Forto proposed: Adopt the Decision on the establishment of the Committee for Facilitation of International and Inter-Entity Road Transport

(Patria) - The Ministry of Communications and Transport of BiH calls on the Council of Ministers of BiH to urgently adopt the Decision on the establishment of the Committee for Facilitation of International and Inter-Entity Road Transport at tomorrow's session – a permanent, inter-sectoral coordination mechanism that is necessary to systematically and quickly resolve bottlenecks in transport.

The carriers' demands are legitimate.

“The road transport sector is a vital part of the Bosnian economy and directly affects export competitiveness, prices, supply security, and jobs. The Council of Ministers has an obligation to overcome the bureaucratic vacuum of 'it's not our jurisdiction' and provide a table for joint decision-making where competent authorities work together – proactively and preventively, not just reactively,” said Minister Edin Forto.

The Minister notes that this is a proven institutional model from our practice: back in May 2018, the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina established the Trade Facilitation Committee, under the mandate of the Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations, Mirko Šarović; that decision is still in force today.

“We have done everything within our powers and are ready to lead this committee tomorrow, but without the decision of the Council of Ministers, this work lacks the necessary strength. Carriers are the healthiest part of the BiH economy – they demand order, predictability, and partnership. Institutions are measured by decisions and deadlines, not by shifting responsibilities – adopt the decision and let's sit at the same table to turn regulations into results, resolve border waits, paperwork, and procedures that hinder business. It is time to make the job easier for people who fill the budget with work, not words, and restore their dignity,” said Forto.

What does the decision bring?

The decision establishes the committee as an inter-sectoral body that: proposes facilitation measures, legal framework,
simplification of procedures, reduction of financial burdens, monitors international obligations and the work of all involved institutions, and serves as a permanent forum for the state and economy.

The most important thing the committee offers is full coordination of all institutions responsible for implementing border, customs, and transport operations.

The committee consists of competent institutions at the level of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the entities, and Brčko District: the Ministry of Communications and Transport of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Indirect Taxation Authority of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Border Police of Bosnia and Herzegovina, entity ministries of transport, competent inspectorates, and chambers of commerce.

What has already been done?

In the current year, the Ministry of Communications and Transport of Bosnia and Herzegovina has initiated a series of measures to improve international transport (including document digitalization and inter-institutional coordination), and for further progress, it is necessary for the Council of Ministers to adopt the decision and oblige all actors to work together.

Why urgently?

Without the committee, problems are shifted 'from address to address', while drivers and companies suffer damage. With the committee, challenges and initiatives are analyzed, and action proposals are made in one place, with clear deadlines, responsibilities, and public reporting.

We remind you: The committee would bring together key actors – state and entity institutions, Brčko District, the ITA, the Border Police, inspectorates, and chambers of commerce – who can jointly solve all the carriers' problems.