Component Category: Western Balkans Trade and Transport Facilitation Project

This component will support project implementation units and provide additional technical support, including for policy coordination, operating costs, and monitoring and evaluation of the project.

This component will support the implementation of FYR Macedonia’s commitments to improve market access in services and foster regional investments. Activities under this component will consist of technical assistance to implement the regulatory and institutional reforms needed in line with the country specific commitments under the AP5 and AP6.

The development of an ITS (intelligent Transport Systems) strategy and legal framework for ITS, combined with the deployment of ITS and WIM (Weight -in Motion) on A1 motorway, part of Corridor X: The M1 (north-south) road is an integral part of the Corridor X whereas for the most part it is built as a highway A1. It is equipped with basic traffic signalization and equipment. The project envisages introduction of ITS and WIM on A1 Motorway, part of Corridor X, section Tabanovce – Gevgelija in the length of 175 km.

This component builds on regional commitments, including under the CEFTA AP5 and the Transport Community Treaty, as well as commitments by the WB6 countries which are members of the WTO TFA. The component will focus on: (a) the adoption/implementation of a National Single Window (NSW) solution and the associated reform and modernization of Customs and other border management agency requirements; and (b) the improvements in border crossings in selected trade corridors. The main benefit of this component will be more efficient processing of international trade and transport documentation, which will enhance the transparency of transactions and reduce duplications and overlaps, lower trade transaction costs, and support effective collaboration among government agencies, improve inter agency coordination and reduce the time taken to clear goods. The envisaged significant cost savings are expected to result in reduced time and cost of trading across borders, lower transport costs, and finally in increased competitiveness on regional and global markets