Tajikistan Gender Dimensions of Cross-Border Trade in Tajikistan JapanGov The Government of Japan © 2023 International Bank for Reconstruction and Development / The World Bank 1818 H Street NW Washington DC 20433 Telephone: 202-473-1000 Internet: www.worldbank.org This work is a product of the staff of The World Bank with external contributions. The findings, interpretations, and conclusions expressed in this work do not necessarily reflect the views of The World Bank, its Board of Executive Directors, or the governments they represent. The World Bank does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or currency of the data included in this work and does not assume responsibility for any errors, omissions, or discrepancies in the information or liability with respect to the use of or failure to use the information, methods, processes, or conclu- sions set forth. 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COVER PHOTOS: •  © Shutterstock/Rustam Kholov •  © Shutterstock/Smaran2 •  © Nozim Kalandarov/World Bank List of Abbreviations Acknowledgements AEO Authorized Economic Operator The World Bank Group (WBG) would like to recognize the BCP Border Control Post government of Tajikistan, especially the Customs Service CARs-4 Central Asia Regional Links program and the Tax Committee under the Government of Tajikistan, CATI Computer Assisted Telephone Interviews for their contribution to the study, including through the CCFTP  Coordinating Committee on Facilitation of provision of non-confidential traders and customs brokers’ Trade Procedures data. Special thanks are given to Mr. Khurshed Karimzoda FGD focus group discussion (Head), Mr. Parviz Zarifzoda (Project Coordinator), Ms. Anjela GPG gender pay gap Shopulodova (Chief Inspector of the Analysis and Customs IFC International Finance Corporation Statistics Department), and Ms. Nigina Akramova (Office IOM International Organization of Migration Manager) of the Customs Service under the Government of MSME micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises Tajikistan, and Mr. Ayubjon Solekhzoda (First Deputy Chairman), MEDT Ministry of Economic Development and Trade Mr. Ibrohim Samadzoda (Head of Department of Taxpayer NTFC National Trade Facilitation Committee Registration), and Mr. Dilshod Boboev (Director of State Unitary OSBP One Stop Border Post Enterprise “Tax Administration Programming Center”) of the SRS simple random sampling Tax Committee under the Government of Tajikistan. SW Single Window UAIS Unified Automated Information System The WBG would also like to recognize the following people WBG World Bank Group for their contributions through focus group discussions, vis- WCO World Customs Organization its to select border crossing points, and technical advice that WTO TFA World Trade Organization’s Trade Facilitation informed the report: Dorothy Tuma, Rustam Abdusalomov, and Agreement Zuhro Qurbonova. The work related to the survey and this report was led by Nato Kurshitashvili, Heidi Stensland Warren, Mariyam Raziyeva, and Zachary Ochola Ochieng from the WBG. The team benefited from the guidance and useful comments from the following peer reviewers across the World Bank Group: Aileen Yang, Alisher Rajabov, Antonio Benigno Nunez, Satya Prasad Sahu, Violane Konar-Leacy, and Aleksey Nikiforovich. The team is grateful to Firuza Gazieva and Graciela Tejeda for administrative support, Julia Komagaeva for advice on the WBG’s internal procedures, and Marisa Zawacki for outreach and overall communications advice. The rollout of the survey was conducted by Tahlil va Mashvarat (a member of Z-Analytics Group). Analysis and reporting were conducted by Tahlil va Mashvarat and the WBG team. Financial support for this work was provided by the govern- ment of Japan through the Quality Infrastructure Investment (QII) Partnership facility. The team would like to acknowledge Jane Jamieson, David Lawrence and Ishan Khokar from the WBG’s Infrastructure Practice Group for donor relations. The study results from a collaboration between the WBG Transport and Trade teams and accompanies the World Bank-supported project “Fourth Phase of the Central Asia Regional Links Program.” Finally, sincere appreciation goes to all research participants (traders and customs brokers) for their time and responses that made this work possible. Abstract This report summarizes the main challenges that men- and This study in Tajikistan explored a range of topics, primarily women-led companies (also referred to as “traders” or “trade within the scope of the World Trade Organization’s Trade Facil- firms”) and customs brokers face in undertaking cross-border itation Agreement (WTO TFA), including experiences with trade of merchandise goods1 in the Republic of Tajikistan. The public consultations and enquiry points, clearance and release report also provides recommendations to address these of goods, formalities connected with import/export/transit challenges. procedures, detentions of goods, appeal or review procedures, and publication