Azerbaijan, Baku, July 30 / Trend E. Kosolapova/
Kazakhstan's position has risen significantly in two international ratings for 2012-2013 - the Global Competitiveness Index (GCI) and the 'Time for Customs Procedures' ranking, Kazakh Foreign Ministry reported.
On competitiveness, defined by research carried out by the Swiss-based World Economic Forum, Kazakhstan's rating rose by 21 points to 51st place in the list of 144 countries.
The improvement in the rating for 'Time for Customs Procedures' has seen Kazakhstan rise by 25 points to place 77.
"The procedure for taking goods through customs has become more transparent and easier to understand. The declaration procedure should become easier still, as new technology is introduced," the Ministry said.
A pilot scheme has been in operation for a paperless, electronic export declaration form since January 1. This is a quicker customs procedure. Moreover it saves exporters' money and reduces the risk of corruption.
Kazakhstan plans to switch the whole customs operation over to the electronic system in 2014, which will help to bring the system up to international standards and should speed up Kazakhstan's entry into the list of the 30 most developed countries.