Modernisation of Bagratashen, Bavra, Gogavan Border Crossing Points of the Republic of Armenia

Modernised Gogavan border crossing point.

What we do

Armenia has seven international state border crossing points (BCP), four of which are operational on the Georgian border: Bavra, Gogavan, Bagratashen (road) and Ayrum (rail). The road crossing points with Georgia are of particular importance, as it is estimated that approximately 80 percent of Armenia’s trade passes through these three BCPs.

Armenia is committed to establishing a modern integrated border management (IBM) system, to the highest international standards and best practices. Efficient and effective border management contributes to secure borders and freedom, when citizens can travel freely and trade can flourish - key prerequisites for economic growth and poverty reduction.

UNDP’s role as an implementing partner of the European Union (EU) funded project is:

·        Supporting the Government of Armenia in implementation of the selected provisions of the Government Decree #482 on the approval of 2011-2015 Integrated Border Management (IBM) Action Plan;

·        Assisting the Government of Armenia in modernisation of Bagratashen, Bavra and Gogavan border crossing points (BCPs) of Armenia for aligning them to the Integrated Border Management (IBM) international standards aimed at the facilitation of the movement of people and goods across the border.

Some results so far

UNDP provided technical advice and supported to the first ever framework on integrated border management, including:

-        Strategy for Border Security and Integrated State Border Management, and Action Plan for 2011-2015;

-        Decree on Establishing the Concept for Introduction of One Stop Shop/Single Window Principle in Procedures Applied at State BCPs;

-        Bilateral agreements on cross-border cooperation and joint use of border crossing points were signed with Georgia, and cross border cooperation mechanisms were put in place.

UNDP supported the Government of Armenia to raise EUR 30.8 million loan from the European Investment Bank (EIB) and EUR 17.6 million grant from the EU to complete the modernization and upgrade of Bagratashen, Bavra and Gogavan BCPs. 

UNDP modernised and upgraded Bagratashen, Bavra and Gogavan BCPs, including

-        construction of administrative and technical facilities necessary to optimize the transit of persons and goods,

-        effective operation of the utilities, such as upgrades of the gas, electrical and fiber-optic connections.

Since 2010, more than 700 officials from all border management agencies were trained in technical subjects including: search techniques, document security, human resources management, ATI.

Public awareness materials developed for regular travelers and traders on border crossing and customs procedures for people traveling to and from Georgia. Almost 30,000 were disseminated during the touristic period.

Fiber optics and gas network extended to neighboring communities, providing the opportunity for 56,000 potential users of fiber optics and 1,200 households to connect to the gas network.

Border Users Network was established involving representatives of the business community, freight-forwarders, border agencies and end users to discuss issues of concern, such as unfair customs practices, inaccurate application of procedures.