18 May 2011 - A $12 million customs facility officially opened in Takhar province along Afghanistan’s northeastern border with Tajikistan.

The construction of the facilities, including offices and warehouses, was managed by UNOPS (United Nations Office for Project Services) with financial backing from the government of Japan. Going forward the facility will be managed by Afghanistan’s Ministry of Finance.

“This project is a big event for the government of Afghanistan (because) it will increase revenue and help build the capacity of our border police,” said Aziz Shams, spokesperson for the Finance Ministry.

Besides construction of the actual building the project included the provision of equipment and training for the customs officials and border police.

“Afghanistan will benefit from this project and so will neighboring through improved regional commerce,” said Sayed Mobin Shah, Afghanistan’s Deputy Minister of Finance.

Representatives from UNOPS and UNAMA were present at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

“Afghanistan needs a sustainable peace and such a development project helps peace and stability in this country,” said Martin Kobler, the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General.