Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov and Secretary General of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Ian Saunders discussed matters of further cooperation, following up on agreements reached during talks between President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and the head of the WCO.

The parties exchanged views on prospects for deepening interaction in customs administration, digitalisation, and the development of transport and logistics corridors.

Olzhas Bektenov noted that ensuring the sustainability of transcontinental trade is a key factor in the country's economic development. The priorities of the WCO Strategic Plan 2025–2028, "Data-Driven Customs for a Connected World," align with the objectives of Kazakhstan's ongoing reforms. In this regard, combining Kazakhstan's transit capabilities with WCO operations will help establish a modern model of customs interaction in the region—free of unnecessary barriers and supported by reliable controls.

The WCO Secretary General emphasized the importance of further developing bilateral cooperation and elevating customs practices. Ian Saunders highlighted Kazakhstan's active participation in implementing top customs standards, as well as the country's role as a vital link in the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR). Over the first seven months of this year, approximately 350,000 tonnes of goods passed through the TITR, with cargo traffic intensity reaching nearly 24,000 vehicles. Total transit cargo volume during this period reached 14.6 million tonnes.

As part of the Year of Digitalisation and Artificial Intelligence declared by the President of Kazakhstan, modern solutions are being introduced into customs administration. The unified system KEDEN integrates declaration processes, transit, control, and interaction with related state agencies. The Smart Cargo platform combines transport and public services, electronic permits, and cargo tracking tools. The integration of information systems eliminates data duplication provided by businesses, ensuring seamless cross-agency use at all stages of the supply chain.

At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their interest in the continued development of cooperation in the customs sphere.

#Olzhas Bektenov #Digitalization #Economy #International Cooperation #Logistics #Transport

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