Islamabad and Tashkent have agreed to deepen their customs collaboration by leveraging artificial intelligence, machine learning, and real-time data exchange, a move expected to reshape regional trade security. The commitment came during high-level talks on the sidelines of an international conference in Tashkent, where a Pakistani delegation led by Syed Shakeel Shah, Member Customs (Operations) at the Federal Board of Revenue, met the First Deputy Chairman of Uzbekistan's Customs Committee. Main Developments Both sides reviewed existing cooperative mechanisms and mapped out future initiatives focused on customs digitalisation, transit cargo tracking, and intelligence-led enforcement. The discussions produced a shared commitment to explore technological integration through AI and machine-learning-based risk management, establish National Targeting Centres, and enhance real-time exchange of customs information. Uzbekistan stands out as the first country with which Pakistan has established advance customs information exchange through the Pakistan Single Window (PSW) for both imports and exports. The two sides agreed to extend this digital connectivity to include transit trade information, a step expected to improve data exchange quality and speed, strengthen border controls, and reduce clearance times. Read also: Why Kharan attack signals a new security threat in Balochistan The meeting, which brought together senior customs officials from across the region, also focused on advancing trade facilitation through mutual recognition of Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programmes, recognition of regulatory documents, and wider adoption of AI-enabled risk management and data analytics. Enhanced public-private partnerships were discussed as a means to facilitate legitimate trade while combating illicit cross-border activities. Background The conference was organised by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the World Customs Organisation (WCO) under their Passenger and Cargo Control Programme (PCCP). This platform has historically served as a forum for regional customs authorities to align on security and facilitation priorities. Pakistan's PSW has been a cornerstone of its digital customs modernisation, and the advance information exchange with Uzbekistan marked a significant milestone. The extension of this connectivity to transit trade builds on that foundation, reflecting a broader trend toward technology-driven customs cooperation in the region. Why It Matters These initiatives are poised to deliver faster, more secure, and seamless regional trade and transit, with direct benefits for supply chain security and economic integration. By automating risk management and enabling real-time data sharing, both countries aim to reduce clearance times and strengthen border controls, which could lower costs for businesses and enhance regional competitiveness. The emphasis on AEO mutual recognition and regulatory harmonisation signals a push toward greater interoperability, potentially setting a benchmark for other countries in the region. This cooperation also reinforces the fight against illicit trade by improving intelligence-led enforcement. What's Next Participants agreed to establish technical working groups to develop draft protocols for the priority areas identified, including digital integration, regulatory cooperation, and trade facilitation. These groups are expected to pave the way for more efficient regional trade and transit, though specific timelines and milestones were not disclosed. Observers will watch for the first concrete outcomes from these working groups, particularly regarding the implementation of AI-based risk management and the expansion of PSW connectivity to transit trade. The success of these initiatives could influence broader regional adoption of similar digital customs frameworks.