News
Turkmenistan Advances Regional Leadership in Digital Customs with ASYCUDA Phase 3 Rollout
Awaza, August 2025 – Turkmenistan and the United Nations Trade and Development (UNCTAD) have launched the third phase of their collaboration under the ASYCUDA Programme, marking a major step in the country’s ongoing efforts to strengthen digital trade and regional connectivity.
The agreement was signed during a high-level ceremony in Awaza by UNCTAD Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan and Mr. Maksat Khudaykulyyev, Chairman of the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan. The event reaffirmed the strong partnership between UNCTAD and Turkmenistan in modernising the country’s customs operations in line with global trade facilitation standards.
Phase 3 of the ASYCUDA Programme will be implemented over the next three years and will focus on expanding the use of AI-powered risk management, developing smart border solutions, and enabling cross-border data exchange. These efforts are expected to significantly enhance the speed, accuracy, and efficiency of customs processes while reducing trade costs and improving compliance.
The launch follows major achievements from the previous phases of ASYCUDA implementation in Turkmenistan. As of 2025, 100 per cent of all import and export declarations in the country are processed electronically, positioning Turkmenistan among the most advanced customs administrations in the Central Asian region. The digitalisation of customs procedures has improved transparency, reduced clearance times, and increased predictability for traders and authorities alike.
Speaking at the ceremony, national officials expressed strong appreciation for UNCTAD’s continued support and highlighted the country’s ambition to become a regional transit and logistics hub, leveraging its strategic geographic position and modern trade infrastructure.
The new phase also supports Turkmenistan’s broader development agenda, including the implementation of SDGs. By strengthening institutional capacity, enhancing regional integration, and promoting environmentally sustainable practices through paperless trade, the programme aims to deliver long-term benefits for the national economy and society.
UNCTAD’s ASYCUDA Programme is one of the organisation’s longest-running and most widely implemented technical assistance initiatives, currently supporting over 100 countries worldwide. The launch of Phase 3 in Turkmenistan further reinforces ASYCUDA’s role in driving inclusive, technology-enabled trade reform and in supporting developing countries to adapt to the evolving demands of the global economy.
The signing in Awaza marks not only the continuation of a successful partnership but also a shared vision for future-ready customs systems built on innovation, cooperation, and sustainable growth.
Awaza, August 2025 – Turkmenistan and the United Nations Trade and Development (UNCTAD) have launched the third phase of their collaboration under the ASYCUDA Programme, marking a major step in the country’s ongoing efforts to strengthen digital trade and regional connectivity.
The agreement was signed during a high-level ceremony in Awaza by UNCTAD Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan and Mr. Maksat Khudaykulyyev, Chairman of the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan. The event reaffirmed the strong partnership between UNCTAD and Turkmenistan in modernising the country’s customs operations in line with global trade facilitation standards.
Phase 3 of the ASYCUDA Programme will be implemented over the next three years and will focus on expanding the use of AI-powered risk management, developing smart border solutions, and enabling cross-border data exchange. These efforts are expected to significantly enhance the speed, accuracy, and efficiency of customs processes while reducing trade costs and improving compliance.
The launch follows major achievements from the previous phases of ASYCUDA implementation in Turkmenistan. As of 2025, 100 per cent of all import and export declarations in the country are processed electronically, positioning Turkmenistan among the most advanced customs administrations in the Central Asian region. The digitalisation of customs procedures has improved transparency, reduced clearance times, and increased predictability for traders and authorities alike.
Speaking at the ceremony, national officials expressed strong appreciation for UNCTAD’s continued support and highlighted the country’s ambition to become a regional transit and logistics hub, leveraging its strategic geographic position and modern trade infrastructure.
The new phase also supports Turkmenistan’s broader development agenda, including the implementation of SDGs. By strengthening institutional capacity, enhancing regional integration, and promoting environmentally sustainable practices through paperless trade, the programme aims to deliver long-term benefits for the national economy and society.
UNCTAD’s ASYCUDA Programme is one of the organisation’s longest-running and most widely implemented technical assistance initiatives, currently supporting over 100 countries worldwide. The launch of Phase 3 in Turkmenistan further reinforces ASYCUDA’s role in driving inclusive, technology-enabled trade reform and in supporting developing countries to adapt to the evolving demands of the global economy.
The signing in Awaza marks not only the continuation of a successful partnership but also a shared vision for future-ready customs systems built on innovation, cooperation, and sustainable growth.