Uzbekistan, US customs authorities sign agreement on mutual assistance – News from Uzbekistan – Gazeta.uz

Chairman of the Customs Committee of Uzbekistan Akmalkhoya Mavlonov and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner Troy Miller held talks in Washington on September 13. The talks resulted in the signing of a Mutual Customs Assistance Agreement (CMAA), CBP said in its press release.

“This marks a significant milestone in U.S. relations with Uzbekistan, and expands our already close partnership on border security and trade efforts,” said Troy Miller. “U.S. Customs and Border Protection values ​​our partnership with Uzbekistan as we pursue our shared goal of stronger law enforcement and more effective trade facilitation,” he added.

Akmalkhoja Mavlonov stated: “Our cooperation with CBP is of strategic importance for strengthening border security and improving customs control processes. I am very pleased with today’s meeting, as it provides us with a unique opportunity to discuss important issues such as optimizing customs control procedures, using modern technologies and developing international cooperation.”

Once the CMAA is in effect, the U.S. and Uzbekistan will be able to share information and strengthen cooperation. This partnership is aimed at securing the countries’ borders against terrorism, combating drug traffickers, and disrupting transnational criminal organizations.

According to the Customs Committee, trade between Uzbekistan and the US has grown by 48% over the past six years, with a 64% increase in the first eight months of this year.

CMAAs are bilateral agreements between the U.S. and its partners, enforced by customs administrations. They provide a legal framework for sharing information and evidence to enforce customs laws, combat tax evasion, human trafficking, proliferation, money laundering, and terrorism.

The US had previously signed such an agreement with only 17 countries. Uzbekistan became the 18th country.

The delegation led by Akmalkhoja Mavlonov also visited the CBP National Targeting Center, the Field Operations Canine Academy, San Antonio International Airport and the CBP Port of Entry Laredo, Texas.