and availability of information. Areas beyond Global research has shown that the expansion of interna- the WTO TFA, such as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, tional trade is essential for poverty reduction, and it provides Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, transport, and safety and security better job opportunities and increased returns, particularly issues at the borders, were also researched. for women working in export-oriented sectors.2 Oftentimes, however, women may face more or different challenges than Data collection for this report was done via phone survey men that prevent them from fully participating in trade. While interviews across Tajikistan and was complemented by qual- globally there is a growing body of research on why women itative research methods, such as focus group discussions, participate less in cross-border trade than men, there is still a key informant interviews, and technical visits to select border lack of data and research that quantifies the exact nature of crossings in the country. The work was built upon a similar the trade facilitation challenges that women traders face at methodology developed and used in other surveys by the the firm level. World Bank Group.4 Generally, trade facilitation measures are assumed to be non­ The data collected in the study and the resultant analysis con- discriminatory in their design; however, implementing and tribute to the literature on trade and gender. Importantly, the delivering these measures may not necessarily impact all report helps fill a significant knowledge gap in Tajikistan, where traders similarly. Studies by the World Bank, for example, there is no robust country-representative research shedding found that men and women traders often face different trade light on gender-specific challenges faced by cross-border facilitation challenges, including in areas such as access to traders. This study adds to the increasingly important dialogue information, usage of electronic payments, submission of elec- on addressing gender equality issues in trade policies. The study tronic documents, pre-declaration of goods, consultations may be useful to the government of Tajikistan, development with the government, and participation in trade or industry- organizations, and others in ensuring that trade interventions specific associations.3 can benefit all traders equally. 1  The survey and this report are focused on trade of merchandise goods and 4  Similar studies have been undertaken in Brazil, the Philippines, South Africa, do not cover trade in services. This is because the WTO TFA—the primary scope and across the Pacific Islands and Timor-Leste. of the study—pertains to the movement, release, and clearance of goods and not services. 2  World Bank. 2015. “The Role of Trade in Ending Poverty”; and World Bank. 2020. “Women and Trade: The Role of Trade in Promoting Women’s Equality.” 3  See World Bank. 2021 “Trade Facilitation Challenges for Women Traders and Freight Forwarders in the Pacific Region.”. 2 Tajikistan Country Profile Number of active cross-border trade firms Top exports by value (2022): (2020–2021): 4,3985 Ores, slag, ash (HS 26); natural or cultured pearls, pre- cious or semi-precious stones, precious metals, metals Number of active customs brokers clad (HS 71); cotton (HS 52); aluminum and its products (2017–2021): 416 (HS 76); mineral fuel, oil and products of their distillation, bituminous substances, mineral waxes (HS 27) 14 Capital city: Dushanbe Top imports by value (2022): Region: Central Asia Mineral fuel, oil and products of their distillation, bitu- Income category: Lower-middle-income7 minous substances, mineral waxes (HS 27); vehicles other than railway or tramway rolling stock, parts and Population (thousands, 2023): 10 077.68 accessories thereof (HS 87); nuclear reactors, boilers, GDP (current US$, 2021): 8,746,270,6369 machinery and mechanical appliances, parts thereof Estimated GNI per capita female/male (HS 84); cereals (HS 10); iron and steel (HS 72).15 (2021 based on 2017 PPP$): 2,980/6,09610 Top importing trading partners (million US$, 2021): Labor force participation rate (% of female/male Russian Federation (1,280.5), Kazakhstan (816.6), pop. ages 15–64, 2019) female/male: 31/5211 China (679.7), Uzbekistan (326.1), Türkiye (158.3).16 Gender Inequality index (2021): 0.285 (68th out of Top exporting trading partners (million US$, 2021): 170 countries)12 Kazakhstan (360.1), Switzerland (354.1), Türkiye (232.2), Uzbekistan (126.7), Belgium (88.8).17 Merchandise trade (% of GDP, 2021): 72.713 WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement ratification date: July 2, 2019. 5  The number is based on the list of Unified Automated Information System (UAIS). 14  Official Website of Tajikistan Customs Service. N.d. Statistics of Foreign Trade of Republic of Tajikistan. 6  The list of customs brokers provided by the Tajikistan Customs Authority. 