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Trade Facilitation and Integration

Purpose

The ability of local enterprises to access foreign markets rapidly, reliably and cheaply is an essential step to increasing national competitiveness.  This ability is determined not just by the country's physical distance to markets, but also by the efficiency of networks and regulations that govern the transport of goods.  In order for businesses to deliver their products to markets, it is essential that transport rules, border agencies, and transit infrastructure all support rather than hinder trade.   

The USAID RTLC project assists Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to stimulate trade  through enhanced transit networks.  This goal supports  regional commitments to  modernize the customs services, streamline clearance procedures, reduce incoming and outgoing transaction costs at international borders, and enhance compliance with international conventions on transport and transit. 

The RTLC Project encourages  cooperation between the many different public and private organizations involved in border processing and clearance systems: customs service, border management authorities, transport regulation agencies, trade associations, freight forwarders, and customs brokers, as well as relevant government ministries and agencies. RTLC also works to increase the access of the private sector to up-to-date information on trade and transport issues, building its capacity to initiate and influence policy reform dialogue.

RTLC Activities

Trade Facilitation and Integration, Component II of the Regional Trade Liberalization and Customs Project aims to improve efficiency of customs and transit systems in Central Asia   as part of broader efforts to expand trade.  RTLC supports Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to :

• Modernize customs systems so as to reduce delays and costs to traders and comply with international standards
• Facilitate transit and lower logistical costs encountered by traders in transporting goods
• Build private sector awareness and understanding of trade policies and promote greater consultation between the trading community and government institutions

Sub-Components:

The Trade Facilitation and Integration Component focuses on three tasks:

• Improving customs procedures
• Facilitating regional transportation
• Improving access to information on trade matters

This website is made possible by the support of the American People through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). The contents of this website are the sole responsibility of The Service Group (recently acquired and currently doing business as AECOM International Development) and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government.