The Training Centre under the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan has made a confident step towards obtaining the status of a Regional Training Centre of the World Customs Organization (WCO). At the Conference of Heads of Customs Services of the European Region at the WCO Headquarters in Brussels, Turkmenistan's proposal received unanimous support.

A delegation from the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan took part in the conference. In presenting the application, the Turkmen side made a detailed presentation. The conference participants were informed about the modernized infrastructure of the Centre, its technical capabilities, educational programs and digital platforms that fully comply with international standards.

It was noted that the strategic plan for the development of the Training Centre was prepared in cooperation with the WCO and has already received official approval from the European Regional Office for Capacity Building (ROCB). The Centre has successful experience in conducting regional trainings, which confirms its readiness to fully perform the functions of the WCO Regional Training Centre.

During the speech, the Turkmen delegation emphasized that recognition of their training Centre at this level will contribute to strengthening regional cooperation and significantly improve the quality of training in the field of customs not only in Turkmenistan, but also in other countries in the region.

The participants were also shown a video presentation clearly demonstrating Turkmenistan's efforts to modernize the entire customs system, including modern classrooms, digital platforms and experience sharing events.

Following the presentation by the Turkmen delegation, the representatives of the participating countries unanimously supported Turkmenistan's proposal. This was an important sign of the high level of trust and recognition of the country's efforts in the field of customs education.

Speaking at the conference, the Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Belgium Sapar Palvanov expressed gratitude to all participants for their active attention and unanimous support for the initiative. He emphasized the strategic geographical position of Turkmenistan as a reliable bridge between Asia and Europe and noted the high responsibility that the recognition of the training center at the regional level imposes. The Ambassador expressed confidence that the specialists trained at the Center will make a significant practical contribution to the development of international trade and logistics, especially between the two continents.

The Conference of Heads of Customs Services of the WCO European Region was an important step towards the official recognition of the Training Center under the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan as the WCO Regional Training Center. The next step will be the signing of the relevant Memorandum of Understanding between the WCO and the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan, which is expected at the annual session of the WCO Council in June this year.

ORIENT