Commercial truck drivers will be able to schedule their arrival in the customs area at the border using a computer/mobile application. The software will be developed by the Customs Service to facilitate border-crossing freight traffic. At first the system will be piloted at the Sculeni Checkpoint, and if successful it will be extended to other busy checkpoints.
The application will be developed and implemented with the financial support of the USAID Structural Reforms Program. A Memorandum of Understanding in this respect was signed today. The Program will also organize a study visit to Estonia, which operates a similar system.
Sculeni is one of the busiest border crossings in Moldova and in parallel with the scheduling system the checkpoint is also undergoing a major reconstruction. “A smart management of borders means not only faster passenger and freight traffic, but also an improved management of the risks associated with crossborder traffic”, stated Customs Service director Vitalie Vrabie in a press release.
Douglas Muir, of the USAID Structural Reforms Program, said the scheduling system has proved its efficiency in a number of countries on the EU border – Estonia, Finland, and Lithuania. “We are very glad we can contribute to the development of such a system in Moldova, too. It is an important instrument for facilitating trade between Moldova and the European Union”, stated Douglas Muir.
Also with the USAID, the Customs Service is preparing to launch the Trade Resource Portal – an interactive platform with all the information businesses involved in foreign trade might need.
