Turkmenistan and the EU Harmonize Customs Procedures Along the Trans-Caspian Corridor
Representatives of the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan participated in an international seminar on customs administration held in Warsaw from September 7 to 9. The meeting focused on enhancing interregional connectivity and eliminating bottlenecks along transport routes linking the European Union with countries in Central Asia, the Black Sea region, and the South Caucasus.
The expert forum was organized by the European Commission, the German Corporation for International Cooperation (GIZ), and the National Revenue Administration of Poland. The seminar brought together delegations from 15 countries, as well as specialists from the EU and UN agencies working to increase the throughput capacity of the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor (the Middle Corridor).
The joint effort focused primarily on the digitalization and standardization of border control. Participants discussed the implementation of advanced World Customs Organization standards, the integration of national "Single Window" systems, and the practical application of the eTIR digital transit system, which significantly reduces border crossing times through the advance exchange of data.
Particular attention was paid to risk management systems that facilitate the expedited processing of compliant carriers via the "green channel" without compromising security standards.
As part of the practical segment of the visit, the Turkmen delegation examined their Polish counterparts' digital infrastructure and the operation of modern IT tools, mobile inspection teams, and stationary inspection systems (large-cargo scanners). The delegates also visited the Warsaw Customs Office, where they observed real-time procedures for processing international cargo.
The primary practical outcome of the three-day visit to Poland was the development of solutions to eliminate infrastructure and administrative barriers to freight transport. The delegations initiated the drafting of a Joint Action Plan to synchronize customs procedures—serving as a roadmap to accelerate transit between Asia and Europe—and agreed on the agenda for upcoming bilateral negotiations.
