| 14 September 2009 In the framework of an EUBAM seminar, representatives of the Customs Service of Moldova and business community discussed simplification of customs procedures to facilitate business development in Moldova. The seminar was moderated by the EUBAM expert from Bulgaria with an extensive experience in EU customs matters. 54 representatives of the customs service, business community and academia attended the seminar, which was opened by Mr Vladislav Svet, Director of the General Division for Customs Procedures and Mr Slawomir Pichor, EUBAM Head of Operations. According to the World Trade Organisation, trade facilitation is the simplification and harmonization of international trade procedures, including the activities, practices and formalities involved in collecting, presenting, communicating and processing data and other information required for the movement of goods in international trade. Trade facilitation initiatives benefit both the business community and governments. The business community benefits by obtaining enhanced competitiveness in national and international markets. This is possible due to reduction in delays and costs, which are achieved with predictable and efficient movement of goods across borders. Studies show that the cost of trade procedures may represent even as much as 4-5 % of the overall costs of trade transaction. This burden mainly affects small and medium size businesses and often hampers economic development. Trade facilitation measures result in better controls and bigger customs revenues for governments. It has been proven that simple, modern and transparent procedures enhance border control and fraud prevention and lead to higher revenue intakes. This is particularly important for those countries, which depend on customs duties as an important contribution to their national budget such as Moldova.
EUBAM’s assistance to the customs services of Moldova and Ukraine on trade facilitation involves provision of seminars and experts as well as facilitation of cooperation with the World Customs Organisation.
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