FIRST SESSION OF TRADE FACILITATION COMMITTEE OF BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations of BiH Mirko Šarović chaired the first session of the Trade Facilitation Committee of Bosnia and Herzegovina, established with the aim of simplifying and harmonizing customs and other border procedures and more efficient cross-border movement of goods.

 

Minister Šarović said that "it is very important that interested private sector representatives involved in trade transactions influence all issues related to cross-border trade and establish an environment of mutual trust between state authorities and the private sector." "Using this Committee, as a platform for regular consultations between the customs authorities and the business community, there will be less concern on both sides and it will allow traders and customs officers to talk, overcome challenges and identify shortcomings and failures. The Committee should be seen as a constructive partnership between the private and public sector, which should enable both sides to truly understand the problems and limitations of the other side", the minister said.

 

At the first session, the members of the Committee adopted Rules of Procedure of the Committee, defined an action plan and steps necessary for the revision of the self-assessment of measures A, B and C categories that are needed to carry out additional analyses and identification of the necessary measures to ensure full compliance with the WTO Agreement.

 

We recall that the Council of Ministers of BiH, at the proposal of the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations of BiH, adopted the Decision on the establishment of the Trade Facilitation Committee of Bosnia and Herzegovina at its 141st session, on 4 May 2018. Representatives of relevant ministries and institutions have been appointed for the Committee at the level of BiH, the Entities and Brčko District BiH, including representatives of the BiH Foreign Trade Chamber and the Chambers of Commerce of the Entities and Brčko District.

 

The establishment of this Committee stems from the Additional Protocol 5 on Trade Facilitation to CEFTA 2006 and in line with the Western Balkans Action Plan.