Imagine a cargo truck traversing the vast Central Asian steppes—its unimpeded journey not only carries commercial value but sustains the economic lifelines of nations along its path. The World Customs Organization (WCO) has unveiled solutions to make these "steel caravans" move faster and more reliably.
During the International Road Transport Conference in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, WCO Secretary General Dr. Kunio Mikuriya delivered a video address energizing regional transport development. The event, jointly organized by the International Road Transport Union (IRU) and Uzbekistan's AIRCUZ association, centered on the theme "Driving Resilience and Prosperity."
Border Innovation: The Soft Infrastructure Revolution
Dr. Mikuriya emphasized the pivotal role of transport operators in enhancing border "soft infrastructure," stressing that modernized customs procedures are essential for efficient clearance while ensuring tax compliance and societal security. This dual responsibility requires collaborative efforts between customs authorities and transport enterprises to build safer, more efficient trade ecosystems.
Streamlining the Silk Road
The WCO's trade facilitation initiatives focus on key modernization pillars for road transport:
- Paperless Clearance: Replacing physical documents with electronic data exchange to accelerate border crossings
- Risk-Based Management: Concentrating inspections on high-risk shipments while expediting low-risk cargo
- Tech-Driven Oversight: Leveraging big data and AI to enhance customs surveillance against smuggling
These measures promise to significantly reduce border delays, lower operational costs, and boost Central Asia's global competitiveness.
Central Asia's Compliance Milestone
Dr. Mikuriya commended all Central Asian states for ratifying the revised Kyoto Convention—the premier international customs agreement standardizing and simplifying trade procedures. This regional adoption ensures:
- Transparent customs processes with clearer business guidelines
- Predictable supply chain operations for better logistics planning
- Optimized resource allocation through enhanced risk assessment
Public-Private Partnerships: The Road Ahead
The WCO chief underscored the necessity of collaborative governance to strengthen transport connectivity and supply chain resilience:
- Government investments in highways, bridges, and border infrastructure
- Policy reforms encouraging transport innovation
- Shared information platforms for real-time logistics coordination
- Joint workforce development programs
Concluding his address, Dr. Mikuriya celebrated AIRCUZ's 30th anniversary and IRU's 75th anniversary, reaffirming WCO's commitment to regional cooperation. As Central Asia's strategic position grows, these modernization efforts promise to transform ancient trade routes into efficient economic corridors, powering the New Silk Road's renaissance.