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TTFSE Project Components
The individual projects in the Trade and Transport
Facilitation in Southeast Europe Program consist of the
following individual project components: Customs Services
Procedures Reform, Trade Facilitation Development, Integrated
Customs Information Systems (ICIS) Support, Improvement of
Roads and Border Crossing facilities, and Program and Project
Implementation.
Click here
for a general discussion of the components. The items included
under the respective components vary country by country. For
detailed information on country-specific project components
click below.
Albania
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bulgaria
Croatia
FYR Macedonia
Moldova
Romania
Serbia and Montenegro
OVERVIEW OF PROGRAM COMPONENTS
Each of the projects under the
TTFSE Program is keyed to the specific needs of the country
and takes into account the support being provided by other
donors. The overall philosophy and approach is the
same, but this country-specific consideration results in
variations in the elements included under the components in
the respective projects. The description below gives an
overall view of the type of support being provided.
Customs Services Procedures
Reform
Although in some cases
constraints on trade are caused by limits in existing
infrastructure, the improvement of operational procedures is
at the heart of the reform process. Some of the countries have
made considerable progress in legal reform and redrafting
legislation and regulations; others need help in this area.
The consolidation and simplification of procedures and the
introduction of risk analysis and selectivity are generally
needed by all, and the possibility of using single-window
operations offers considerable appeal. In order to provide a
framework for suggesting and monitoring change, performance
indicators are being monitored at project sites. Local Project
Teams will look at the results and make recommendations on how
to improve operations. Recommendations are keyed to EU
consistent policies and practices. The change in operations
will also require a change in the organizational culture of
Customs organization. The introduction of new knowledge,
skills, and attitudes requires training in a variety of areas.
Included is training in interagency awareness that focuses on
cooperation between the various agencies responsible for
control services at border crossings. Improved efficiency may
require upgrading such certain specific areas as preventive
and investigative services. The introduction of risk
assessment and selectivity is generally needed. Nearly all the
costs of the technical assistance needed to support this
component is provided by a grant from the United States.
Complementary investment is also underway by the EU.
Trade Facilitation
Development
Although Customs agencies play
a vital revue role in the participating countries, their role
in the facilitation of trade is a vital element in the
promotion of regional development. The program seeks to
promote public-private partnerships through the sharing of
information and the provision of feedback from the private
sector on the performance of customs operations. A regional
website will cover all procedures and documentation
requirements from the various border agencies for users.
Training in transport, forwarding, and trade will be provided
by conventional and distance learning programs.
Integrated Customs
Information Systems (ICIS) Support
The introduction of improved
electronic data processing not only aids the efficiency of
Customs services but also promotes the integrity and
transparency in Customs services. Divergent sources of funding
and software systems are being used, according to country
preference, but the end products are expected to be consistent
with recommended international practice and assure effective
management control and supervision. In addition to software,
some projects include computers and networking equipment. The
implementation of electronic payment of duties, the use of
digital signature or signal window payment systems are some of
the initiatives being supported.
Improvement of Border
Crossing Facilities
The majority of projects
include improvements to border crossing facilities. Changes in
political boundaries have resulted in crossing with make-shift
facilities and existing facilities in some cases are outmoded
or incorrectly scaled. The improvement, therefore, include the
upgrading or expansion of existing stations as well as the
construction of new stations. In many cases operational
improvements require additional lanes, supplemental inspection
areas, or revised layouts. Communication systems are also
needed. Environmental and social safeguards are applied in
accordance with the extent and likely impact of construction.
Environmental Management Plans are required for some projects
and are publicly available both in country and through the
World Bank information web-site.
Program and Project
Implementation
The effective implementation of
each project requires the establishment of Project
Implementation Teams (in one case called a Project Management
Unit). The PITs are responsible for the day to day management
of project resources including financial management and
procurement. These operations are carried out in accordance
with standard Bank practice and regulations. Auditing services
are included in the package of requirements. Each county takes
turns hosting the Regional Steering Committee and is
responsible for the provision of support services in advance
and during the meetings. |
