Shabdanaliev emphasized that such delays are not new. Negotiations between transport ministers, prime ministers, and even interventions by presidents have been attempted multiple times to lift restrictions. However, the system that benefits Kazakhstani customs officials continues to operate, leading to corruption. As a result, Kyrgyz carriers and trade face serious problems. According to him, delays occur once or twice a month, and currently, trucks have been waiting for three days, forming a queue of 80–90 vehicles. “The question of who will compensate the carriers for their losses remains open,” he added.
The head of the association noted that the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs should protect the interests of Kyrgyz businessmen and carriers, but unfortunately, no actions have been taken on their part.
“The Ministry of Transport does not pay attention to this problem, and carriers are forced to seek ways to protect themselves independently. Previously, we participated in international projects that studied the situation at border points between Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia. We had an understanding of the problems and discussed them at conferences. Unfortunately, funding for these initiatives has ended, and our government does not allocate funds for monitoring and open discussions on such issues. This could help alleviate the current situation,” he explained.
“Our association has been researching the effectiveness of transport corridors for almost eight years. However, the Ministry of Transport has never shown interest in the results of our work, even though the studies are conducted under the auspices of the Asian Development Bank. The Ministry shows complete indifference. We also conducted studies on the time taken for customs procedures, but despite the serious shortcomings indicated in the reports, no actions have been taken by the ministry. Addressing these shortcomings could significantly reduce the time of delays at the border,” he added.
Moreover, Shabdanaliev pointed out that some Kyrgyz businessmen also violate laws and customs regulations, which serves as a basis for increased inspections by Kazakhstan.
“There are cases where undeclared goods are found in cargo. The Kazakh side identifies such facts, punishes those responsible, and uses this as evidence of the unscrupulous work of the Kyrgyz side. This also happens,” he noted.
“Some cargo crosses the border without waybills, and people try to pass ‘by chance,’ using corrupt schemes. This also occurs. It is necessary to identify and eliminate such cases to prevent the Kazakh side from having grounds for inspecting our vehicles and cargo. We need to address the root problems, but unfortunately, no one is doing this,” the chairman of the association concluded.
Background
Earlier, the Eurasian Economic Commission explained the situation with delays of freight vehicles at certain checkpoints on the border between Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.
According to the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the increase in the time taken for border procedures is related to the conduct of planned control activities.
“These activities are targeted and temporary, aimed at restoring order at the border and curbing the illegal turnover of goods that threatens national security,” the official statement said.
Kazakhstan expresses hope for understanding and further cooperation to curb illegal activities that cause significant damage to the economies of both countries and their international reputation,” the message added.
The EEC also noted that such measures fall under the national competence of the member states of the Eurasian Economic Union and do not affect integration in the region.
At the same time, agreements within the EAEU provide for the abolition of customs, transport, sanitary, veterinary, and phytosanitary controls in mutual trade between member states, except in cases provided for by EAEU legislation.
