Eurasian countries push for improved regional trade, security

Eurasian countries push for improved regional trade, security    Five Eurasian countries are developing a program to improve trade and transport facilitation in the former Soviet region.
   The program involves Georgia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, and Moldova. The so-called GUUAM Trade and Transport Facilitation includes:
   * Broader interstate and interagency cooperation on trade and transport facilitation and security.
   * Implementation and application of common principles of trade and facilitation that meet international norms.
   * Improvement to border and customs controls at state borders and within customs terminals.
   The countries plan to take initial steps toward this program in mid-December. The countries have also agreed to begin implementation by mid-January.
   In addition, the GUUAM Virtual Center and Interstate Information Management System project will include:
   * Exchange of law enforcement information among participating states.
   * Combating specific types of transborder crime in the region.
   * Cooperative cross-border investigations.
   * Increased security in regional trade and transport corridors.