Among the attendees were the Secretary General of the CSTO Kubanychbek Omuraliev, heads of customs authorities from the member states, as well as representatives from the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe and the International Road Transport Union.
In his opening speech, the Secretary General emphasized that the opportunity to hold a meeting within the framework of the Global Forum of the UNECE and the session of the Administrative Committee of the TIR provided a chance to present a coordinated CSTO position on the international stage.
During the meeting, key issues were discussed, such as the implementation of the Action Plan for the eTIR procedure, as well as progress in fulfilling the Agreement on the establishment of a simplified customs corridor signed in Samarkand in 2022. Additionally, participants prepared for the launch of the eCMR (electronic consignment note) system within the CSTO.
Particular attention was paid to the work of the specialized group responsible for implementing the pilot project for eCMR. Kubanychbek Omuraliev noted that the technical and software solutions being developed will serve as the foundation for implementing the system at the regional level. He also emphasized the importance of active participation by customs administrations in the practical use of digital tools.
Furthermore, the possibility of providing priority passage at border crossing points for carriers using such digital solutions as ePermit, eTIR, and eCMR was discussed.
As a result of the meeting, the commitment of the CSTO member states to deepen customs cooperation, develop digital transit mechanisms, and strengthen interconnectedness in the region was reaffirmed. The decisions made are expected to enhance the security, efficiency, and predictability of trade flows, as well as strengthen the role of the CSTO in the international customs and transport system.
