Kazakhstan Strengthens Regional Customs Cooperation

In Astana, from February 10 to 12, a regional training on the Conduct of Goods Release Time Studies (GRTS) is taking place with the support of the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

The event brings together representatives from the customs services of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. The training focuses on the practical application of the GRTS methodology as an effective tool for quantitatively assessing the efficiency of customs procedures and enhancing their transparency.

A welcoming speech was delivered by Deputy Chairman of the State Revenue Committee of the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Bakytzhan Slyamov. He emphasized the importance of partnership with the WCO and JICA and noted the high evaluation of Kazakhstan’s customs system reforms given by the head of the World Customs Organization during a recent visit to the country.

“Goods Release Time Studies are not just an analytical tool. They are a mechanism for identifying bottlenecks in customs clearance processes, increasing operational transparency, and reducing the time cargo spends at the border,” Bakytzhan Slyamov stated.

During the training, participants are studying in detail the stages of conducting GRTS, methods for collecting and analyzing data on the time taken for customs operations, and exchanging national experiences to identify factors affecting the speed of goods release.

Kazakhstan is steadily implementing the GRTS methodology in its customs administration practices. The results obtained are used to optimize procedures, develop electronic services, and improve interaction with foreign trade participants as well as with government agencies of neighboring countries.

Coordinated application of the methodology at both national and regional levels contributes to strengthening transport and logistics corridors, improving delivery predictability, and enhancing the competitiveness of Central Asian and Caucasus routes on the international stage.

The outcomes of the training will serve as a basis for further coordination of joint measures to reduce goods release times, develop trade, and deepen regional cooperation.