Connectivity
Connectivity is a key factor for fostering co-operation among OSCE participating States and a prerequisite for economic growth, stability and security.
Harmonized trade and border clearance procedures based on international standards as well as the digitalization of transport and transit documents have obvious security advantages for the entire OSCE region. They will make customs, administrative and regulatory processes more predictable, transparent and accountable, thus strengthening cross-border and regional co-operation.
More transparent and efficient cross-border trade and transport will not only have positive effects on all participating States. It will also enable them to take part in and benefit from transport links between East and West, between Asia and Europe. These transport links are of major interest as they offer opportunities to facilitate trade between nations, generate economic growth and jobs, foster women’s empowerment and contribute to more stable and resilient supply chains.
Mandate
The OSCE’s work in this domain is guided by a solid mandate enshrined in a number of Ministerial Council decisions and strategy documents:
- OSCE Maastricht Strategy Document for the Economic and Environmental Dimension, 2003 Brussels
- Border Security and Management Concept, 2005
- Ministerial Council Decision on Future Transport Dialogue in the OSCE, 2006
- Vilnius Ministerial Council Decision on Strengthening Transport Dialogue in the OSCE, 2011
- 2016 MC Decision No. 4/16 on Strengthening Good Governance and Promoting Connectivity, Hamburg, 9 December 2016
Role of the OSCE
In the challenging geoeconomic context of today’s world, countries and businesses alike are actively seeking to build more resilient and diversified supply chains. These challenges can only be addressed through multi-stakeholder collaboration that involves both the public and the private sectors. The OSCE can play an important role in this regard by providing a platform to share best practices and experiences and by coordinating and facilitating capacity-building activities. Due to the advancement of technological innovations such as automation, digitalization, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity, there is a need for continual improvement and innovation in the cross-border control and facilitation space.
The Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities (OCEEA) provides guidance on implementing trade facilitation measures, aimed at making customs, administrative and regulatory processes more predictable and transparent, simplifying and harmonizing rules and procedures, strengthening cross-border and regional co-operation of relevant authorities including customs, and strengthening dialogue and co-operation between relevant government authorities and the private sector.
The OCEEA works to foster greater bilateral and regional co-operation between customs and border agencies of participating States by promoting the exchange of best practices on data sharing and co-ordinated management of borders.
The OCEEA implements its connectivity activities in co-operation with OSCE Field Operations and many other partners, such as: the World Customs Organization (WCO), the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), the UN Conference for Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the UN Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL), the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), the International Trade Centre (ITC), the World Trade Organization (WTO), and the World Bank.