Eighth CAREC Customs Cooperation Committee Meeting

The meeting gathered heads and deputy heads of customs administrations of the eight CAREC countries to review progress in work plan implementation and chart approaches to deepening cooperation. It included a detailed review of progress made since 2008 with a focus on efforts under the CAREC Transport and Trade Facilitation Strategy.

The Customs Cooperation Committee work plan covers six areas:

• joint customs control,
• regional transit development,
• simplification and harmonization of customs procedures,
• information communication technology and single window development,
• risk management and post-entry audit, and
• capacity building.

Country presentations provided updates on recent developments in priority areas. Presentations are accessible through the interactive agenda.

The meeting statement summarized discussions and outlined key work areas for 2010. The meeting was hosted by the Customs Service of the Government of Tajikistan.