On August 5, 2025, in the national tourist zone «Avaza» within the framework of the Conference of Landlocked Developing Countries, a project document was signed marking the launch of the third phase of the joint initiative to digitalize Turkmenistan’s customs system and lay the foundations for the functioning of a “smart customs” system.

The document provides for the introduction of modern information technologies, automation of key processes, enhancement of transparency and efficiency in customs administration, as well as the development of human resources capacity. The implementation of the project will contribute to simplifying foreign economic activity procedures and increasing Turkmenistan’s investment attractiveness.

The signing ceremony was accompanied by a bilateral meeting between the Chairman of the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan and UNCTAD Secretary-General Rebeca Grimson. During the meeting, the parties discussed the current level of cooperation and reaffirmed their commitment to further develop collaboration in the digitalization of customs procedures.

UNCTAD Secretary-General Rebeca Grimson highly appreciated Turkmenistan’s efforts in digital transformation and emphasized the importance of the strategic partnership between UNCTAD and the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan as a successful example of international cooperation.

In turn, the Chairman of the State Customs Service expressed gratitude to UNCTAD for its ongoing support and noted that the implementation of the third phase of the project will be an important step towards establishing a high-tech, modern, and efficient customs system.

The signing of the document became a logical continuation of the previous digitalization phases implemented with the assistance of UNCTAD and reflects Turkmenistan’s aspiration to actively implement innovative solutions in the customs sphere in accordance with international standards.