Important changes on the Uzbekistan-Kazakhstan border: What opportunities will open up?

Economic relations between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan are reaching a new stage. Recently, at an important meeting between the heads of customs services of the two countries, a number of agreements were reached. This will serve to reduce congestion at border crossings, increase trade volume, and create new opportunities for the economies of both countries.

Chairman of the State Customs Committee of Uzbekistan Akmalkhodja Mavlonov, as part of his visit to the Kazakh city of Almaty, held a bilateral meeting with the Chairman of the State Revenue Committee of the Ministry of Finance of Kazakhstan. During the conversation, plans were discussed to further develop mutual trade turnover between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, with the goal of reaching a foreign trade volume of 10 billion US dollars by 2030.

This major goal sets several new tasks for the customs authorities of both countries. In particular, the efficient management of vehicle traffic at border crossings will be organized, especially regulating the queue system for cargo vehicles, and introducing a simplified "green corridor" regime to facilitate the export and import of agricultural products.

It has been reported that from June, Uzbekistan will gradually implement the "Electronic Queue" system. This innovative system will be launched for the first time precisely at the "Navoi" customs post located on the Uzbek-Kazakh border. This innovation will reduce waiting times in queues, speed up the cargo transportation process, and provide significant convenience for entrepreneurs.

In addition, special attention was paid to improving the information exchange process between the customs services of the two countries. In particular, the possibilities of mutual exchange of scanner images obtained from large inspection complexes were discussed. This, in turn, will speed up the process of inspecting goods and increase the efficiency of combating smuggling and other violations.

Furthermore, special attention was given to the issues of organizing the passage of empty cargo vehicles and small-sized cargo through the "Oq Oltin"–"Selinny" and "Malik"–"Syrdarya" customs posts. These changes will significantly reduce congestion and queues at important Uzbek border posts such as "Yallama," "Najimov," and "Syrdarya."

Within the framework of the meeting, agreements were also discussed regarding the establishment of representatives of customs services in both countries. These representatives will help to effectively manage trade relations, promptly resolve arising issues, and improve customs control.

It was noted that active reconstruction work continues on border posts between the two countries. Currently, construction work at the "Gishtkuprik" and "Dovut ota" posts is at its final stage. Extensive reconstruction work is also planned for the "Syrdarya" post.

An agreement was reached to strengthen cooperation in preventing various statistical discrepancies in mutual trade relations. The importance of ensuring the accuracy of customs statistics for the economies of both countries was specifically emphasized.

Additionally, during the meeting, agreements were reached regarding cooperation between the customs laboratories of the two countries and training of personnel. This involves exchanging advanced experiences, conducting training sessions, and introducing new methodologies.

Following the meeting, the heads of the customs services of the two countries signed three important documents, which elevate cooperation to a new level. These agreements will contribute to further strengthening economic ties between the two countries and open wide opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs.

At the same time, from February 1, 2025, the movement of passenger cars, buses, and vehicles with a carrying capacity of up to 3.5 tons through the "Tazhen"–"Dovut ota" border checkpoint between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan has been temporarily suspended until the reconstruction of this checkpoint is completed.

The new agreements will undoubtedly not only strengthen trade relations between the two neighboring countries but also give a significant impetus to regional economic growth. This is an important step towards achieving a prosperous future for the peoples of both countries.