BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 7. Uzbekistan has
simplified customs procedures for the vast majority of its export
and import shipments, with 94% of export cargo and 87% of import
cargo now cleared under simplified procedures, as the country
continues to modernize customs administration ahead of its planned
accession to the World Trade Organization.


This was reflected in the statement by the press service of
Uzbek president, following a meeting between Uzbek President
Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Ian Saunders, secretary general of the World
Customs Organization, who was in Tashkent to attend the seventh
Global Canine Forum.


The sides discussed further cooperation on improving customs
administration, strengthening the capacity of customs authorities
and combating customs-related violations.


As a result of reforms in the sector, the time required to
process customs declarations in Uzbekistan has been reduced to 20
minutes, according to the Uzbek presidential administration.


“The reforms are aimed at reducing administrative formalities,
expanding digital interaction between customs authorities and
businesses, and creating more efficient and transparent customs
procedures,” the presidential administration said.


With support from the World Customs Organization, Uzbekistan has
joined a number of international conventions on trade facilitation
and introduced modern customs-control mechanisms. The country has
also adopted a Customs Service Development Strategy through
2030.







Digital solutions are being expanded to improve interaction
between customs authorities and businesses, while reducing
administrative burdens and minimizing corruption risks.


The meeting also focused on further digitizing and harmonizing
customs procedures, improving the regulatory framework and
strengthening training and professional development for customs
personnel.


The sides emphasized the importance of these measures as
Uzbekistan prepares for WTO accession, which would require
continued efforts to align trade and customs practices with
international standards.


Following the meeting, Uzbekistan and the World Customs
Organization agreed to jointly develop and adopt a “road map”
outlining specific measures to deepen cooperation and further
improve customs administration.


The planned measures are expected to support faster processing
of cross-border trade while improving the efficiency and
transparency of Uzbekistan’s customs system.