IBM, Azerbaijan's customs committee to use blockchain for cargo transportation

IBM Corporation and Azerbaijan’s State Customs Committee will team up to bring blockchain technology to its customs procedures, according to media outlet Trend News Agency.

The deal will reportedly see the two parties sign a memorandum, with plans to incorporate blockchain technology in cargo transportation.

The news was revealed by the chairman of the committee Safar Mehdiyev during a press conference at IT/TI Conference and Exhibition of the World Customs Organization.

“It will be possible to obtain the necessary information from the database online, without outside interference,” Mehdiyev said, noting that the technology will help both entrepreneurs and customs authorities provide quality customs services.

Cointelegraph noted that the latest initiative may be a part of a reported deal of IBM and the Central Bank of Azerbaijan last October 2018 that aims to see implement blockchain in different areas within a 5-year plan.

The use of blockchain in customs and shipping procedures appears to become a source of interest even by companies. Just recently Mediterranean Shipping Co. (MSC) and CMA CGM, two of the world’s biggest container shipping firms, are set to join TradeLens, the blockchain-based digital shipping platform developed by Maersk and IBM.