The World Customs Organization (WCO) is actively supporting Uzbekistan's customs modernization through its Global Trade Facilitation Project (GTFP), a partnership with Switzerland's State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO). Following a virtual workshop in June 2021, WCO experts conducted an intensive strategic planning workshop in Uzbekistan from April 4-8, 2022, helping the State Customs Committee (SCC) develop a more efficient and intelligent customs system.
Strategic Planning: The Key to Customs Competitiveness
In today's competitive global trade environment, a clear and actionable strategic plan is essential for customs authorities. Such planning not only improves operational efficiency but also better serves national economic development goals. Recognizing this, the WCO has made strategic capacity building a core component of GTFP.
WCO Experts Provide Comprehensive Guidance
During the workshop, WCO experts introduced Uzbek customs officials to key strategic planning concepts and practical tools. The team conducted an in-depth analysis of the SCC's draft strategic plan, offering specific guidance on strategy mapping and Key Performance Indicator (KPI) development. Through close collaboration with WCO specialists, the SCC gained a comprehensive review of its strategy and identified areas for improvement.
A Strategic Blueprint for Openness and Digital Transformation
With WCO's professional guidance, the SCC's strategic plan now better reflects Uzbekistan's national development priorities: further opening to international trade and creating smart borders through digital transformation. The refined strategy focuses on four key areas:
- Enhancing trade facilitation: Simplifying customs procedures and reducing clearance times to lower business costs and improve Uzbekistan's trade competitiveness.
- Strengthening risk management: Implementing advanced information technology and data analysis methods to improve risk identification and response capabilities.
- Advancing digital transformation: Building intelligent customs systems for paperless clearance, improving efficiency and transparency.
- Expanding international cooperation: Collaborating with other nations and international organizations to combat smuggling, tax evasion, and other illegal activities.
Strategy Mapping: Visualizing Strategic Goals
The WCO experts helped the SCC develop strategy maps - visualization tools that clarify relationships between strategic objectives and help personnel understand their specific responsibilities. This approach ensures strategic goals are effectively broken down into actionable steps.
KPIs: Measuring Strategic Success
The workshop also focused on developing Key Performance Indicators to measure progress across all customs operations, including clearance times, revenue collection, and risk management. Regular monitoring of these metrics will enable the SCC to identify issues early and implement corrective measures.
GTFP: Supporting Developing Nations
The SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Project assists developing countries in improving trade facilitation through technical assistance, capacity building, and policy advice. Funded by Switzerland's SECO and implemented by the WCO, GTFP helps nations streamline customs procedures, increase clearance efficiency, and reduce trade costs to promote economic growth and sustainable development.
Uzbekistan's Customs Transformation
As a GTFP beneficiary, Uzbekistan has seen significant improvements in customs administration. The program has helped Uzbek customs officials master modern management concepts and techniques while developing trade facilitation policies that create a more favorable business environment.
Digital Transformation: Building Smart Customs
Recognizing digital transformation as a critical trend in customs development, the WCO has provided technical assistance to help Uzbekistan implement intelligent customs systems and paperless clearance procedures under the GTFP framework.
International Cooperation: Addressing Global Challenges
To combat transnational challenges like smuggling and terrorism, the WCO has facilitated Uzbekistan's cooperation with other nations and international organizations through GTFP initiatives, enhancing global trade security.
Future Outlook: Continuous Improvement
With WCO support, Uzbekistan's customs strategic planning has made substantial progress. Moving forward, continued collaboration will further enhance customs administration, creating a more business-friendly trade environment and contributing to national economic development. Through sustained strategic planning and capacity building, Uzbekistan's customs authority aims to become a regional and global model.