Trade & Transport Facilitation in South East Europe

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The Trade and Transport Facilitation in Southeast Europe Project for Croatia focuses on four main objectives as part of an export-oriented development strategy: a) reducing the size of the public sector and increasing efficiency; b) improving governance; c) creating conditions for competitive real sector improvements; and d) containing poverty. The project also supports the enforcement of several international conventions relating to the environment. There are four main project components. The first improves customs procedures by aligning them with European Union standards and developing a monitoring mechanism; provides training on new procedures; and designates border and inland customs stations to serve as test sites for ideas to improve operations. The second component supports trade facilitation by strengthening the private-public partnership and improves the performance of trade facilitation agents. The third component improves the customs information system by using electronic messaging system, making electronic payment of duties, using digital signature--including the selection of the most appropriate translator and digital signature software, implementing computer valuation and tariff classification systems, and upgrading to a web-based system. It also increases the number of computers and printers, purchases Internet service servers, provides technology software, and upgrades infrastructure for servers. The fourth component improves border crossing facilities.