How does a landlocked nation break through geographic barriers to dance on the global economic stage? In an era of trade barriers, how does an inland country discover its growth engine and achieve economic transformation?
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan — In May 2010, a pivotal moment arrived for this Central Asian nation when Kunio Mikuriya, Secretary General of the World Customs Organization (WCO), accepted an invitation from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to visit Uzbekistan. This was more than a high-level meeting—it represented a profound exploration of trade development potential in Central Asia and a roadmap for landlocked economies seeking to take flight.
A New Chapter in Trade Cooperation
The vibrant capital of Tashkent welcomed the global trade leader not just for the 43rd ADB Annual Meeting hosted by the Uzbek government, but more significantly, to assess Uzbekistan's trade landscape and offer strategic support. During intensive bilateral talks on May 3-4 with President Islam Karimov, discussions centered on regional customs cooperation—illuminating the WCO's crucial role in Central Asia's trade development strategy.
The Vision for Economic Ascent
Despite formidable obstacles, Uzbekistan has steadfastly pursued gradual trade liberalization. President Karimov emphasized that this path creates employment opportunities and lifts the nation from poverty. His economic blueprint prioritizes private sector development—particularly small and medium enterprises as growth engines—while advocating for increased investment and educational improvements to build national capacity.
This approach reflects the delicate balance landlocked nations must strike between openness and stability, between attracting foreign investment and protecting domestic industries in an increasingly globalized world.
The WCO's Transformative Role
Secretary General Mikuriya outlined how modern customs administrations can address 21st-century challenges while supporting national development priorities. He positioned customs not just as border guardians but as trade facilitators and economic accelerators.
The WCO proposed leveraging regional platforms like the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) program—an ADB-coordinated initiative enhancing transport infrastructure and trade facilitation. Mikuriya pledged WCO's full support, offering technical assistance to streamline Uzbek customs processes, reduce trade costs, and attract investment through smarter border management.
Building Customs Excellence
President Karimov commended recent WCO initiatives and committed Uzbekistan to greater contributions in regional and global customs affairs. The nation's participation includes offering its K-9 training center as a WCO regional facility—a testament to its openness and regional leadership aspirations.
Mikuriya praised young Uzbek customs officers during a training center visit, noting their enthusiasm and language proficiency as assets for international trade operations. At customs headquarters, he recognized 30 outstanding officers with certificates—reinforcing professional standards crucial for economic development.
Regional Implications and Forward Momentum
Following presidential talks, Mikuriya addressed an ADB workshop on CAREC transport and trade facilitation, underscoring customs' role in supply chain security and combating cross-border crime. The subsequent signing of a WCO-ADB memorandum cemented institutional cooperation to advance regional trade.
Uzbekistan's journey demonstrates how landlocked nations can transcend geographic constraints through domestic reforms, regional collaboration, and international partnership. As Central Asia's pivotal crossroads seeks greater connectivity, Uzbekistan's progress under WCO guidance offers a model for inland economies worldwide.
The 2010 visit not only deepened WCO-Uzbekistan ties but injected new energy into Central Asia's trade ecosystem. In our interconnected world, such cooperation proves essential for shared prosperity—with Uzbekistan emerging as Central Asia's rising eagle, soaring toward economic transformation.