15  Official Website of Tajikistan Customs Service. N.d. Statistics of Foreign 7  Lower-middle-income economies are those with a GNI per capita between Trade of Republic of Tajikistan. US$1,086 and US$4,255 in 2021. Data source: The World Bank. n.d. World Bank Country and Lending Groups. Accessed January 2023: https://datahelpdesk. 16  UN Comtrade. worldbank.org/knowledgebase/articles/906519-world-bank-country-and- lending-groups. 17  UN Comtrade. 8  Preliminary estimate from January 2023 Statistical Bulletin. Tajikistan Statistical Agency. 9  World Development Indicators (database). World Bank, Washington, DC (accessed February  1, 2023), https://databank.worldbank.org/source/world-development- indicators. 10  Human Development Data Center (database). United Nations Development Programme, New York, (accessed January 25, 2023), http://hdr.undp.org/en/ data. 11  Modeled ILO estimate. Data source: World Development Indicators (database). World Bank, Washington, DC (accessed February  1, 2023), https://databank. worldbank.org/source/world-development-indicators. 12  GII reflects gender-based disadvantage in three dimensions—reproductive health, empowerment, and the labor market. It ranges from 0, where women and men fare equally, to 1, where one gender fares as poorly as possible in all measured dimensions. Source: Human Development Data Center (database). United Nations Development Programme, New York, (accessed January  25, 2023), http://hdr.undp.org/en/data. 13  World Development Indicators (database). World Bank, Washington, DC, (accessed February  1, 2023), https://databank.worldbank.org/source/world- development-indicators. 3 The Environment for Working Women in Tajikistan Tajikistan exhibits large gender gaps in many areas, such as educational and health endowments, economic opportuni- ties, and equality in the voice and agency that women hold in society compared to men. Only 31 percent of women partic- ipate in the labor force compared to 52 percent of their male counterparts.18 The low female labor force participation (LFP) in absolute terms and the 20 percentage point difference in LFP indicate a significant disparity in economic opportunity for women compared to men and point to the magnitude of economic potential that bridging this gap would represent for the country. Women are concentrated in the agriculture, health, and edu- cation sectors, while men dominate other sectors, such as industry, construction, and transport. Occupational segrega- © Nozim Kalandarov/World Bank tion contributes to a high gender pay gap (GPG) in the labor market. On average, in 2019, men earned 35.9 percent more than women in Tajikistan when their median monthly earnings There are fewer women entrepreneurs than men entrepre- were compared, which is one of the highest GPGs in the whole neurs in the country. Women entrepreneurs reportedly face Europe and Central Asia region.19 Tajikistan scored 78.8 out disproportionate challenges compared to their men counter- of 100 — lower than the regional average in Europe and parts when trying to start or grow their businesses, including Central Asia—on the 2023 Women, Business and the Law weak application of property rights by women, which limits index, which measures the laws and regulations that affect their ability to pledge property as collateral to access finance; women’s economic opportunity.20 The main areas to improve lack of business skills and networks; lack of knowledge of women’s legal equality include laws affecting women’s deci- legislation and taxation; and poor self-esteem.21 Domestic sions to work, women’s pay, women’s work after having children, violence is also highly prevalent in Tajik society, including spousal and the size of a woman’s pension. abuse.22 18  Modeled ILO estimates. Data source: World Development Indicators (data- 21  World Bank. 2021. Tajikistan: Country Gender Assessment. Washington, DC: base). World Bank, Washington, DC, (accessed February 1, 2023), https://data- World Bank (accessed May 1, 2023), https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/ bank.worldbank.org/source/world-development-indicators. tajikistan/publication/country-gender-assessment. 19  UNECE Statistical Database. United Nations Economic Commission for 22  World Bank. 2021. Tajikistan: Country Gender Assessment. Washington, DC: Europe, Geneva, (accessed February  1, 2023), https://unece.org/statistics/ World Bank (accessed May 1, 2023), https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/ gender-statistics. tajikistan/publication/country-gender-assessment. 20  World Bank. 2023. Women, Business, and the Law 2023. Snapshot: Tajik- istan. Washington, DC: World Bank (accessed May 1, 2023), https://wbl.world- bank.org/content/dam/documents/wbl/2023/snapshots/Tajikistan.pdf. 4 Contents Executive Summary 10 Summary of Key Recommendations 14 1 Summary of the Methodology and Limitations 16 2 Study Findings 20 A.  Respondents’ Demographics and Business Profile 21 B.  Trade Facilitation–Specific and Other Related Key Findings 34 C.  Challenges Caused by External Factors 63 D.  