be informed about preventive measures to eliminate the damages. Citizens will be able to communicate the negative aspects of the situation to the system and the system will direct this information to relevant state entities.
One of the new projects is the "ASAN Railway taxi" service. This is an innovative taxi system on railways, primarily for tourists.
President Ilham Aliyev was also informed about the "Smart analysis of health" project. Through this equipment and software, each person can get familiar with his / her health status, place a doctor's advice, and receive health advice. It also includes the remote diagnosis and the storage of medical information.
The Head of State also got acquainted with the new website of the legal entity - www.abad.gov.az – “ABAD”. The site is divided into "About Us", "Products", "Services", "News" and "Contacts" functional sections. In addition, links to 108 (4) call center and accounts of ABAD on social media are provided. Also, the "Become an ABAD Beneficiary” section is created. It was noted that the ABAD public legal entity cooperates with international organizations. ABAD's official website contains information on joint activities with the European Union, the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ), the TICA and the United Nations Development Program. In addition, Morocco, Indonesia, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, and other countries are interested in importing the ABAD model.
The projects of “ASAN service” centers, which are planned to be built and put into operation in the following years, were also presented to President Ilham Aliyev.
The exhibition hall of ABAD will be operating in this centre. It should be noted that the main purpose of the project is to promote the active participation of citizens in the socio-economic development of the country, the development of small and medium-sized businesses and the employment rate of the population, "ABAD" promotes the formation of competitive households and directly participates in the implementation of socially-oriented projects. "ABAD" builds its activities through regional centers. Such centers have already started functioning in Masally, Balakan and Guba districts. Within the framework of the project that supports the family-owned businesses in decorative-applied folk arts and agriculture, "ABAD" families have been provided with special containers for the production of jam, meat and dairy products. So far, more than 100 people have been involved in decorative-applied art and dozens of families work in the agricultural sphere. In order to organize sales, ABAD opened centers in different parts of Baku, as well as in the Damirchi village of Shamakhi region.
The Young Talents Theater will also operate in Imishli complex. President Ilham Aliyev watched the play "Shadow" dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic performed by “ASAN service” volunteers.
The head of state took a picture with volunteers.
It should be noted that from the first day “ASAN service” started its operation, volunteers have become a component of this concept. 16,000 young volunteers joined this process. At present, about 700 young people work as volunteers at “ASAN service” centers. Up to date, volunteers have implemented 500 projects and over 1,000 volunteers have been employed through the “ASAN Kadr” portal. “ASAN Letter” and “ASAN Kadr” projects are included in the UN's "Advanced Mechanisms and Solutions within the South-South Cooperation Platform" as advanced practices.
President Ilham Aliyev also got acquainted with the conditions created at "ASAN Park". The “ASAN Life” concept in Imishli is also provided with public catering facilities, along with “ASAN service”. Citizens can enjoy recreation and entertainment facilities, along with the service provided in a dynamic and friendly environment. “ASAN Life” complex covers various solutions contributing to the improvement of living standards of the citizens, making their lives more comfortable. Thus, park, disco, children's playground, fountain and benches, as well as paintball zone are located in the area of 1.5 hectares allocated for the “ASAN Life” complex.
It was noted that 10 mobile ASAN service buses and "ASAN Train" are continuing to provide services to citizens of the regions. Mobile ASAN service has served to more than 1 million 500 thousand citizens in the regions of Azerbaijan since 2013.
Car and bicycle parking is also created on the territory of the “ASAN Life” complex.