Comparison of Anti-Corruption Measures in the Customs Services of Kyrgyzstan and Georgia

Corruption is a widespread and deeply rooted problem in post-Soviet countries, and the intricacy of this matter is closely linked to the transformative dynamics in both socio-political and economic domains that were set in motion by the collapse of the Soviet Union. As a result, this study aimed at conducting a comparative analysis of the anti-corruption measures in the custom services of Kyrgyzstan and Georgia. The main objectives of this comparison were to compare the effectiveness of the anti-corruption measures in the custom services of Kyrgyzstan and Georgia with focus on the success factors and limitations. The study employed a mixed method approach in gathering data for the analysis. The study largely dependent on data from the World Bank data on corruption between 2002-2022 for its analysis. Descriptive statistics and static regression analysis was employed in analysing the data. The main findings of the study were that: Georgia has a more effective anti-corruption mechanisms in their customs services compared to Kyrgyzstan. The public's opinion of anti-corruption initiatives, the quantity of sources for anti-corruption information and changes, and the calibre of institutions—particularly in the customs sector—all demonstrate this. The study discovered that increasing anti-corruption reforms and data sources greatly improves customs efficiency, even though both countries had ineffective systems for clearing customs. The study also found that countries with robust and quality institutions are associated with an improved and efficient customs clearance. According to the study's conclusions, it is necessary to bolster anti-corruption initiatives in both nations, enhance the effectiveness of customs clearance, raise public knowledge and engagement, and guarantee ongoing monitoring and assessment.