BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, October 14. Kyrgyzstan has initiated an effort to improve the efficiency of cargo flow at the largest checkpoint between Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, Trend reports.
Carriers who provide early cargo information to Kyrgyz customs using the TIR-EPD system, which allows TIR Carnet holders to electronically transmit information to customs authorities in various countries for free, can now take advantage of specialized processing booths at the Dostuk border.
The primary goal of this initiative is to enhance the efficiency of customs procedures and promote smoother trade at this border, ultimately leading to time and cost savings for businesses engaged in cross-border trade.
The achievement of introducing TIR pre-declaration prioritization at the Dostuk border is the result of collaborative efforts involving key entities such as the State Customs Service of Kyrgyzstan, the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), the International Road Transport Union (IRU), and the Association of International Road Carriers of Kyrgyzstan.
TIR (Transports Internationaux Routiers) is an international transit system governed by a UN convention, operating globally through collaboration between the public and private sectors. It significantly enhances border crossing procedures, improves transportation connections, and stimulates regional trade.
The TIR-EPD system had been introduced in Kyrgyzstan with support from the "Simplification of Trade Procedures in Central Asia" program, facilitated by the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ) and the Association of International Road Carriers of Kyrgyzstan.
During the Samarkand Summit of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) in November 2022, the presidents of member states endorsed efforts to digitize transport and transit procedures.
They also commended the progress made by Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan in digitalizing TIR and establishing efficient border crossing procedures.
