From 16 to 18 September 2026, a three-day training on introducing advanced approaches to customs risk management was held at the Training Centre of the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan in Ashgabat. The event was organised by the International Trade Centre (ITC) under the European Union-funded project “Ready4Trade Central Asia: Fostering Prosperity Through the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor”.
More than 30 specialists from the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan took part in the training. Over three days, they explored modern methods of risk analysis and assessment at different stages of customs control, from advance processing of information and pre-arrival data analysis to post-clearance audit carried out after the release of goods. Particular attention was paid to assessing data quality, inter-agency cooperation, information exchange between customs authorities in different countries, and the introduction of advanced digital systems for risk management.
During the training, participants explored the potential use of artificial intelligence, machine learning and big data analysis to identify potential risks more accurately. The practical component was based on simulated scenarios reflecting real customs work. Participants analysed declarations and transport documents, compared information on consignments, routes, senders and recipients, identified risk criteria and decided whether additional controls were required. This format helped participants reinforce their knowledge through concrete examples.
Improving risk-based customs control is one of the areas of work aimed at facilitating cross-border trade along the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor. The development of modern tools for data analysis and information exchange contributes to more efficient movement of goods and stronger cooperation among countries in the region.
About the project
“Ready4Trade Central Asia: Fostering Prosperity Through the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor” is a four-year project funded by the European Union and implemented by the International Trade Centre in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. The project aims to improve the operational efficiency of the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor, simplify cross-border formalities, strengthen regional coordination and enhance the competitiveness of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises in the region. ///nCa, 18 September 2026