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.
