International Trade Facilitation Forum highlights digital technologies for Ukraine Solidarity Lanes
Date: 17/10/23
The value of digital technologies in maintaining trade routes between Ukraine, Moldova and European Union countries was highlighted in the International Trade Facilitation Forum on 12 October 2023. The European Border Assistance Mission to the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine (EUBAM) and the Customs Service of the Republic of Moldova organised the hybrid event, which was held in Chisinau and online. EU4Digital participated in the meeting, where its eCustoms activity was mentioned as one of the solutions for trade facilitation within the EU-Ukraine Solidarity Lanes initiative.
The central focus of this, the second International Trade Facilitation Forum was to explore innovative solutions and create alternative routes for exporting agricultural products and essential goods to support Ukraine through Solidarity Lanes. These ‘lanes’ are alternative logistics routes via rail, road and inland waterways that were established following the start of Russia’s war of aggression towards Ukraine.
The coordinator of EU4Digital activities in the Republic of Moldova joined high level guests in the event. These guests included the EU Ambassador to the Republic of Moldova, the Ambassador of Ukraine to the Republic of Moldova, representatives of the European Commission: DG TAXUD, DG MOVE and DG AGRI, the Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry of the Republic of Moldova, and the Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine. The heads of the customs, naval and railway administrations from Moldova, Ukraine and Romania were also present, along with experts and leaders from the line ministries as well as representatives of the business sector and international partners.
The forum’s discussions focused on intensifying trilateral cooperation between relevant stakeholders, as well as the need to jointly participate in cooperation mechanisms and projects at the EU level. This is seen as having a significant impact on streamlining traffic. Panellists mentioned the need to use the full potential of digital technologies to solve logistical and organisational complexities created in the context of Russian military attacks on ports in southern Ukraine and the subsequent high burden on alternative routes. The EU4Digital eCustoms pilot to establish systematic cross-border data exchange mechanisms is very timely and well aligned with the objectives of the trilateral cooperation. The management of the Customs Service of Moldova expressed openness to the further implementation of such joint measures with the customs authorities of Ukraine and Romania, regarding the improvement of infrastructure capacity, interoperability and efficiency of services at border crossing points.
The customs authorities of the three participating countries appreciated the constant support of international partners and for technical assistance in managing border crisis situations and ensuring security in the current regional context.
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