Yugoslavia - Trade And Transport Facilitation in Southeast Europe Project

CREDIT AMOUNT: IDA—US$6.76 million

TERMS:  Grace period = 10 years; Maturity = 20 years

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The project aims to meet two development objectives: the reduction of non-tariff costs to trade and transport; as well as the reduction of smuggling and corruption at border crossings.  These objectives will be achieved by: (i) supporting Customs modernization; (ii) improving the Customs information system; (iii) creating a single electronic window for trade at the federal level under the leadership of the Federal Customs Administration (FCA); (iv) strengthening mechanisms of interaction and cooperation among border control agencies and with the trading community; (v) disseminating information and providing training to the trading community (private sector); (vi) providing equipment to improve enforcement; and (vii) implementing, at pilot sites, an integrated set of new Customs procedures, information technology, human resource management techniques, and cooperation mechanisms for border agencies, including shared access to information and intelligence systems, and training for interagency awareness. In Montenegro, the project will also focus on facilitating passenger processing at border crossing points, to improve the quality of services provided to tourists.  For more information, please call Gina Ciagne at (202) 458.4166, or e-mail Gciagne@worldbank.org.