Uzbekistan Revolutionizes Customs Monitoring through AI and Digital Innovations
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan recently reviewed a presentation on utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) and digital innovations to enhance customs monitoring. The plans discussed include upgrading the risk analysis system with the support of the World Bank and incorporating AI to evaluate the reliability of entrepreneurs and analyze X-ray scans for automated risk detection.
Significant progress has already been made in the customs sector to strengthen regional and international economic ties. Close to ten countries have established preliminary information exchange with Uzbekistan, and customs clearance and data processing centers have been set up. Terminals have been constructed at four major customs posts, while over 20 posts have been equipped with advanced technology. Additionally, 35 information systems have been implemented for entrepreneurs, streamlining the export procedure from nine stages to just three.
These efforts have led to a substantial increase in the number of vehicles crossing the border, reaching almost 5 million. Budget revenues have surged ninefold, surpassing 63 trillion UZS last year. The time required for cargo clearance has been significantly reduced to three hours for imports and 20 minutes for exports.
Despite these achievements, challenges persist in further digitization, process acceleration, and convenience enhancement. Measures to address these challenges were discussed during the presentation.
The expansion of opportunities for processing goods within the customs zone has resulted in processed goods exceeding $1 billion in exports. Further simplification of this regime is expected to boost this figure to $1.5 billion this year.
With growing trade and tourism connections with neighboring countries, a doubling of passenger traffic and vehicle movement across the border is foreseen. This calls for the development of additional infrastructure and increased capacity at customs posts.
Efforts to facilitate international transportation include plans for a pre-receipt system of passenger information for bus routes, akin to air travel, to expedite border crossings and reduce bus clearance time. Furthermore, a proposed pilot project suggests introducing a “red” and “green” corridor system for passenger cars and buses at major customs posts.
The application of artificial intelligence in customs monitoring was emphasized, with enhancements to the risk analysis system being supported by World Bank experts. This system will evaluate entrepreneurs’ reliability based on various criteria and use AI to analyze X-ray images for risk detection.
President Mirziyoyev endorsed these proposals, emphasizing the importance of providing enhanced convenience in the customs sector to ensure efficient services for entrepreneurs and tourists. Additionally, aligning customs legislation with World Trade Organization requirements as part of the accession process was highlighted.
The significance of boosting the Customs Institute’s potential, training specialists in AI, digital technologies, and risk analysis, expanding dual education, and improving practical training in the customs sector were also underscored.
