Kyrgyzstan Launches Digital Queue System to Speed Up Border Trade

A new Electronic Queue Management System (e-QMS) has officially launched at the Dostuk checkpoint, Kyrgyzstan’s main border crossing with Uzbekistan, aiming to significantly reduce wait times and improve efficiency for exporters and freight carriers.

Developed by the International Trade Centre (ITC) in partnership with the Kyrgyz State Customs Service and the Ministry of Economy and Commerce, the e-QMS platform allows transporters to book crossing slots online or via a mobile app, The Caspian Post reports via Uzbek media.

The system digitally regulates the flow of vehicles at the border, easing congestion and making scheduling more predictable.

“The launch of e-QMS marks a major step forward in creating a more business-friendly environment for exporters,” said Iskender Asylkulov, Deputy Minister of Economy and Commerce. “It simplifies procedures, cuts costs, and supports Kyrgyzstan’s broader digital transformation agenda.”

The platform was first piloted at the Kyzyl-Kiya checkpoint in late 2024, where it successfully processed over 12,000 vehicles in six months. Following positive feedback, it has now been scaled up to Dostuk, one of the busiest and most strategic trade gateways in the region.

In 2024, Dostuk recorded traffic of more than 87,000 vehicles, including over 21,000 import shipments, nearly 8,000 export consignments, and 58,000 transit movements.

Customs officials say the reform represents a shift toward a modern, service-oriented approach.

“We are moving away from outdated control models and focusing on business needs,” said Medet Turzaliev, Adviser to the Chairman of the State Customs Service. “The system makes border crossings more predictable, which is vital for the economy.”

The initiative is part of the Ready4Trade Central Asia program (2024-2028), funded by the European Union and aimed at improving trade flows along the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor. The program supports the simplification of border procedures and the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises across Central Asia.

“This project shows how digital innovation can unlock trade potential,” said Cosimo Lamberti Fossati, Head of Programmes at the EU Delegation in Kyrgyzstan.

“By making borders faster and more transparent, e-QMS is modernizing Kyrgyzstan’s trade infrastructure and reinforcing its role as a key trading partner in the region,” added Mondher Mimouni, ITC’s Director of Market Development.

With trade volumes increasing along the Trans-Caspian corridor, the e-QMS addresses one of the region’s most pressing challenges-long, unpredictable queues-by turning traditional border checkpoints into tech-enabled trade hubs.