Talks on reopening of checkpoint at Kyrgyz-Chinese border are under way: deputy PM

Bishkek, July 22, 2020. /Kabar/. Talks are under way to reopen the Torugart checkpoint, Deputy Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan Erkin Asrandiyev said during a briefing.

According to him, Irkeshtam checkpoint, where the number of trucks has reached 180-200, was put into operation 3 months ago.

"During the last month and a half we have been working closely with the Chinese side, and negotiations on the resumption of the Torugart checkpoint are underway. We hope that cargo traffic through Torugart will resume in the coming days and that the number of trucks at Irkeshtam will increase," the deputy PM said.

He noted that the customs industry is planning to introduce an automation system. 80-90% of the world's countries are part of the ASYCUDA system (a computer system that includes foreign trade procedures and computerizes the customs administration system). This system will identify shadow customs procedures and give hope for increased customs payments.