Imagine a cargo-laden ship arriving at a port, only to face prolonged delays due to cumbersome procedures and bureaucratic hurdles. Such inefficiencies not only inflate operational costs but also hinder the smooth flow of international trade. To address these challenges, Uzbekistan is actively pursuing trade facilitation reforms, with reducing customs release times (TRS) as a central pillar of its strategy.
With comprehensive support from the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) under the Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP), Uzbekistan has made significant strides in trade modernization. A recent technical workshop on Time Release Study (TRS), held in Tashkent from May 26 to 30, 2025, marked a critical step in enhancing the country’s trade efficiency. The event focused on capacity-building, reviewing TRS action plans, and initiating the development of operational procedures and survey frameworks.
The workshop complemented ongoing regional TRS initiatives by leveraging the expertise of trained customs officials and building on prior progress in action plan formulation. Participants included representatives from Uzbekistan’s customs administration, private sector stakeholders, and other government agencies.
Key Workshop Focus Areas
- Identifying Bottlenecks in Cargo Processing: The workshop analyzed inefficiencies in cargo handling to pinpoint critical delays. Through detailed process evaluations, attendees collaborated on solutions to eliminate unnecessary hold-ups and improve operational efficiency.
- Strengthening Public-Private Collaboration: Emphasizing the need for closer cooperation between government and businesses, the workshop fostered dialogue to build trust and mutual benefits. Discussions centered on information-sharing and joint efforts to create a more conducive trade environment.
- Streamlining Customs Clearance: Participants examined ways to simplify complex clearance procedures, reduce administrative burdens, and enhance transparency. Proposals included adopting digital tools and risk-management strategies to expedite processes.
- Reducing Trade Time and Costs: The overarching goal of the workshop was to enhance Uzbekistan’s global competitiveness by cutting trade durations and expenses. Optimized workflows, stronger partnerships, and simplified customs protocols aim to attract investment and spur economic growth.
The Role of TRS in Trade Facilitation
Time Release Study (TRS) serves as a vital tool for assessing customs efficiency and identifying areas for improvement. By measuring the duration from cargo arrival to final release, TRS reveals systemic bottlenecks, enabling targeted reforms to streamline procedures and lower trade costs.
Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP)
Jointly implemented by the WCO and SECO, GTFP supports developing and transitioning economies in adopting the WTO’s Trade Facilitation Agreement. Through technical assistance and capacity-building, the program aids nations in implementing TRS, modernizing customs operations, and boosting trade efficiency.
Uzbekistan’s Trade Modernization Outlook
Uzbekistan’s proactive reforms—including TRS implementation, procedural simplifications, and enhanced public-private cooperation—are paving the way for a more efficient and transparent trade ecosystem. These measures are expected to reduce costs, elevate competitiveness, and position the country as a Central Asian trade hub.
The WCO has commended Uzbekistan’s progress and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the nation’s trade facilitation objectives. The organization encourages other countries to draw lessons from Uzbekistan’s experience to advance global economic integration.