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13 November 2026 - 15:44 AMT

Armenia, WCO discuss customs modernization priorities in Brussels

Chairman of Armenia’s State Revenue Committee (SRC) Eduard Hakobyan met with Ian Saunders, head of the World Customs Organization (WCO), in Brussels to review cooperation and priorities for strengthening Armenia’s customs service.

The parties assessed the results of their existing partnership and discussed further development of the customs service’s professional and institutional capacities.

Hakobyan emphasized the importance of the WCO’s ongoing technical assistance and expert support to Armenia.

Particular attention was given to joint work under the Smart Customs initiative, which aims to introduce artificial intelligence tools into customs operations, improve risk management mechanisms and implement a digital border system.

The officials also reviewed the results and effectiveness of professional training programs conducted in previous years and in 2026.

These included courses on combating smuggling, post-clearance controls and strategic trade controls.

Both sides highlighted the importance of strengthening customs officers’ professional knowledge and practical skills in these areas to further develop Armenia’s customs capabilities.

The meeting was also attended by Tigran Balayan, Armenia’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Belgium, and Mikayel Khachatryan, Armenia’s customs attaché to the European Union and the World Customs Organization.