Kazakhstan Plans to Enhance Checkpoint Capacity and Decrease Wait Times
ASTANA—Checkpoints in Kazakhstan are set to undergo a major transformation, with capacity being increased eightfold to reduce wait times and minimize corruption risks. This announcement was made by Eldos Saudabayev, the acting Deputy Chairman of the State Revenue Committee (SRC) of the Kazakh Ministry of Finance, during a press conference held by the Central Communications Service (CCS) on June 25.
The plan is to complete the reconstruction of all checkpoints by the end of the year, significantly improving the efficiency of border crossings. Saudabayev highlighted that the Baurzhan Konysbayev checkpoint alone handles over 1,000 vehicles daily, emphasizing the importance of streamlining the process.
In addition to the checkpoint upgrades, measures have been implemented to enhance customs administration, resulting in the collection of 1.3 trillion tenge (US$2.8 billion) in customs payments and taxes in the first five months of the year. The introduction of an electronic queue system at automobile checkpoints has also revolutionized the border crossing experience, with more than 480,000 vehicles passing through checkpoints on the border with third countries in the past five months.
Notably, the electronic queue system has automated the issuance of foreign permit forms at the border with neighboring countries such as China and Uzbekistan. This digital integration has not only expedited the process but has also helped eliminate corruption risks associated with manual form issuance.
Looking ahead, Saudabayev mentioned ongoing collaborations with China to implement a similar electronic form-issuing system, with the primary goal of enhancing efficiency and transparency in border operations. By digitizing the form issuance process and linking each form to a specific vehicle, Kazakhstan aims to create a more secure and streamlined border crossing experience for all travelers.
