As part of its technical assistance program to the Iraq Customs Authority, CLDP sponsored and participated in a study tour for 10 Iraqi customs officials to Tbilisi, Poti, and Batumi, Georgia, to support Iraq’s efforts to modernize and automate its customs regime.

Through a series of presentations and site visits, the Georgian Revenue Service introduced the Iraqi delegation to Georgian best practices in customs processing and effective implementation of the Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA) and other advanced customs data and clearance systems. Among other sites, the tour extended to Georgia’s Customs headquarters; the Revenue Service’s IT Center, specialized customs clearance zones for air, sea, road, and railway cargo processing, and facilities for customs processing at ports in Poti, and Batumi, Georgia.

Topics covered included automation of all systems, sanitary and phytosanitary inspections, and risk management. Implementing ASYCUDA, bringing processes into alignment with international best practices, and simplifying customs procedures will allow Iraq to maintain safety and security while facilitating trade for both domestic and foreign economic operators.