Today, USAID held a regional conference on Enhancing Cross-Border Cooperation in the Western Balkans/Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA) region, under the auspices of CEFTA Week 2021, in partnership with CEFTA, the European Commission Transport Community, the World Bank Group, and the Ministry of Economy of North Macedonia.
Participants from the seven CEFTA countries discussed efforts to enhance regional economic integration as a way of fueling economic growth across the region. Discussions focused on the global standards and best practices for establishing joint border/common crossing points and joint controls, which would expedite the time it takes to move goods across borders. Increasing the efficiency of trade across the region helps build stronger, more sustainable, and better-connected economies, thereby opening up greater economic opportunities and improving the lives of citizens, USAID said in a press release.
Keynote speakers included USAID North Macedonia Country Representative Erik Janowsky, Director of the Customs Administration of North Macedonia Slavica Kutirov, Director of the CEFTA Secretariat Emir Djikic, Director of the Transport Community Secretariat Matej Zakonjshek, and World Bank Group Trade Facilitation Operations Officer Violane Konar-Leacy.
“Making it easier to do business across borders in this region will help local businesses to expand, encourage entrepreneurship, and create more opportunities for everyone—whether you live in North Macedonia or Moldova” said Erik Janowsky, USAID North Macedonia Country Representative. The conference was organized through the USAID Economic Development, Governance and Enterprise Growth (EDGE) Project, which works with governments and the private sector to create inclusive, sustainable economic growth in Europe and Eurasia and support intra-regional and Euro-Atlantic integration.
Source: MIA
