DIGITALIZATION OF CUSTOMS SERVICES:
PATHWAY TO PAPERLESS TRADE

The introduction and implementation of digital customs can significantly speed trade processes and prevent unnecessary delays at border crossings, while ensuring customs procedures are carried out with the greatest possible efficiency. The function of customs has evolved from revenue collection, to undertaking trade facilitation missions, and maintaining cooperation between the numerous government agencies involved in clearance processes along the supply chain. Despite achievements made in digital transformation, paper-based procedures still dominate cross-border trade transactions.

Regional cooperation plays a crucial role in ensuring contacts are maintained, supply chains are restored, and goods are delivered. The main focus of the 12^th Central Asia Trade Forum will be reviewing efforts taken to digitalize Central Asian customs administrations, as a pathway to paperless trade. Initiatives around the globe aim to replace paper-based customs procedures with electronic operations, creating efficient and modern customs environments. The Forum will bring together Central Asian customs administrations to discuss ongoing efforts in developing digital solutions and services, adopting enabling technologies (such as the use of big data, telematics and Cloud services), increasing operational performance, and facilitating reinvention of how customs administrations operate.

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) will convene the 12^th Central Asia Trade Forum on October 12-13, 2022, bringing together representatives from customs administrations of Central Asia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Singapore, the EU, and the United States. Beyond exploring the current level of digitalization among Central Asian customs administrations, the Forum will equip participants and involved government agencies with a wide range of best digital tools and technologies applied in other countries.