OSCE Border Management Staff College launches training programme to strengthen Afghanistan's customs administration

DUSHANBE, 21 September 2010 - An OSCE- Austrian Customs organized training programme that aims to strengthen Afghanistan's customs administration was launched today. 

The programme, organized by the OSCE Border Management Staff College and financed by Austria, comprises seminars and workshops for Afghan and Tajik customs officials lead by experts from the Austrian Finance Ministry. The seminars, to be held at the Border Management Staff College in Dushanbe, will start this year and conclude in 2012.

Representatives from the OSCE Office in Tajikistan, the Border College, the Austrian Embassy and Austria's Customs Administration signed a "Declaration of Intent" at a ceremony held today at the OSCE Office in Dushanbe to launch the 200,000 euro project.

"This programme will help senior Afghan and Tajik customs officials develop professionally and establish a network, promoting security in Central Asia," said Border College Principal Alain Scolan.

Wolfgang Nolz, the Director General of Austrian Customs, added:
"This co-operation agreement underlines the importance and significance of the ongoing substantial support to Afghan border-related and law enforcement agencies."