From 15 to 23 July 2024, the World Customs Organization (WCO) carried out a Mercator Diagnostic mission to the benefit of the Customs Service of the Republic of Moldova (MCS) as part of the SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP) Phase II
Through a series of bilateral meetings with the MCS, cross-border regulatory agencies, and the private sector, and several field visits to strategic and tactical facilities, the WCO experts conducted a comprehensive assessment of the situation in Moldova with regard to the implementation of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Trade Facilitation (TFA).
As a result of the seven-day endeavour, the main technical areas of assistance to be supported within the GTFP Phase II were identified, and the draft working plan for the implementation phase of the Programme was developed.
The Republic of Moldova was confirmed as a GTFP Phase II full-fledged beneficiary country in February 2024 after receiving specific technical assistance in 2022-2023 to enhance their procedures for expedited shipments and release of relief consignments and humanitarian aid, improving Customs processes to facilitate the cross-border movement of essential supplies, support the economy and sustain supply chain continuity. The Secretariat for Economic Affairs of Switzerland (SECO) and the WCO are pleased to continue their effective collaboration with the Moldova Customs Service.
For more information on the GTFP, please contact capacity.building@wcoomd.org.