Launch of electronic queue management system at Dostuk border, between Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan

Osh - Exporters and transport operators crossing the Dostuk border - the main border crossing between the Kyrgyz Republic and Uzbekistan - are set to have a smoother experience and shorter waiting times, with the launch of the Electronic Queue Management System (e-QMS).

The digital platform, developed by the International Trade Centre (ITC) in partnership with the State Customs Service and the Ministry of Economy and Commerce of the Kyrgyz Republic, was launched at a high-level event at the crossing point this month.

The e-QMS manages the flow of vehicles at border crossing points. By allowing transport operators to pre-book time slots online or via mobile application, it reduces waiting times, minimizes congestion and creates more predictable crossing schedules. The system benefits both businesses and customs authorities by increasing transparency, efficiency and safety at borders.

'For Kyrgyzstan, the implementation of e-QMS is a cornerstone in creating a business-friendly environment for exporters. The new system simplifies procedures, reduces costs for exporters and carriers, and makes trade more transparent and efficient. For us, it is part of a broader strategy of digital transformation to enhance the competitiveness of Kyrgyzstan's economy,'

said Iskender Asylkulov, Deputy Minister of Economy and Commerce of the Kyrgyz Republic.

The system was first piloted at the Kyzyl-Kiya border crossing in November 2024, where it processed over 12,000 vehicles in its first six months, cutting waiting times and earning positive feedback from carriers. Building on this success, the system has now been scaled up to Dostuk, one of the busiest and most strategic crossings with Uzbekistan. In 2024 alone, more than 87,000 vehicles crossed Dostuk, including over 21,000 import consignments, nearly 8,000 export shipments, and more than 58,000 transit movements.

Representatives of the customs service also welcomed the initiative. Medet Tursaliev, Adviser to the Chairman of the State Customs Service of the Kyrgyz Republic, underlined that the system marks a shift towards a modern, service-oriented approach. "We are moving away from the traditional control model towards a service format that puts the convenience of businesses and carriers first. The electronic queue management system will help reduce waiting times and make border crossings more predictable, which is crucial for Kyrgyzstan's entire economy," he said.

'The integration of e-QMS at the Dostuk border crossing is the result of successful cooperation between the Kyrgyz Republic, the European Union and the International Trade Centre. This project demonstrates how digital innovations can accelerate trade flows and expand export opportunities for Central Asian countries,' said Cosimo Lamberti Fossati, Programme Manager, Delegation of the European Union to the Kyrgyz Republic, in his opening remarks.

The initiative is part of the four-year projectReady4Trade Central Asia: Fostering Prosperity through the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor (2024-2028), funded by the European Union, which works to enhance the operational efficiency of the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor, simplify cross-border procedures, and improve competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises.

'The introduction of the electronic queue management system makes borders faster, more transparent and more user-friendly. It is an important milestone in modernizing Kyrgyzstan's trade infrastructure and a key step towards strengthening the country's competitiveness as a trading partner,' said Mondher Mimouni, Director, ITC Market Development Division.

With growing trade flows along the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor, the need for smarter border management solutions is increasing. The e-QMS directly addresses one of the most cited challenges in the region - long and unpredictable queues - by turning border crossings into more service-oriented, technology-driven gateways.

About Ready4Trade Central Asia: Fostering Prosperity Through the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor

This four-year (2024-2028)technical assistance project funded by the European Union (EU) aims to advance the EU-Central Asia connectivity agenda through increasing the operational efficiency of the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor and internationalization of Central Asian business. This will be achieved through simplifying cross-border formalities to attract trade and sustainable investment; improving regional coordination to foster trade and transport connectivity; and enhancing the competitiveness of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises to facilitate their access to regional and EU markets, including through leveraging the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor.

About the International Trade Centre

The International Trade Centre is the joint agency of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the United Nations. ITC assists small and medium-sized enterprises in developing and transition economies to become more competitive in global markets, thereby contributing to sustainable economic development within the frameworks of the Aid-for-Trade agenda and the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. As part of its mandate, ITC provides technical assistance to beneficiary countries to help them improve business conditions and enhance border management operations, including measures to implement the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). For more information, visit www.intracen.org

About the European Union

The European Union is an economic and political union of 27 European countries. It is founded on the values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities. It acts globally to promote sustainable development of societies, environment and economies, so that everyone can benefit.