FBiH Chamber of Commerce: Establishing new BIP border crossings is key for export-oriented companies

(Patria) - The Foreign Trade Chamber (VTK) of BiH welcomed the adoption of the Report on negotiations for the conclusion of the Agreement between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia on border crossings.

The Report, adopted today by the Council of Ministers of BiH, envisages the establishment of three new first-category border crossings.

The BIP border crossing status (with all inspection controls) was previously held by Gradiška and Bijača, and with the new agreement, Svilaj, Izačić, and Kamensko will also gain this status.

VTK BiH emphasizes that this will significantly contribute to more efficient movement of goods and passengers between BiH and Croatia.

"The Chamber, as an association of BiH entrepreneurs, taking into account the economic situation, has for years, together with the Chamber's member entrepreneurs, undertaken numerous activities and submitted proposals and initiatives to the competent institutions in BiH for the establishment of additional first-category border crossings.

A series of initiatives have been sent to amend the current legislation in order to finally resolve the issue of delays at border crossings, increase the number of BIPs, extend border crossing operating hours, facilitate the transport of perishable goods, and reduce fees for the use of customs terminals, etc.

BIP border crossings generally contribute to facilitating exports by reducing waiting times (customs and inspection controls are carried out at one location, with the cooperation of both sides), reducing transport and logistics costs (avoiding double delays at two separate points).

Also, through increased control efficiency (better coordination of the competent authorities of the two countries) and faster document processing, and the potential for digitalization, which particularly benefits exporters of perishable goods and during peak traffic seasons.

The insufficient number of BIP border crossings has been a serious obstacle for export-oriented economic entities. We expect the urgent ratification of the Agreement and the provision of all necessary infrastructural and other resources essential for the full operationalization of the new BIP border crossings," the statement from VTK BiH added.