The Practical day-to-day activities at the Border Information Centers (BICs)

These include:

• Information dissemination;
• Onsite assistance for traders;
• One-on-one training based on stakeholders’ needs;
• Collections of trade statistics;
• Identifying the key causes of delays at the border in order for the necessary action to be taken.
• Collaboration with border agencies to promote cross border trade.

OBJECTIVES OF BORDER INFORMATION CENTRE

• The Border Information Centre (BIC) is a platform of exchange of trade data between all stakeholders involved in cross-border trade and it is meant to help facilitate collaboration between these stakeholders. The BIC is also meant to resolve problems encountered by traders at Border crossings and which could constitute obstacles to trade and integration in West Africa Sub-region.
• It is designed to provide all information needed by stakeholders and to help importers and exporters reduce the cost and delays associated with import and transit.
• To advise Public and Private Stakeholders on regional agreements designed to streamline rules and procedures, as well as to take practical measures for easing congestion through infrastructural improvements at the Border.
• To encourage and promote free movement and facilitation of trade and transport along the Border.