Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has successfully completed an IT skills training program for female customs officers of the State Customs Committee of Uzbekistan. The training, delivered in partnership with IT Academy through USAID’s Trade Central Asia, empowered 287 customs professionals with digital skills.

The attending customs professionals improved their digital competence, developed their ability to use digital technologies effectively, strengthened their leadership skills, and built professional self-confidence.

Through this training, Customs Committee officers gained practical expertise in managing IT and data analytics to drive smarter, data-driven decision-making. This training will lead to faster, more efficient customs operations and facilitate smoother, more secure cross-border trade.

At the graduation ceremony, U.S. Charge D’Affaires to Uzbekistan Heather Byrnes, noted: “Talented women play a vital role in shaping the future of customs professionals. They inspire the next generation of leaders, and set an example of innovation and leadership. The U.S. Government is a proud, committed partner in advancing digitization, economic development, and security in support of the Digital Uzbekistan 2030 strategy.”

This training program is critical to the nation’s trade regime, given that Uzbekistan’s customs system has more than 150 software modules, and most of the nation’s customs operations are on the verge of full digitalization.

This course represents a significant step in developing Customs Committee officers’ capacities, enhancing their technical abilities and readiness to tackle the complex challenges of a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Digitalizing Uzbekistan’s customs services will allow for the more efficient movement of cargo between nations while minimizing the risk of human error and opportunities for corruption. Improving the IT knowledge and skills of women customs officers will also help strengthen gender equality within Uzbekistan’s public sector.