Imagine if cross-border trade could be as efficient as domestic shipping—how much time and costs would businesses save? Uzbekistan is accelerating toward this vision. On November 27, a grand launch ceremony in Tashkent marked the official start of Phase II of the Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP), a collaborative initiative led by the Swiss Confederation, the World Customs Organization (WCO), and Uzbekistan’s State Customs Committee. The event, which included the first meeting of the National Steering Committee, signals a transformative chapter in the country’s customs reforms.
Blueprint for Progress: National Work Plan Signed
The highlight of the ceremony was the signing of a National Work Plan, a joint effort by Uzbekistan’s customs authority, Switzerland, and the WCO. This document outlines the roadmap for future collaboration and underscores the partners’ commitment to advancing trade facilitation. It details actionable steps for GTFP’s second phase, ensuring systematic and measurable progress.
Building on Success: Achievements of Phase I
GTFP’s second phase is not starting from scratch. The program’s first phase laid a robust foundation, modernizing Uzbekistan’s customs infrastructure and earning positive evaluations during a mid-2023 assessment. These outcomes bolstered the State Customs Committee’s resolve to continue the partnership into Phase II.
Strategic Priorities: Phase II Goals
Phase II will expand on earlier successes with a sharper focus on institutional and technical capacity building. Key objectives include strengthening the Customs Committee’s ability to lead sustainable, transparent reforms while integrating private-sector input to align measures with business needs. The project will also promote international standards, particularly those under WCO and World Trade Organization (WTO) trade facilitation agreements.
Twin Pillars: Organizational Development and Trade Efficiency
The program adopts a dual approach: enhancing the Customs Committee’s institutional capabilities to manage reforms and drive competitiveness, while streamlining procedures to reduce trade costs and accelerate cross-border cargo flows.
Methodological Backbone: WCO Tools
GTFP will leverage proven WCO frameworks like the Mercator Programme, designed to help countries implement the WTO’s Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). These tools offer technical assistance, training, and capacity-building to simplify customs processes and lower trade barriers.
Strengthening Institutions: A High-Performance Customs Team
Organizational development is central to Phase II. The project will refine strategic planning, risk management, performance evaluation, and staff training. Key initiatives include:
- Strategic planning: Aligning customs reforms with national development goals.
- Risk management: Implementing advanced assessment tools to safeguard revenue and security.
- Performance metrics: Establishing evaluation systems to incentivize efficiency.
- Training programs: Upskilling personnel to meet evolving demands.
Facilitating Trade: Smoother Cross-Border Flows
Operational improvements will target:
- Simplified procedures: Reducing paperwork for faster clearance.
- Digital systems: Expanding e-declarations and e-payments.
- Regional cooperation: Enhancing partnerships with neighboring economies.
- Infrastructure upgrades: Modernizing ports to minimize delays.
Looking Ahead: Uzbekistan’s Trade Ambitions
As GTFP Phase II unfolds, Uzbekistan’s upgraded customs framework is poised to improve trade conditions, unlock business opportunities, and fuel economic growth—potentially positioning the country as Central Asia’s premier trade and investment hub.