Two Customs Experts from EUBAM Libya have successfully completed their second deployment for EUBAM Rafah. They were deployed for three weeks through the Exchange of International Staff Mechanism to provide crucial support for a key Trade Facilitation Project of the Office of the European Union Representative (West Bank and Gaza Strip, UNRWA). The primary objective of the project is to enhance Palestinian trade with Jordan by introducing shipping containers for goods.
EUREP approached EUBAM Rafah seeking technical support to further develop this important project, recognising the need for a cargo terminal for containers/logistics center/bonded warehouse in Jericho. This is considered a vital next step towards full containerisation of Palestinian trading flows with Jordan. Due to the limited resources of EUBAM Rafah, the Mission requested support of EUBAM Libya.
In late 2022, the two Customs Experts from EUBAM Libya were initially deployed by EUBAM Rafah for the project, resulting in an assessment report for the establishment of a containers depot/logistics center/customs bonded warehouse. In their current deployment, the primary focus was on commencing the preparation of a Feasibility Study by initiating key foundational activities. The Feasibility Study will be finalised in the upcoming mandate of EUBAM Rafah and will assess the project's viability, encompassing aspects such as its legal and administrative framework, governance, financials, logistics, environmental impact, and social implications. It will involve a multidisciplinary team that consists of various national and international stakeholders, including EUREP, Tasdeer, the Palestinian Authorities’ General Administration for Borders and Crossings (PA GABC), PA Ministry of National Economy, PA Ministry of Finance, and PA Customs Authority.
EUBAM Rafah would like to express its deep gratitude for the continuous and invaluable support provided by EUBAM Libya for the vital trade facilitation project of EUREP. Without the assistance of the experts of EUBAM Libya and the joint efforts of the two CSDP Missions, the project would not have been possible.
