Facilitating cross-border trade in Central Asia
Digitalization and simplification of cross-border trade
Description
Trade Facilitation in Central Asia (TFCA) is a regional project implemented by GIZ to support the simplification, harmonization and digitalization of cross-border trade procedures in Central Asia. The initiative focuses on improving regulatory frameworks, strengthening institutional capacities and promoting the use of digital tools for trade facilitation, including paperless trade and cross-border data exchange.
Technology
GIZ supports the digitalization of trade facilitation processes in Central Asia through paperless trade, electronic pre-declaration under the TIR system, automated transit information systems, data exchange portals at border checkpoints, and mobile applications supporting exporters in managing border queues.
Target
The project targets national and regional public institutions responsible for trade facilitation, customs and border management, as well as private-sector stakeholders involved in cross-border trade in Central Asia.
Business model
The project is implemented with donor support through GIZ as a development cooperation initiative. Activities, technical assistance and digital solutions are provided without a commercial pricing model during the project implementation period.
Impact
GIZ reports a two-fold decrease in border-crossing time from the E-Transit system in Uzbekistan; approximately 30% reduction of export queues via E-Navbat; five Central Asian countries interconnected through digital TIR corridors; data exchange raised Kyrgyz border revenues by 30 percent over a two-month test; four countries ranked among top 8 reformers in OECD Trade Facilitation Indicators; >2 100 public and private representatives trained as of February 2024.
Partners
Ministry of Trade and Integration of Kazakhstan; Ministry of Economy and Commerce of Kyrgyzstan; Ministry of Economic Development and Trade of Tajikistan; Ministry of Trade and Foreign Economic Relations of Turkmenistan; Ministry of Investments, Industry and Trade of Uzbekistan
Four Betters
Better life
