Kyrgyzstan Boosts Customs Oversight Via WCO Partnership

Published: 01/05/2026
Post-Clearance Audit Customs Cooperation Capacity Building
The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a national post-clearance audit (PCA) workshop in Kyrgyzstan to enhance the country's customs audit capabilities. Funded by the Korea Customs Cooperation Fund, WCO experts used interactive teaching and practical exercises to help participants master the theoretical knowledge and operational skills of PCA. The successful workshop will contribute to strengthening Kyrgyzstan's PCA system, promoting trade facilitation, and safeguarding national economic security. The training covered key aspects of PCA implementation and risk management.
Kyrgyzstan Boosts Customs Oversight Via WCO Partnership

In an era of increasing global trade, customs administrations worldwide face the dual challenge of facilitating legitimate commerce while combating smuggling and tax evasion. Post-clearance audit (PCA) has emerged as a critical tool in this balancing act. A recent national workshop in Bishkek, organized under the World Customs Organization (WCO) framework, marked a significant step in strengthening Kyrgyzstan's customs capabilities.

International Collaboration: Korean Funding and WCO Expertise

The five-day workshop, held from April 24-28, 2023, was sponsored by the Korea Customs Cooperation Fund (CCF/Korea) and conducted by WCO experts. Ismelov Marat Nurbeckovich, head of Kyrgyzstan's State Customs Service (SCS) Post-Clearance Control Department, opened the event by acknowledging the international support and emphasizing PCA's role in safeguarding economic security while promoting compliant trade.

Interactive Training Approach: From Theory to Practice

Moving beyond conventional lectures, the workshop employed interactive methods including:

  • Comprehensive PCA framework: Covering legal foundations, objectives, and operational principles
  • Risk management applications: Techniques for identifying high-risk traders and shipments
  • Operational workflows: From audit planning to report generation and follow-up actions
  • Field methodologies: Including ledger reviews, physical inspections, interviews, and data analysis
  • Cross-border cooperation: Highlighting WCO's role in international customs collaboration

Practical exercises enabled participants to apply theoretical knowledge through simulated audits, enhancing both understanding and implementation skills.

Capacity Building Outcomes

The training achieved measurable results in three key areas:

Professional development: Customs officers reported improved competency in applying international PCA standards. System enhancement: The workshop provided actionable insights for refining Kyrgyzstan's PCA framework. Global partnerships: Strengthened ties with WCO and peer administrations for future cooperation.

This initiative represents a milestone in Kyrgyzstan's customs modernization efforts. Looking ahead, continued collaboration with WCO and development partners is expected to further enhance trade facilitation while maintaining robust fiscal controls.

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