BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 16. The X meeting of
the heads of customs services of the Organization of Turkic States
(OTS) has been held in Baku, Trend reports.
The member nations signed several key agreements to enhance
regional cooperation and simplify trade processes during the
meeting.
The agreements include:
– An Action Plan (Roadmap) for the implementation of the
Electronic TIR Customs Transit System (eTIR) under the Convention
on the Contract for the International Carriage of Goods by Road
(TIR, 1975)
– Technical conditions for information exchange between customs
administrations in OTS member states, under the Simplified Customs
Corridor Agreement signed in Samarkand in November 2022.
Moreover, the Chairman of the State Customs Committee of
Azerbaijan Shahin Baghirov said that it’s important to strengthen
the coordination of customs services, introduce uniform standards,
and use modern technologies for the effective organization of
global trade flows in the modern world.
“The 10th meeting of the heads of customs services of Turkic
states is of significant importance for simplifying trade,
enhancing regional initiatives, and deepening economic integration.
The harmonization of customs procedures and optimization of transit
routes open up new opportunities for realizing the economic
potential of Turkic states and accelerating regional
development.
One of the key projects is the simplified customs corridor,
which has strategic importance for expanding trade and
strengthening economic ties in the region,” he noted.
The project to make transit customs procedures easier along the
Trans-Caspian East-West corridor by putting into place the “single
window” principle, as suggested by the customs service, is an
important step, in his opinion.
“This project allows goods and vehicles to be moved along the
corridor based on a single declaration, enables electronic data
exchange, and uses the pre-submitted customs transit declaration as
a transit document. This will contribute to a more efficient and
simplified organization of trade processes, as well as achieving
important goals such as enhancing the region’s logistical
potential.
In the modern era, the automation of customs services, the
implementation of electronic document management systems, and
digital control mechanisms make a significant contribution to
speeding up border crossing procedures, preventing illegal trade,
and increasing transparency in trade processes.
In this context, electronic seals and GPS-based tracking systems
are of particular importance. These technologies not only ensure
the safety of cargo transportation but also allow for reliable and
effective monitoring of transit processes.
Systems that enable real-time tracking of goods movement help
build trust among trade participants and prevent illegal
interference,” added Baghirov.
The OTS General Secretary Kubanychbek Omuraliev said that
Turkmenistan is preparing to join the electronic permit system
among member countries of the OTS.
“In the face of global challenges such as the race for
cross-border trade, rising transportation costs, lengthy document
checks, and complex customs and transit procedures, addressing
these issues is vital for the economic stability and development of
our region. In line with our strategic document ‘Turkic World
Vision-2040’, the OTS aims to simplify customs and trade processes
between member states and along the Middle Corridor.
Significant achievements of our member states include the
successful operation of the electronic TIR system between
Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan in cooperation with UNICEF in 2022. We
aim for the OTS region to become a leader in implementing the
electronic TIR system,” he mentioned.
Omuraliyev noted that as an organization, the OTS is fully
committed to supporting and developing this initiative in
cooperation with member states, UNICEF, and IRU.
“We are actively working on expanding the electronic permit
system among our member countries. Turkmenistan is preparing to
join this initiative, which will strengthen connections and deepen
regional integration between Turkic states. Last year, we
established the Union of International Road Transport Associations
in the Turkic region, called OTS ‘YURTA’, as well as the Alliance
of Logistics Centers and Cargo Carriers of Turkic States,” added
the secretary-general.
Deputy Chairman of the State Revenue Committee of the Ministry
of Finance of Kazakhstan Kairat Dzhumagaliev mentioned that joint
efforts to implement the E-TIR (Electronic International Road
Transports) information system by member countries of the OTS will
create numerous benefits for carriers.
He noted that Kazakhstan, as a full-fledged participant in
global economic relations, is taking active steps to develop
international supply chains and improve the transparency and
efficiency of customs services.
“Due to its geographical location, Kazakhstan is viewed as one
of the transit countries connecting Europe and Asia. We aim to
expand the boundaries of international integration and global
economic processes through our state’s foreign economic policy.
The implementation and expansion of the use of the E-TIR
information system is essential for simplified and accelerated
cargo transportation between the member states of the OTS. Our
joint efforts in implementing the E-TIR information system by our
countries shall create numerous advantages for carriers,” added
Jumagaliyev.
To note, the 9th meeting of the heads of customs services of the
OTS was held in December 2023 in Tashkent.
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