[ALBSA-Info] Six Balkan countries agree to increase trade cooperation

[Iris Pilika]

Six Balkan countries agree to increase trade cooperation

   SKOPJE, Feb 10 (AFP) - Macedonia, Albania, Bosnia-Hercegovina,
Bulgaria, Croatia and Romania signed a memorandum of understanding
in Skopje Thursday to improve their cooperation in trade and
transport.
   This is a significant step in support of collaborative efforts
by Balkan states of the Southeast European Cooperative Initiative
(SECI) and the programme will represent the first regionally linked
project in support of the Stability Pact, said Macedonian Finance
Minister Nikola Gruevski.
   The aim of the initiative, supported by the World Bank, EU and
United States, is to reduce costs of trade and transport.
   Gruevski told to the press that at the same time, the purpose is
"to reduce smuggling and corruption."
   He said the total value of the project was 115 million dollars
(euros).
   It includes structural improvements to border crossings,
technical assistance to customs administrations, computerization and
improved exchange of information on border control.