Ashgabat Hosts WCO International Seminar on Customs Control Digitalization
An international seminar focused on the implementation of artificial intelligence, data integration, and the modernization of risk management systems was held at the World Customs Organization (WCO) Regional Training Centre in Ashgabat. The forum brought together—in a hybrid format—leadership and specialists from the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan, representatives from European WCO training centers, and experts from Azerbaijan and the WCO Secretariat.
The central topic of discussion was the global "Smart Customs" initiative. WCO Secretariat experts Dimitris Politopoulos and Dr. Tong Hua presented international standards for the automation of border procedures, while the seminar’s keynote speaker—Yusif Usubov of the State Customs Committee of Azerbaijan—shared practical experience regarding the use of machine learning algorithms and neural networks for automated risk profiling and declaration analysis.
Turkmen customs officials presented their national experience in digitizing services and implementing AI solutions within inspection and analytical processes. Participants also visited the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan’s Monitoring and Analysis Center, where they observed the operation of digital systems for real-time cargo flow monitoring.
Following the meeting, the parties outlined steps to strengthen human resource capacity and implement joint technological projects within the framework of the WCO European region.
