Uzbekistan and WCO Discuss Digitalization and Innovation in Customs at Technology Conference

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Akmalhuja Mavlonov, Chairman of the Customs Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan, held a meeting with Jan Sanders, Secretary General of the World Customs Organization (WCO), as part of the WCO Technology Conference currently taking place in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

The Uzbek delegation, led by Mavlonov, is actively participating in the prestigious international event. The conference focuses on accelerating technological development within customs authorities, studying advanced international practices in digitalization and innovation, and implementing these approaches nationally. A specialized exhibition is also being held as part of the forum.

On the first day, a bilateral meeting was held between the Customs Committee Chairman and the WCO Secretary General. Both sides exchanged congratulations on the occasion of International Customs Day and highlighted the special attention the President of Uzbekistan has given to customs personnel, emphasizing collaboration with the WCO.

During the discussions, they addressed further steps to develop cooperation between Uzbekistan and the WCO, including enhancing the professional skills of customs staff, organizing joint training programs, and exploring future areas of collaboration.

Akmalhuja Mavlonov expressed gratitude to Jan Sanders for the decision to host the 7th WCO Global Canine Forum in Uzbekistan in 2026, noting that this decision represents international recognition of the work of the National Canine Center of the Customs Committee.

The parties also discussed the possibility of granting the Customs Institute the status of a WCO Regional Training Center.

At the conclusion of the meeting, in recognition of his significant contribution to cooperation with the Customs Committee of Uzbekistan, WCO Secretary General Jan Sanders was awarded the newly established badge “For International Cooperation.”