Photo: 9111s.ru
Uzbekistan will introduce artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in its customs operations, particularly for inspecting businesses involved in import and export activities and screening goods crossing the border. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev was presented with the new methods on February 24, according to his press service.
AI will be integrated into the risk analysis system, a project developed with the support of World Bank experts. The system will automatically assess the reliability of companies based on 122 criteria, including financial stability, tax liabilities, trade history, and more.
Advanced technologies will also be used to inspect products entering the country. AI will analyze X-ray scans of goods and relay its findings to customs officers.
These innovations are designed to speed up information processing and increase customs checkpoint capacity, as both trade volumes and tourist numbers continue to grow each year. Authorities noted that enhanced customs zone processing has already pushed the share of reprocessed goods in Uzbekistan’s exports past $1 billion. With the simplification of customs procedures this year, officials aim to raise that figure to $1.5 billion.
Passenger and vehicle traffic across borders is also expected to double, requiring additional infrastructure and new technologies. Plans include implementing a system for pre-arrival passenger information for bus routes, similar to those used in air travel. Experimental «red» and «green» corridors for cars and buses will be launched at major checkpoints in pilot mode.
Mirziyoyev endorsed these initiatives and ordered that the country’s customs legislation be fully aligned with World Trade Organization requirements as part of Uzbekistan’s accession process.
During the presentation, officials reported on the progress made so far. Data-sharing agreements have been established with nearly 10 countries, customs clearance and information processing centers have been created, and terminals have been built at four major checkpoints. Simplified procedures have also reduced the export process from nine steps to just three for entrepreneurs.
As a result, the number of vehicles crossing the border surged eightfold over the past year, nearing 5 million. Budget revenues from customs operations have increased ninefold, surpassing 63 trillion Uzbekistani soms.
Customs clearance times have been cut to three hours for imports and 20 minutes for exports. These reforms have helped Uzbekistan climb from 140th to 74th place in the customs category of the international logistics ranking.
