GIZ Trade Facilitation in Central Asia Regional Program

Launched in 2017, the GIZ “Trade Facilitation in Central Asia” Regional Program operates in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. The programme implements risk management systems in customs authorities, simplifies transport and transit in Central Asian countries, and assists the private sector to actively participate in trade policy development and by developing targeted services to ease access to foreign markets. Risk management systems reduce the number of physical inspections of goods and companies with low risk and accelerate the process of passing goods in customs. Introduction of simplified procedures and new guarantee mechanisms in the transport and transit sector reduce time at the border crossings and preparation for clearance of transit goods. All these measures improve the economic situation of these Central Asian countries and enhance the business climate for trade in the region. This incentivizes trade, contributes to increased trade volumes and – in the long run – creates jobs. The programme is implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, commissioned by the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).