Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are set to strengthen customs cooperation after Kazakhstan’s Qurultay ratified an agreement allowing the two countries to open representative offices of their customs services.

The agreement, signed in Tashkent on November 15, 2025, establishes the legal and organizational framework for cooperation between the two countries’ customs authorities, Qazinform reports.

Kazakhstan’s Finance Minister Madi Takiyev presented the draft law, highlighting the agreement’s role in improving information exchange and coordinating customs-related measures.

“The agreement provides for the prompt exchange of information, coordination of customs-related measures and closer cooperation between the competent authorities of both countries,” Takiyev said.

Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan currently have 11 border crossing points: eight road crossings and three railway crossings.

In 2025, reconstruction work was completed at the Kaplanbek, Kazygurt and Atameken checkpoints. The Zhibek Zholy checkpoint is expected to be commissioned in the near future.

Takiyev said that the modernization of border infrastructure has significantly increased the capacity of checkpoints to handle freight and passenger vehicles, as well as travelers.

The ratified agreement is expected to improve customs administration, strengthen economic security and support trade between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.

It will also establish an additional institutional mechanism for cooperation between the countries’ customs services, helping authorities coordinate their work and exchange information more efficiently.