WCO Regional Workshop on the Central Asia and Caucasus Security Project (CCASP)

WCO Regional Workshop on the Central Asia and Caucasus Security Project (CCASP)

         From 8 to 11 July 2025, a regional workshop is taking place in Astana within the framework of the Central Asia and Caucasus Security Project (CCASP), initiated by the World Customs Organization (WCO) with financial support from the Government of Japan. The workshop has brought together representatives of the customs administrations of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.

       The objective of the event is to raise awareness among national customs administrations of the risks associated with the illicit cross-border movement of small arms and light weapons (SALW), including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and to identify the priority needs of the participating countries for the planning of future national training sessions.

       Opening remarks were delivered by:

  • Zhanbolat Almazov – Acting Director of the Department of Customs Control of the State Revenue Committee of the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan;
  • Yasumasa Iijima - Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Republic of Kazakhstan
  • Andrew Reynolds – WCO CCASP Project Coordinator

       Mr. Almazov expressed his gratitude to the WCO and the Government of Japan for their support of the CCASP project and for providing an opportunity for the exchange of experience and best practices among the countries of Central Asia and the Caucasus. He emphasized the importance of international cooperation in combating the illicit trafficking of small arms and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), underlining the relevance of the workshop’s theme for the entire region.

       The workshop is particularly timely in light of growing global threats associated with the proliferation of small arms and emerging technologies such as UAVs, which are increasingly being used for illicit purposes. Strengthening control over such movements requires coordinated action and a deep understanding of current risks. The workshop serves as a timely response to the need to enhance the capacities of customs administrations, improve mechanisms for detecting and combating illicit trafficking, and strengthen regional dialogue on security issues.

       The seminar will feature lectures by Ms. Vesna Vrachar – Expert Trainer of the WCO CCASP Project; Mr. Adam Vass – Lead Trainer of the WCO CCASP Project; Ms. Amina Masovic – Firearms Specialist at INTERPOL’s Operational Support and Analysis Directorate; and Mr. Frederic Henri Clement – Project Officer of the Forum for Security Co-operation (FSC) Support Unit of OSCE.

      Over the course of four days, participants will address a wide range of topics, including the strategic context and global security initiatives, the role of customs authorities in combating the illicit movement of SALW and UAVs, international legal and institutional control frameworks, the exchange of national experiences, analysis of existing mechanisms, and identification of gaps. The agenda also includes discussions on strengthening inter-agency and regional cooperation, the use of modern targeting and risk management tools, and the role of international organizations in supporting national efforts.

      The workshop is expected to result in the development of a shared vision on security-related issues, the alignment of key priorities for regional cooperation, and the preparation of national action plans to strengthen control measures. Participants will acquire up-to-date knowledge, practical recommendations, and WCO tools, including risk management and targeting systems.

       The workshop will serve as an important platform for deepening cooperation among countries of the region, strengthening national capacities, and coordinating efforts to combat the illicit trafficking of weapons.