A meeting took place in Brussels between the Ambassador of Turkmenistan, Sapar Palvanov, and the Director General of the Belgian General Administration of Customs and Excise, Christian Vanderwaeren. The parties held a constructive dialogue, discussing prospects for bilateral cooperation in the customs sphere, Turkmenportal.tm reported, citing the press service of the Turkmen diplomatic mission.
The key focus of the negotiations was Turkmenistan’s initiative to have its National Training Center of the State Customs Service recognized as a Regional Training Center of the World Customs Organization. The Belgian side supported the idea and expressed readiness to promote it at the international level.
Special attention during the meeting was given to experience exchange, the digitalization of customs procedures, and the professional training of specialists. The Turkmen side showed interest in modern practices used at the Port of Antwerp - one of Europe’s largest logistics hubs. The ambassador noted that advanced management models, electronic declaration systems, and monitoring methods could be beneficial for the development of the Turkmenbashi International Seaport.
Following the talks, representatives from both countries agreed to foster direct contacts between relevant agencies and support joint initiatives in customs administration, which will contribute to strengthening trade and economic relations between Turkmenistan and Belgium.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
April 25, 2025