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Transit
and trade facilitation
Strategic objective: Strengthen and modernize
transit agreements
In
capitalizing on Afghanistan’s position as a land
bridge between Central and South Asia, the
facilitation of international trade via transit
routes is of critical importance.
•
Afghanistan has existing transit agreements or
understandings with Pakistan, India, Iran and
Uzbekistan and is a signatory of the TIR convention.
• The
Ministry is an active participant in the Central and
South Asia Transport and Trade Forum’s Corridor
Development Plan.
• The
Ministry is also working to establish and enhance
land corridors to provide further access to
important markets in Europe, Central Asia, Russia
and South Asia.
Strategic objective: Develop effective policies
and programs for trade facilitation
Delays, cumbersome procedures and lack of
facilities at the border posts give rise to
substantial costs, which seriously undermine the
competitiveness of Afghan exports, increase the cost
of imports and discourage the development of transit
systems in Afghanistan.
The Ministry is working to reduce the high trade
logistic costs by enhancing several programs for
trade facilitation. The Ministry is:
•
Placing a high priority on the streamlining of
border crossing formalities and the provision of
adequate physical infrastructure.
• Continuing its active role within the
Inter-ministerial Technical Committee on Cross
Border Facilities.
• Promoting effective cross border operations and
investments through participation in the CSATTF
Corridor Development Plan.
• Overseeing the operation, maintenance and
upgrading of existing trans-shipment facilities at
border ports.
• Promoting the establishment of inland container
depots and freight centers to improve access to
facilities for small traders.
• Establishing the Afghan Trade and Transport
Facilitation Committee to bring together all
stakeholders in the area of transport and transit to
address trade facilitation issues.
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One year Work Plan of Department of International Transit & Border
Ports
2006-2007
Whilst the Department has day-day executive tasks to be carried out,
the following items are under its one year plan:
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Completing new structure of Department of Transit and Trade
Facilitation (PRR)
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Activating Transport and Trade Facilitation Committee (AFPRO)
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Studying assessment of Transit Agreements and presenting
recommendations regarding implement of its provisions
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Rehabilitating of TIR accession and establishing relationship
with IRU
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Surveying in present and proposed border ports and working
toward Integrated Border Management
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Participating in the negotiation missions dealing with transit
issues with Pakistan
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Sitting up meetings with UNCTAD, WB, UNOPS and EU to negotiate
technical and financial assessment and bring about work related
cooperation and harmonization
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Setting up meetings with AFCO and establishing contact with
FIATA
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Coordinating and harmonizing workshops between Ministry of
Commerce and Ministry of Finance
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Training programs for staff of Transit
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