Iraq's finance minister orders launch of ASYCUDA third phase next month

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Finance Minister Faleh Sari has ordered the third phase of the ASYCUDA customs system to be launched next month, according to a ministry statement. The directive was issued during a meeting attended by Director General of General Customs Tamer Kasim Daoud, representatives of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), and project officials. The meeting reviewed completion rates for the project and the technical and administrative requirements for the third phase, the ministry said. Sari instructed that the phase be put into operation starting next month, without specifying an exact date. The ministry described ASYCUDA as a core element in digitizing customs procedures, increasing transparency and improving performance. It said the system is expected to boost non-oil revenues and improve the business environment by streamlining customs management processes.