Facilitating pre-arrival information exchange among Port Control Units in Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan

In April 2020, UNODC Regional Office for Central Asia facilitated pre-arrival information exchange between Port Control Units of “Turkmenbashi” seaport, Turkmenistan and “Alyat” seaport, Azerbaijan under UNODC – World Customs Organization Global Container Control Programme.

Based on the request of PCU member from “Turkmenbashi” seaport, PCU “Alyat” shared a manifest data and a list of passengers of ferries coming from Azerbaijan to Turkmenistan using secure WCO ContainerComm platform. ContainerComm is a user friendly, internet based and multifunctional communication tool that facilitate the encrypted exchange of sensitive information/intelligence between authorized users in participating countries/ports.

Formulation and establishment of the cooperation framework/ MoU on pre-arrival clearance mechanisms and information sharing between the inter-agency PCUs and companies operating in the respective port cities is one of CCP’s key objectives. CCP is currently working on assisting the Governments in the region on establishing sustainable pre-arrival information mechanisms among Customs including the procurement necessary equipment and software.

The above represents a good example of regional practical cooperation during COVID-19 period that helps to prevent using container/cargo flow for illicit trafficking of goods and other criminal activities whilst facilitating legal trade.

The CCP Regional Segment for Central Asia is funded by the Government of Japan and the U.S. Department of State Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), and the Export Control and Related Border Security (EXBS) Programme.