In October 2018, the WCO provided strategic support to the Republic of Kazakhstan State Revenue Committee (SRC). Work during the week focussed on the World Trade Organization (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) implementation. Meetings with key staff responsible for implementation and a site visit to the main SRC facility in Astana, led to a number of recommendations to complete implementation of the TFA. In addition, work also commenced on a roadmap that prioritises and guides management of the activities needed to maximise several trade facilitation measures.

More than 20 SRC officials and several stakeholders contributed to the assessment. The assessment actually began one-month prior to the in-country meetings. Prior to arriving, the SRC provided useful information including relevant legislation, statistics and work plans. The general analysis found examples where the SRC has progressed many of the measures contained in the TFA.

The meetings and drafting was successful in delivering a methodology, processes and a draft roadmap that provides a reference for SRC initiatives and activities over the next 2-3 years.