Uzbekistan, WCO Discuss Customs Digitalization in Brussels

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — The Chairman of the Customs Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Akmal Mavlonov, held an official meeting with the Secretary General of the World Customs Organization (WCO), Ian Saunders, in Brussels.

During the talks, the sides reviewed the large-scale structural reforms implemented in Uzbekistan's customs system, discussed the ongoing digital transformation of the department, and outlined priority vectors for long-term multilateral cooperation. The Permanent Representative of Uzbekistan, Laziz Atoev, also took part in the discussion.

A key item on the agenda was the establishment of the office of the official representative of the Customs Committee — a customs attaché at the Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Belgium.

Ian Saunders and Akmal Mavlonov praised this step, emphasizing that the presence of a permanent specialized diplomat will allow Tashkent to significantly increase its participation in key WCO programs, promote national and regional initiatives more effectively, and coordinate joint projects promptly. The diplomatic presence in Brussels is intended to bring Uzbekistan's integration into global customs processes to a new level.

The sides paid special attention to institutional development and personnel training. It was noted that specialized seminars, training sessions, and expert diagnostic missions organized with the support of the WCO make a significant contribution to consistently increasing the capacity of Uzbek specialists.

The recent professional success of an employee of the Customs Committee of Uzbekistan, N. Kurbanov, was highlighted as a clear example of successful interaction. He successfully passed the qualification selection and officially received the status of a WCO international expert on Performance Measurement Mechanisms.

As part of a presentation on technological potential, the Uzbek delegation presented detailed information to the WCO leadership regarding the large-scale modernization of border infrastructure. Specifically, the delegation highlighted the comprehensive implementation of digital technologies, automated declaration systems, and intelligent smart solutions in the daily activities of the republic's border customs posts.

Following the meeting, the sides confirmed their mutual interest in deepening the partnership, focusing future efforts on expanding channels for the mutual exchange of information, improving national risk management systems, and developing analytical tools.