Brussels, 26 June 2025 — On the margins of the 145th/146th Sessions of the Council of the World Customs Organization (WCO), a bilateral meeting took place between Mr. Zhandos Duisembiyev, Chairman of the State Revenue Committee of the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and Mr. Ian Saunders, Secretary General of the WCO.

      The parties discussed key WCO reform priorities, including digitalization, the resilience of global supply chains, improved governance mechanisms, and strengthening the role of Members. Kazakhstan expressed its support for the WCO’s strategic focus on practical implementation and inclusiveness.

      Special attention was given to the development of the Middle Corridor as an alternative trade route between Asia and Europe. The Chairman underlined that Kazakhstan is actively modernizing border crossing points, implementing digital solutions, and expanding cooperation with neighboring countries to ensure the sustainable operation of this route.

     The meeting also addressed the use of artificial intelligence technologies in customs administration. Kazakhstan expressed interest in exchanging best practices and receiving technical support from the WCO in areas such as big data analytics, automated risk detection, and training programs.

      The Kazakh side emphasized the importance of continued cooperation with the WCO in areas such as the development of Authorized Economic Operators, simplification of procedures, capacity building in digital technologies, and the implementation of effective risk management systems.

       At the conclusion of the meeting, the Chairman invited the Secretary General to visit Kazakhstan at a convenient time to familiarize himself with the modernization of border crossing points and the country’s progress in customs digitalization.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kgd/press/news/details/1025650?lang=kk