PRESS RELEASE
United Nations Development Programme / Armenia
14 Petros Adamyan St., Yerevan 0010
Contact: Mr. Hovhannes Sarajyan, Communications Associate
Tel: +37460 530000
E-mail: [email protected]
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Modern border management system a key prerequisite for economic growth
and poverty reduction
Bagratashen, 27 September 2013 – “Efficient and effective border
management contributes not only to secure borders, but also to the
smooth movement of people and goods across borders, and to increased
regional and international trade and transit – key prerequisites for
economic growth and poverty reduction,” registered the participants of
a groundbreaking ceremony that took place at the Bagratashen border
crossing point (BCP) within the framework of UNDP implemented
“Modernization of Bavra, Bagratashen and Gogavan Border Crossing
Points” (MBBG) project.
H.E. Serzh Sargsyan, President of the Republic of Armenia, Gagik
Khachatryan, Chairman of the RA State Revenue Committee, Ambassador
Traian Hristea, Head of the EU Delegation to Armenia, Bradley Busetto,
UN Resident Coordinator/UNDP Resident Representative in Armenia,
representatives of government agencies responsible for border
management, as well as international organizations, diplomatic corps
and media attended the event.
The Government of Armenia has demonstrated its firm commitment to
advance the Integrated Border Management (IBM) system in the country,
which was attested by the signature on 3 November 2010 of the
Presidential Decree on Adoption of the Strategy on Border Security and
Integrated State Border Management. This was followed in April 2011 by
adoption of the 2011-2015 National Action Plan and timetable for the
implementation of border security and IBM Strategy envisaging more
than 80 activities covering the areas, such as legislation,
inter-agency and cross-border cooperation, training and provision of
equipment for BCPs on the Armenian-Georgian border. However, the
government considered the top priority of the Action Plan
modernization of Bavra, Bagratashen, and Gogavan BCPs on the border
between Armenia and Georgia.
“The EU continues to provide significant support to Armenia for
upgrading and modernizing border infrastructure and management to
ensure compatibility with European standards. I am delighted to mark
the beginning of this ambitious project,” said Ambassador Train
Hristea, Head of the EU Delegation to Armenia.
“Development challenges are complex and collaborative and partnership
approaches to address those are required. By working together with our
partners – the Government of Armenia and the European Union – we can
make a difference,” said Bradley Busetto, UN RC/UNDP RR in Armenia.
He reiterated that improving border management for better governance
and socio-economic development in Armenia is a high priority for UNDP,
who is committed to continue its support to the Government of Armenia
in its efforts to implement this ambitious reform program.
The Government of Armenia has received 30.316,000 Euros in loans for
the MBBG project from the European Investment Bank (EIB) for
infrastructure and equipment at the BCPs, and 10, 293,000 Euros from
the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) for a new
bridge connecting Armenia and Georgia over the river at Bagratashen.
These loans are complemented by a grant of 12 million Euros from the
European Commission’s Neighborhood Investment Facility (NIF) and more
than 3 million Euros from the EU funded Eastern Partnership IBM
Flagship Initiative. Infrastructure conceptual designs were made by
Latvian company ARHIS based on the model solutions used on the BCP
between Latvia and Belarus. The main contractor for construction works
is SADE Consortium. Construction supervision is provided by SAFEGE
Consulting Engineers, Belgium.
“We are delighted to be part of this key joint effort. The EBRD is
firmly committed to supporting the development of reliable and modern
infrastructure in Armenia aimed at regional integration and to support
trade flows. The improved border crossing point in Bagratashen, the
main land transport corridor connecting Armenia, through Georgia, with
the most active trade partners, now has more efficient and increased
processing capacity, providing a multi-directional road crossing for
international cargo and passenger traffic. We look forward to
continuing our successful cooperation with the country’s authorities
and other international organizations in supporting the further
development of Armenia,” said Bruno Balvanera, EBRD Director for
Caucasus, Moldova and Belarus.
All border management agencies are actively involved in the
process. Their staff – border guards and customs officers, officials
from State Service for Food Safety and Ministry of Healthcare, as well
as police – have been trained in the past years enabling them to
meaningfully implement the concept of IBM and thus ensure swift and
smooth inter-agency cooperation and information exchange, which are
critical elements towards reaching the strategic objective of open,
but secure borders. New Standard Operating Procedures for border
management agencies are being prepared for use at all BCPs. These will
fully reflect the introduction of new national systems such as “Single
Window,” as well as cross-border harmonization of procedures with
Georgia.
The new BCPs will bring considerable benefits to local
people. Temporary jobs will be provided during the construction
process, permanent ones created later to maintain the BCPs and provide
logistical and commercial services. The provision of engineering
services will also include gasification of a number of neighboring
communities, ensuring reliable supply both for homes and for small and
medium-size enterprises. The communities will also benefit from the
Internet access and, as pledged by the “UCOM” company, some of the
schools, hospitals and public park areas will enjoy the free Internet.
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government to reach national development priorities and the Millennium
Development Goals by 2015.
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