Advancing Commerce, Connectivity, and Exports Leading to Economic Readiness for Accession to the EU “ACCELERATE”

PMCG, as a subcontractor of DAI Global, is implementing the ACCELERATE Activity, which aims to strengthen trade, investment, and economic integration in the Europe and Eurasia (E&E) region, with a focus on preparing countries for European Union (EU) accession.

Aligned with USAID’s Private Sector Engagement Policy, the Activity is designed to enhance the region’s economic readiness by fostering new trade relationships, particularly between the US and E&E countries, and improving market efficiency across various sectors.

The initiative’s primary objectives are: (1) to improve trade facilitation within the E&E region and with the EU, (2) to increase access to finance through alternative regional financial products, (3) to support public and private sector compliance with EU standards, and (4) to enhance transparency of investments to increase their development impact.

PMCG is playing a central role in objectives 1, 3, and 4. In particular, it is providing technical assistance, legal advisory services, training, and digital transformation support across beneficiary countries.

The main responsibilities of PMCG in the Activity are trade facilitation, EU compliance support, and investment transparency, each of which are detailed below.

Trade Facilitation (Objective 1)

PMCG is leading various activities to modernize trade systems and improve cross-border economic integration. It is assisting in the adoption of electronic certificates of origin as well as streamlining trade and transport processes by implementing the Port Community System (PCS) for improved port operations and data exchange.

In addition, PMCG is promoting e-signature harmonization in the Western Balkans to align with EU regulations and supporting the integration of advanced customs procedures to improve e-commerce efficiency. Furthermore, PMCG is helping to accelerate the implementation of the New Computerized Transit System (NCTS) in the Caucasus and strengthening the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program in Ukraine and Moldova.

EU Compliance Support (Objective 3)

Here, PMCG is aiding countries in drafting and implementing policies, laws, and regulations in line with EU standards. This includes providing legal expertise, conducting legal gap analyses, and developing training programs on EU regulations.PMCG also plays a role in training business associations across the region, identifying gaps in EU compliance, and delivering tailored curricula to enhance private sector understanding of, and adherence to, EU standards.

Investment Transparency (Objective 4)

PMCG’s contribution to enhancing investment transparency entails supporting the devising and adoption of policies, laws, and regulations related to public procurement and digitalization.

Its contribution to this domain involves assistance in strengthening procurement practices, developing open data dashboards for procurement systems, and promoting the benefits of transparency through public-private partnerships and mentorship programs.

PMCG also assists in research on best practices for investment transparency and supports initiatives to counter malign influences on investments.