Struga, 15 July 2021 (MIA) – Mobile scanners, densitometers and cameras are part of the equipment that USAID has donated to the customs authorities of North Macedonia and Albania for the purpose of facilitating trade and transport, improving cross-border cooperation between the two countries and establishing joint border controls at Kjafasan-Qafë Thanë crossing. U.S. Ambassador to North Macedonia, Kate Marie Byrnes, U.S. Ambassador to Albania, Yuri Kim, North Macedonia Customs Administration representative Ilija Janoski and Albania’s Customs General Directorate Director Genti Gazheli promoted the donation, worth EUR 100,000, which also includes advisory support, at the Kjafasan border crossing on Thursday. Ambassador Byrnes said safe and efficient border and customs controls are required for facilitation of trade and transport, faster transfer of commodities across the border and networking of local businesses with regional and global markets and supply chains. “This border crossing is important because it lies along Corridor 8, a strategic pathway that links the region from the Black Sea to the Durres port, from an EU member to Union candidate-states. Corridor 8 is a priority of the Government of North Macedonia and should also be seen as a priority for the region. Building and investing in this important infrastructure and increasing cooperation at the border will produce further benefits for North Macedonia and Albania in addition to cutting waiting times at border crossings,” said Byrnes. Janoski said the Customs Administration has been continually focused on developing solutions and services that simplify and facilitate the work of stakeholders in the customs and foreign-trade procedures. “Better conditions are created for customs officers and other agencies operating at the border. A lot of work lies ahead, such as alignment of applications, mutual recognition of documents, green lanes, 24-hour operations, accompanied by modernization, increase of security, efficiency and effectiveness, as well as fight against corruption,” said Janoski. Ambassador Kim said the equipment would ensure the highest standards of customs procedures. “The tools and the equipment provided by USAID, along with the teamwork and close cooperation between the two sides, will ensure these standards at Kjafasan-Qafë Thanë, thus improving the business environment and security controls,” noted Kim. Joint border controls significantly reduce transfer time at borders, and their establishment is an exceptionally important step for improved preparation of the countries for economic integration in the EU.