Narrative description of Project:
The objective of the assignment was to provide options and recommendations on Armenian State Revenue Committee’s (SRC) Development Strategy. These recommendations aimed at (i) enhancing management of the SRC, (ii) developing the customs examinations system, and iii) strengthening customs processes control and human resource policies. Inter alia the recommendations addressed gaps uncovered in previously conducted diagnostic analysis in line with EU customs blueprints, as well as survey results conducted in 2022 under the Customs Administration Development (CAD) task. Within the project Consultant conducted review of the current strategic directions of the SRC, including existing challenges associated with the transit of goods. Additionally review of the international good practice and current international trends were implemented. Based on these analysis the options and recommendations on development of a five-year business strategy for the development and improvement of the Customs Administration were elaborated. The recommendations covered the following areas:
- human resource management development,
- long-term staff training plan,
- communication plan,
- methods and procedures for cooperation between Customs and other relevant governmental authorities and the trade community,
- methods and procedures to ensure efficient protection of international supply chain against security threats while facilitating trade by means of internationally recognized methods,
- IT management policy
- IT operational policy related to cyber security; protection of data, in particular personal data; structured documentation for users; and reporting rules
The proposed options and recommendations were targeted at sustainable development of the customs administration with a fair, equitable, inclusive, and trustworthy institutional set up that enhances trade facilitation and openness and strengthens revenue generation in Armenia. Additionally recommendations on the Strategy’s Action plan, Action Plan Monitoring and Evaluation Protocol to ensure implementation and regular monitoring of the activities included in the action plan were developed.