At the request of the State Customs Service (SCS), the WCO conducted a diagnostic support mission on the implementation of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) from 8 to 18 July 2019, in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic.

The mission was conducted under the framework of WCO Mercator Program and included discussions with different departments of SCS as well as with other key stakeholders, including attendance at a National Trade Facilitation Council (NTFC) Working Group focused on Cooperation, Coordination and Interaction between a control authorities. 

Through effective engagement with SCS officials, the WCO team were able to make a comprehensive assessment of the situation in the Kyrgyz Republic with regards to implementing the TFA, highlighting some areas where further capacity building and technical assistance support may be required.

In collaboration with SCS, the WCO also developed a multi-year Mercator Implementation Plan that will form the basis of future WCO input and will facilitate enhanced engagement with other government and private sector stakeholders involved in trade facilitation reforms.