08.07.2026
As part of the 9th meeting of the Turkmenistan–Azerbaijan Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation, Natig Shirinov, Deputy Chairman of the State Customs Committee of Azerbaijan and a member of the Azerbaijani delegation visiting Turkmenistan, held a bilateral meeting with the Deputy Chairman of the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan.
The meeting, held at the administrative headquarters of the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan, focused on integration processes between the two countries and ongoing customs digitalization initiatives.
Cooperation Reaches a New Level
During the meeting, both sides emphasized that bilateral relations have gained new momentum following the official visit of Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov to Azerbaijan. As tangible outcomes of this strengthened partnership, they highlighted the signing of official agreements on the exchange of advance customs information and customs statistics.
"Smart Customs" and the e-TIR Project to Accelerate Logistics
The digitalization and synchronization of customs procedures constituted the main agenda of the meeting.
Within the framework of implementing the "Smart Customs" concept, the parties discussed several key initiatives, including:
- introducing automated risk analysis mechanisms to improve the efficiency and security of customs controls;
- further developing the Single Window system to reduce bureaucratic procedures;
- preparing a joint digital roadmap to ensure full integration of customs systems.
Special attention was given to integration into the international e-TIR project, which is expected to significantly accelerate cargo customs clearance between the strategic logistics hubs of Turkmenbashi and Baku ports on opposite shores of the Caspian Sea. At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation and maximizing the transit potential of the Trans-Caspian transport corridor.
