Turkmenistan modernizes two customs points on borders with Iran, Kazakhstan

ASHGABAT. May 22 (Interfax) - Work on renovating the Artyk and Garabogaz customs checkpoints has been completed as part of the phased modernization of customs points on the active international transport corridors crossing Turkmenistan, according to information on the website of the country's State Customs Service.

The Garabogaz road customs checkpoint is located in the country's Balkan region on the border with Kazakhstan (Temir-baba checkpoint), while the Artyk checkpoint is in the Ahal region on the border with Iran (Lutfabad checkpoint).

According to the customs service, these points now fully comply with international standards. Their territory has expanded, and their throughput capacity has increased several times over.

"Thanks to equipping [the checkpoints] with advanced inspection equipment and the large-scale introduction of digital systems, optimal conditions have been created for the rapid and reliable customs control of vehicles and cargo crossing the border," the service said.

The Garabogaz and Artyk customs points are expected to accelerate cargo flows through the country, and the throughput capacity of international corridors will reach an entirely new level, it said.

According to data from international expert organizations, the time spent on conducting customs procedures in Turkmenistan is recorded as the shortest among Central Asian countries.