Regional partners agree to finalise protocol on “Silk Road” joint customs point

Azerbaijan and Georgia have agreed to continue cooperation on the establishment of the joint “Silk Road” customs checkpoint, aimed at strengthening regional trade links and streamlining border procedures.

According to local media, the agreement was reached during the sixth trilateral meeting of the heads of customs authorities of Azerbaijan, Türkiye, and Georgia, held in Istanbul.

Participants welcomed the completion of all necessary procedures for signing the Protocol on the “Silk Road” Joint Customs Checkpoint and confirmed their commitment to maintain active collaboration to ensure the signing of the document in the near future.

In a statement, the Revenue Service of the Georgian Ministry of Finance emphasised that the meeting underscored the importance of deepening cooperation among the three neighbouring countries. Discussions focused on simplifying customs procedures and enhancing the region’s competitiveness as a strategic trade corridor connecting Europe and Asia.

The delegations also examined ways to increase the efficiency of the Baku–Tbilisi–Kars railway line and promote the digitalisation of border checkpoints to accelerate customs processing. Officials noted that these measures will help shorten cargo clearance times and reduce transportation costs across the corridor.

Azerbaijan was represented by Chairman of the State Customs Committee Shahin Bagirov, Türkiye by Deputy Minister of Trade Sezai Üçarmak, and Georgia by Head of the Revenue Service Irakli Beria.

The trilateral framework aims to further integrate customs infrastructure and strengthen trade connectivity among the three partner countries, reaffirming their role in shaping a modern Silk Road route.

By Tamilla Hasanova