On August 15-16, 2022, at the initiative of Turkmenistan, under the auspices of the United Nations, the International Conference of Ministers of Transport of Landlocked Developing Countries was held in the Avaza National Tourist Zone. The event was attended by delegations from about 40 states and over 30 international organizations. The Secretary General of the World Customs Organization, Mr. Kunio Mikuriya, took part virtually.

In his welcoming speech at the opening ceremony, Mr. Kunio Mikuriya noted that landlocked developing countries should benefit most from trade and transport facilitation efforts, recalling the importance of using international standards, such as the WCO’s “International Convention for Simplification and Harmonization of Customs Procedures,” known as the Revised Kyoto Convention or RKC, to enhance connectivity at borders.

Our vision is “Borders divide, Customs connects,” and for this purpose the WCO develops standards for Customs procedures, promote Customs cooperation and provide capacity building support to Member Customs. In this way, we support Customs in ensuring revenue collection, trade facilitation and protection of borders from illicit trade.

The Secretary General also delivered a video message at the session “Accelerating digitalization for enhanced transit and trade facilitation and for a sustainable and resilient recovery from COVID-19”, in which he noted the role of customs in mitigating the effects of the supply chain bottlenecks lies in two main areas: trade facilitation and digitalization of Customs procedures.

Turkmenistan has been a member of the World Customs Organization since 1993. In accordance with WCO standards, the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan is actively introducing digital technology into its activities and is continuously working to simplify and harmonize customs procedures. In 2021, Turkmenistan also became a member of the International International Convention on the Simplification and Harmonisation of Customs Procedures.