Vusumuzi Dube
Kuda Bwititi in BAKU, Azerbaijan
ZIMBABWE can draw valuable insights from the Azerbaijan Service and Assessment Network (ASAN), which is an innovative model that has streamlined bureaucratic processes and improved service delivery, President Mnangagwa said yesterday.
Speaking to journalists after touring the ASAN centre in Baku ahead of the United Nations Climate Change Conference which opens here today, the President expressed admiration for the ASAN’s efficient and citizen-centric approach to public service delivery.
The ASAN facility falls under the State Agency for Public Service and Social Innovations in the office of the President of Azerbaijan.
It is a revolutionary government initiative designed to provide efficient and citizen-friendly public services as it offers more than 400 features.
“I am very impressed by the technology and the services that are being provided for the citizens. I admire it and I hope some day we shall be able to have this same facility back home. It’s an eye-opener of what technology to give to my country,” President Mnangagwa said.
Chairperson of the State Agency for Public Service and Social Innovations, Mr Ulvi Mehdiyev, said: “ASAN service was established 12 years ago by a Presidential decree. It’s a reform in the field of public service and administration. It provides 400 services in one place under the principle of One-Stop-Shop.
“Mr President of Zimbabwe, His Excellency came here to understand our concept. It’s very interesting for Zimbabwe and I see we can collaborate and share our best practices and knowledge with the Zimbabwean side.”
Some of the services provided at the One-Stop-Shop include identity documents, social security, utilities, vehicle registration, insurance and banking.
The name “ASAN” means “easy” in Azerbaijani, reflecting the agency’s commitment to simplifying bureaucratic procedures.
Zimbabwe is implementing the ease of doing business programme through reforms that aim to streamline processes and boost foreign investment.
Online Reporter