Baku: The 11th meeting of the heads of customs administrations of the member countries of the Organization of Turkic States, held from September 6 to 8, focused on transforming the Middle Corridor into a reliable bridge between East and West.
According to Trend News Agency, the meeting, which included the participation of customs heads from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Trkiye, and Uzbekistan, along with observers from Hungary, Georgia, and Turkmenistan, emphasized the need for digital innovations and streamlined customs procedures.
Kazakhstan’s State Revenue Committee Chairman Zhandos Duisembiev emphasized the importance of developing digital tools, simplifying customs processes, and fostering trust to unlock the Corridor’s potential. He highlighted initiatives such as the Technical Conditions for Information Exchange, the Single Window system, and the Institute of Authorized Economic Operators as practical measures to boost trade flows and enhance supply chain resilience.
The meeting also featured discussions on national methodologies, showcasing Kazakhstan’s Keden digital infrastructure and Trkiye’s Caravanserai initiative as part of the Silk Road framework. Participants signed a collaborative declaration related to Annex 11 of the TIR Convention and memoranda on risk management protocols and customs laboratory operations.
The event concluded with a commitment to deepen cooperation, stressing that modernizing customs systems is essential for creating a secure and sustainable Middle Corridor.