Ashgabat, July 8, 2026 – The Europe Today: Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan have discussed expanding cooperation in digital customs administration, including the development of a joint roadmap to synchronize their information systems and integrate into the international e-TIR project aimed at facilitating cross-border trade and transit.
The discussions took place in Ashgabat on July 7 between the Deputy Chairman of the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan and Deputy Chairman of Azerbaijan’s State Customs Committee Natig Shirinov during the Azerbaijani delegation’s visit to attend the ninth meeting of the Turkmen-Azerbaijani Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation.
According to Turkmenistan’s State Customs Service, both sides noted that bilateral customs cooperation has gained fresh momentum following the recent visit of Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov to Azerbaijan.
The officials highlighted the practical achievements of their partnership, including the signing of agreements on the exchange of advance customs information and customs statistics, which are expected to enhance transparency and improve the efficiency of border procedures.
The meeting also focused on implementing the Smart Customs concept, with the two countries considering the preparation of a joint roadmap covering the synchronization of digital customs systems, the introduction of automated risk analysis mechanisms, and the further development of the Single Window system to simplify trade procedures.
The two sides further discussed participation in the international e-TIR project, which is expected to accelerate cargo clearance and improve the movement of goods through key regional transit hubs, including the ports of Turkmenbashi and Baku.
At the conclusion of the meeting, representatives of Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in customs administration and pursuing joint initiatives to enhance regional connectivity and unlock the transit potential of both countries.
