Trade and Customs Harmonization RUDRENDRA TANDON JOINT SECRETARY for PAKISTAN, AFGHANISTAN & IRAN in the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India September 3, 2015

Time has come to focus RECCA Cooperation to enhance Afghanistan’s connectivity. Idea further refined: Time has come to focus our attention specifically on TRANSIT TRADE Vision of Afghanistan lying at the ‘Heart’ of trade, energy and communication routes

WHY TRANSIT TRADE? Because: We can use Afghanistan’s existing road infrastructure Labour intensive activities = Employment and Incomes

It starts with better Border Management “Logistic Performance”

Lessons that we can draw for Afghanistan from India’s study Afghanistan Customs needs to become part of a single stop Custom documentation system Move from Physical Custom authorities along routes must be willing to use a ‘risk based’ custom inspection regime Facilitation of Visas Basic Infrastructure at Land Crossing Points-Integrated Check Post concept Importance of International Transit Trade Treaties Designated Routes

Two precautionary messages: Lot of backlog The scarcest ingredient=POLITICAL WILL

Thank You