A bilateral meeting between the Head of the Customs Service under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan Khurshed Karimzoda and the WCO Secretary General Jan Sanders took place within the framework of the 145/146th session of the Council of the World Customs Organization (WCO) in Brussels. This was reported by the press center of the agency.
The central topic of the negotiations was the priority areas of cooperation between Tajikistan and the WCO, as well as prospects for deepening cooperation in the field of digitalization of customs procedures, the use of ICT, artificial intelligence and blockchain technologies.
During the conversation, Karimzoda noted that Tajikistan, being a member of the WCO since 1997, has consistently developed partnership relations with the organization, actively supports its initiatives and participates in key events.
The Head of the Customs Service reported that within the framework of the implementation of the Medium-Term Program for the Development of Customs Authorities for 2025-2029, approved by the Decree of the Government of Tajikistan, it is planned to open a Permanent Mission of the Republic to the World Customs Organization. The goal of the program is to adapt the national customs system to modern international standards. The program covers five strategic areas: improving legislation, modernizing infrastructure, developing administration, technical equipment of posts, and improving the professional level of employees.
Karimzoda expressed confidence that the opening of the Permanent Mission of Tajikistan to the WCO will be an important step towards the country's active participation in the formation and implementation of international customs policy.
In turn, Secretary General Jan Sanders highly appreciated Tajikistan's contribution to the organization's activities and confirmed his readiness to assist in opening a representative office. He noted that the WCO is implementing a number of programs in Central Asia aimed at improving the qualifications of customs personnel and expressed interest in further developing cooperation with Tajikistan.
Following the meeting, the head of the WCO was invited on an official visit to Tajikistan, to which he expressed gratitude and readiness to discuss further steps to strengthen the partnership.