Uzbekistan expands customs ties with China and launches eTIR transit system

Uzbekistan's State Customs Committee met with China's Optima Integration Group to discuss simplifying export procedures to China. The talks covered registration with the General Administration of Customs of China, sanitary and phytosanitary requirements, technical regulations and logistics improvements aimed at boosting market access for Uzbek products.

In a separate regional initiative, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan activated the electronic TIR (eTIR) system for cross‑border transit. The first eastbound shipment of televisions and audio equipment moved from Azerbaijan through Turkmenbashi port to Uzbekistan, while a westbound load of cotton, juices and bottled water traveled the reverse route. The eTIR platform, developed with the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe and transport partners, enables real‑time data exchange, cuts paperwork, reduces costs and is expected to increase cargo traffic along the Middle Corridor.