Kazakhstan and China are launching an innovative pilot project "Smart Customs" on the Kazakh-Chinese border. As part of the initiative, it is planned to launch unmanned cargo transportation through the border checkpoints "Bakhty" (RK) — "Pokitu" (PRC).

The draft was agreed upon during a working meeting between Chairman of the State Revenue Committee of the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan Zhandos Duisembiev and Secretary of the Tacheng City Party Committee Mr. Zhi Xianwei.

Key features of the project: The use of unmanned vehicles (AGVs) to automatically cross borders without driver involvement; launch of a single electronic declaration recognized by both countries; round-the-clock movement of goods with minimal manual intervention; full digital support and clearance of cargo transportation; implementation of automated navigation and control.

Expected effect: increase in cargo traffic to 10 million tons per year; significant reduction of time for customs clearance; reduced transportation costs; increasing the transparency and security of logistics operations; unloading of automotive infrastructure and development of logistics hubs; stimulating the export of agricultural products, including grain, oilseeds, meat and processed goods.

Economic importance: The initiative will serve as a driver for modernizing the border infrastructure, creating new jobs and attracting investment. The implementation of the project will strengthen trade and economic cooperation with China and strengthen Kazakhstan's position as a key transit hub in Central Asia.

During the visit, a bilateral memorandum of cooperation was signed aimed at joint project implementation, coordination of actions and exchange of experience in the field of digitalization of customs and logistics procedures.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kgd-pavlodar/press/news/details/1039539?lang=kk