Central Asia and China agree on new customs and digital trade plans

Reuters

The second meeting of customs leaders from Central Asia and China was held in Almaty, focusing on digitalization, AI integration, border crossing agreements, and expanding cooperation to strengthen regional trade and logistics.

Today in Almaty, Kazakhstan, customs leaders from Central Asian countries and China held their second meeting under the “C5+1” format to strengthen cooperation in customs and trade.

The meeting reviewed progress since the first online meeting in April 2023 and emphasized the growing need for deeper practical collaboration amid global challenges. Participants agreed that simplifying and harmonizing customs procedures is key to maintaining stable transport and logistics chains as trade expands across the region.

Special attention was given to artificial intelligence, including new AI tools in electronic customs declarations that automatically identify transportation costs and product codes, cutting clearance times by up to 30 minutes.

A new Customs Clearance Center has reduced the number of local customs posts by consolidating processes, making trade more efficient. The group also actively discussed a draft agreement to improve cooperation at border crossing points, aiming to increase capacity and synchronize infrastructure development.

The meeting ended with the signing of memoranda on AI-powered image analysis from inspection complexes and enhanced risk management.

The next meeting will take place in Kyrgyzstan in 2027, continuing the shared effort to boost customs cooperation and support growing trade between Central Asia and China.

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