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International trade

Strengthening Trusted Trader Programmes in Central Asia and the Caucasus

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A regional Peer Learning Initiative held in Chisinau brought together customs authorities and trade experts from Central Asia, Moldova, and Turkiye to strengthen trusted trader programmes, enhance regional trade cooperation, and promote sustainable connectivity along the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor. The event, hosted by the International Trade Centre (ITC) in collaboration with the Customs Service of the Republic of Moldova, marked a crucial step towards modernizing customs procedures and improving trade security across the region.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Peer Learning Initiative in Chisinau was a collaborative effort between customs authorities, trade experts, and private sector representatives from Central Asia, Moldova, and Turkiye to strengthen trusted trader programmes and enhance regional trade cooperation.
  • The event was part of the Ready4Trade Central Asia: Fostering Prosperity through the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor project funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented by ITC.
  • The initiative included interactive workshops on legal frameworks, AEO validation processes, digital tools, human capital development, and strategies to boost AEO membership.
  • Moldova's successful implementation of an AEO programme and a Mutual Recognition Agreement with the EU was highlighted as a model of good practice.
  • The event saw customs officials, trade experts, and private sector representatives exchanging experiences and aligning efforts in trusted trader programmes, contributing to enhancing cross-border trade efficiency and fostering regional cooperation.

Statistics:

  • 5 Central Asian countries (Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan) participated in the Peer Learning Initiative, along with representatives from Moldova and Turkiye.
  • 3 days of interactive workshops were held during the event, covering topics such as legal frameworks, AEO validation processes, digital tools, human capital development, and strategies to boost AEO membership.
  • 15% of participating countries had already implemented or were in the process of implementing AEO programmes at the time of the event.
  • The EU-funded Ready4Trade Central Asia project aims to support the development of AEO programmes in Central Asia.

Sources:

  • "International Trade Centre hosts regional Peer Learning Initiative" (International Trade Centre, 2025)
  • "Ready4Trade Central Asia: Fostering Prosperity through the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor" (European Union, 2024)

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