The project will reduce non-tariff costs to trade and transport and reduce smuggling and corruption at border crossings. This project is the second to be approved in a regional program for Trade and Transport Facilitation in Southeast Europe that will strengthen and modernize customs administrations and other border control agencies in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, and Romania. Customs reform is an essential part of the activities Romania needs to undertake to join the European Union. The pilots will increase the productivity of border agencies, enabling shorter processing time at border crossings and inland terminals. Reforms and pilots will need to be supported at some border crossings by the upgrading of infrastructure.
Similar projects are at an advanced state of preparation in the other four countries taking part.
The technical support will complement the on-going European Union activities to help implement GCD's reform strategy. This component will stimulate regional and inter-agency cooperation. Program and Project Implementation includes the services required to support the regional and national implementation of the project. At the regional level, this will consist of secretariat services for the Regional Steering Committee, and at the national level the auditors, the Project Management Unit staff, the establishment of a financial management system, and training to the Project Management Unit. They seek to promote more efficient and less costly trade flows across the borders of the participating countries and provide EU-compatible customs standards.