On December 6, USAID Economic Resilience Activity (ERA) began the upgrade of lighting systems at key crossing points on the borders with Poland and Slovakia, by replacing and installing 479 LED lights. The work will continue throughout December and early January. These two border crossing points (BCPs) are among the first nine priority BCPs receiving USAID ERA’s rapid modernization assistance, which is aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s export-logistical infrastructure including ports, rail, and road transport, to increase operational efficiency.
“The modernization of border crossing points is an important component in strengthening the export logistics infrastructure as a whole. Particularly important for us are the crossing points on the borders with Poland and Slovakia. The two BCPs where work is currently underway are among the nine that are being supported through USAID’s rapid modernization assistance. The new lighting systems will improve the operation of the BCPs and significantly help in the uninterrupted movement through them,” says Oleksandr Kubrakov, Deputy Prime Minister for Recovery of Ukraine – Minister for Communities, Territories, and Infrastructure Development of Ukraine.
The crossing points with neighboring Poland and Slovakia are important export gateways for Ukraine and have strategic significance in the country’s export logistics. Timely and substantial upgrades, such as these lighting systems, improve the overall functionality of the BCP infrastructure. Therefore, such updates are crucial for ensuring the continuous flow of goods from Ukraine, guaranteeing grain export.
“Border crossing points have become strategically important for development, and support of export and import. With the start of the war, part of the border was closed, effectively shutting down ports. At the same time, we made a huge leap towards European integration. We thank our partners for their help. On our part, we started implementing changes at the crossing points, which will provide comfort for users,” says Mustafa Nayyem, the Head of the Agency for Restoration and Infrastructure Development of Ukraine (SARDI).
Timothy Madigan, ERA’s Chief of Party remarks on USAID ERA’s modernizing of BCP activities: “Every step in the modernization of Ukraine’s infrastructure opens new horizons for its economic development and international integration. Systematic updating of key border crossing points not only enhances Ukraine’s export capacity but is also a symbol of resilience and progress in the face of challenges. These lighting system upgrades provide not only a brighter road for transport but also a brighter future for the country.”
Background: Between 2023-2026, USAID, through the Economic Resilience Activity (ERA), is dedicating $115 million to support the State Agency for Restoration and Development of Infrastructure of Ukraine (SARDI), Ukrainian Railways (UZ), and State Customs Services, to upgrade border crossing points (BCPs) to improve grain trade and export volumes.