OSCE Centre in Bishkek supports international customs standards in Kyrgyzstan

BISHKEK, 13 September 2010 - A four-week training course for 38 newly recruited customs officers in Kyrgyzstan, organized by the State Customs Service of Kyrgyzstan and the OSCE Centre's Customs Training Development Project, started in Bishkek today.

The project, launched in September 2009 and implemented jointly with Kyrgyzstan's Customs Training Centre, aims to develop a comprehensive training curriculum, including theoretical and practical training courses tailored in accordance with international standards and best practices.

Ambassador Andrew Tesoriere, the Head of the OSCE Centre in Bishkek, said: "This OSCE project is a key component in the OSCE's support for Kyrgyzstan in border management issues. This entry-level training aims to strengthen the professional and technical capacities of customs officers so as to boost revenue collection and border security; prevent contraband, narcotics and controlled goods; modernize trade and transport facilitation; and foster a co-ordinated border management structure."

Zamirbek Malabekov, the First Deputy Chairman of the State Customs Service, added: This course is an important step and reflects the State Customs Service's aim of developing training for all customs officers. For the first time, this training is fully delivered by instructors of the customs training centre. Under the supervision of the OSCE advisers, the team of six customs trainers has developed a comprehensive curriculum. The State Customs Service aims to provide the necessary knowledge and skills to accomplish the assigned objectives and prepare new customs officers for the reforms and changes that they will deal with in their careers."

The project, supported by a Memorandum of Understanding signed in June 2009 between the OSCE Centre in Bishkek and the State Customs Service, foresees the creation of a sustainable training system, the establishment of a professional training unit and the enhancement of training infrastructure within the Customs Training Centre. To develop relationships and wider regional co-operation in Central Asia, the project also includes the participation of Afghan customs officers in training activities. 

The OSCE's Customs Training Development Project in Kyrgyzstan is funded by the governments of Japan, Norway and Luxembourg.