ISLAMABAD, August 4. /Dunyo IA/. Pakistan's leading newspaper “Dawn” has published an article on the expanding customs cooperation between Pakistan and Uzbekistan, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

Article notes that a Pakistani delegation, led by Syed Shakeel Shah, Member (Customs Operations) of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), visited Tashkent to participate in a conference organized under the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and World Customs Organization (WCO) Passenger and Cargo Control Programme (PCCP).

“During the visit, Pakistani delegation held talks with the First Deputy Chairman of the Customs Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan to review the existing mechanisms of bilateral cooperation, article states. - The two sides discussed the digitalisation of customs procedures, the tracking of transit cargo and the further development of data-driven control systems”.

According to the publication, representatives of the customs authorities of Pakistan and Uzbekistan agreed to explore opportunities for introducing artificial intelligence (AI) - and machine learning-based risk management systems, establishing National Targeting Centres, and enabling the real-time exchange of customs data to strengthen regional trade security.

The talks also underscored the importance of the mutual recognition of Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programmes, the recognition of regulatory instruments, the broader application of AI-powered risk management and data analytics in customs clearance and control activities, as well as strengthening bilateral partnership to effectively combat illicit cross-border activities.

The article also notes that Uzbekistan became the first country where electronic exchange of advance customs information on imports and exports was launched through Pakistan’s platform, “Pakistan Single Window” (PSW).

According to “Dawn”, meeting supported the proposal to establish a technical working group to develop draft protocols between the customs authorities of Uzbekistan and Pakistan in priority areas.