Brussels, June 29, 2025 – The Europe Today: The Council of the World Customs Organization (WCO) is currently holding its sessions in Brussels, Belgium, bringing together senior customs officials from 186 member countries. Among the participants is a high-level delegation from Uzbekistan, led by Chairman of the Customs Committee A. Mavlonov.
During the event, Chairman Mavlonov held a bilateral meeting with WCO Secretary General Ian Saunders, where both sides reaffirmed their commitment to advancing international customs cooperation.
It was noted that Uzbekistan actively participates in the WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme. The second phase of this initiative, covering the period 2024–2027, includes targeted measures to streamline international trade procedures, lower transaction costs, and enhance customs clearance efficiency.
As part of ongoing collaboration between the WCO and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Uzbekistan’s Customs Committee representatives have taken part in specialized workshops focused on risk management and optimizing the timing of goods release. Highlighting the success of this cooperation, Customs Committee expert Sh. Niyazov was officially recognized as an international expert by JICA.
Chairman Mavlonov also proposed hosting the WCO Global Canine Forum in Uzbekistan next year, a move aimed at deepening collaboration under the Smart Customs Concept and advancing modern customs practices.
The meeting concluded with both parties identifying several promising avenues for further partnership in areas of mutual interest, reflecting Uzbekistan’s growing role in the international customs community.
