EBRD, EU to allocate EUR 45 million for  construction of new customs and  logistics center on  outskirts of Yerevan

ArmInfo.The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) will provide a sovereign-guaranteed loan of EUR 39 million to Armenia to finance the  construction of a new customs and logistics center (CLC) on the  outskirts of Yerevan. The loan will be complemented by a EUR 6 million  grant from the European Union. The EBRD Armenia office press service  told ArmInfo.

The new center will replace several existing separate service points  in the capital, increasing efficiency and transparency, improving  service quality, and reducing the time required for customs  clearance. High- quality scanning and inspection equipment will  significantly improve efficiency and speed up processes by  introducing a "single window" approach for customs operations. The  center will strengthen regional ties and facilitate trade, supporting  broader economic growth goals.

The center will also be one of the first public buildings in Armenia  to receive green building certification, significantly improving its  energy efficiency. Relocating customs operations outside the capital  and consolidating them under one roof will ease traffic congestion,  improve air quality, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated  with freight transport by one-third.

The source noted that Yerevan was one of the first cities to join the  EBRD's Green Cities program. This project represents a continuation  of investments under the Green City Action Programme (GCAP).   Consolidating customs operations in a modern, energy-efficient center  allows the city to address key environmental challenges.

This financing is also one of the flagship projects of the EU's  Global Gateway initiative, implemented under the EU Economic and  Investment Plan. "This demonstrates the European Union's commitment  to strategic investment and sustainable development both in Armenia  and the region," the EBRD said.  Additionally, with the support of  the Taiwan Business - EBRD Technical Cooperation Fund, a national  program to introduce digital training in customs administration will  be implemented to improve digital literacy and create new jobs  throughout Armenia. According to the source, since the beginning of  its operations in Armenia in 1992, the EBRD has invested over ?2.5  billion in 231 projects.