Main Challenges to Expanding Business 67 3  Recommendations 70 Annex A  Detailed Description of Survey Sample and Methodology 78 Quantitative Survey 79 Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) 80 Key Informant Interviews 80 Border Post Visits 80 Bibliography 82 5 List of Figures Figure 1. Share of Respondents by Gender, Trade Firms 21 Figure 2. Proportion of Owners and Managers of Trade Firms by Gender 22 Figure 3. Type of Services Provided by Customs Brokers 22 Figure 4. Proportion of Firm Sizes by Gender 23 Figure 5. Size of Business According to the Types of Taxation 23 Figure 6. Distribution of Age of Traders by Gender 24 Figure 7. Distribution of Age of Customs Brokers 24 Figure 8. Number of Years Traders Have Been Engaged in Cross-border Trade by Gender 24 Figure 9. Level of Education of Traders by Gender 24 Figure 10. Proportion of Traders Self-identified as Having Functional Difficulties 25 Figure 11. Proportion of Traders Self-identifying as Belonging to an Ethnic Minority Group by Gender 25 Figure 12. Proportion of Customs Brokers Self-identifying as Belonging to an Ethnic Minority Group 25 Figure 13. Marital Status of Traders by Gender 25 Figure 14. Marital Status of Customs Brokers 26 Figure 15. Proportion of Traders Who Have Caretaking Responsibilities by Gender 26 Figure 16. Proportion of Traders Whose Ability to Trade across Borders Affected by Caretaking Responsibilities by Gender 26 Figure 17. Proportion of Trade Firms That Are Members of a Trade/Industry Association by Gender 26 Figure 18. Proportion of Customs Brokers That Are Members of a Trade/Industry Association 27 Figure 19. Membership in Trade/Industry Association by Trade Firm Size 27 Figure 20. Reasons Why Trade Firms Are Not Members of a Trade/Industry Association by Gender 27 Figure 21. Weekly Workload of Traders by Gender 28 Figure 22. Main Source of Finance for Traders to Finance Their Business by Gender 28 Figure 23. Main Source of Finance for Customs Brokers to Finance Their Business by Gender 29 Figure 24. Proportion of Importing and Exporting Trade Firms by Gender 29 Figure 25. Import Origins for Trade Firms by Gender 30 Figure 26. Import Origins for Trade Firms by Firm Size 30 Figure 27. Imported Goods Handled by Customs Brokers by Geographic Location 31 Figure 28. Main Products Imported by Trade Firms by Gender 31 Figure 29. Sectors for Which Customs Brokers Provide Import Service 32 Figure 30. Export Destinations of Trade Firms by Gender 32 Figure 31. Export Destination of Goods Handled by Customs Brokers 32 Figure 32. Main Goods That Trade Firms Export by Gender 33 Figure 33. Sectors in Which Customs Brokers Provide Export Service 33 Figure 34. Frequency of Trading for Trade Firms by Gender 33 Figure 35. Proportion of Trade Firms That Use Airport and Land Posts by Gender 34 Figure 36. Use of Customs Brokers by Trade Firms and Gender 34 Figure 37. Use of Customs Brokers by Trade Firms and Firm Size 35 Figure 38. Reasons for Hiring Intermediaries by Trade Firms and Gender 35 Figure 39. Reasons for Not Using Intermediaries by Trade Firms and Gender 36 Figure 40. Familiarity of Traders with AEO Program by Gender 36 Figure 41. Awareness of Trade Firms about the Existence of the NTFC by Gender 37 Figure 42. Awareness of Trade Firms about the Existence of the NTFC by Firm Size 37 Figure 43. Perception of Working Hours Convenience for Traders by Gender 38 6 Figure 44. Proportion of Traders That Face Difficulties When Looking for Information on Official Regulations and Procedures Related to Border Processes and Procedures by Gender 39 Figure 45. Proportion of Traders That Face Difficulties When Looking for Information on Official Regulations and Procedures Related to Border Processes and Procedures by Ethnicity 39 Figure 46. Proportion of Traders That Face Difficulties When Looking for Information on Official Regulations and Procedures Related to Border Processes and Procedures by Firm Size 39 Figure 47. Proportion of Customs Brokers That Face Difficulties When Looking for Information on Official Regulations and Procedures Related to Border Processes and Procedures 40 Figure 48. Types of Difficulties Faced by Traders When Looking for Information on Official Regulations and Procedures by Gender 40 Figure 49. Sources for Finding Information on Official Regulations and Procedures by Traders by Gender 41 Figure 50. Sources for Finding Information on Official Regulations and Procedures by Traders by Firm Size 41 Figure 51. Sources for Customs Brokers for Finding Information on Official Regulations and Procedures 42 Figure 52. Proportion of Traders Who Use Government Enquiry Points for Trade-Related Questions by Gender 42 Figure 53. Way of Submitting Enquiries by Traders by Gender 43 Figure 54. Experience of Traders When Using Government Enquiry Points 43 Figure 55. Proportion of Customs Brokers Who Use Government Enquiry Points for Trade-Related Questions 43 Figure 56. Proportion of Trade Firms Who Are Regularly/Not Regularly Consulted on Changes to Trade Process/Procedures by Gender 44 Figure 57. Proportion of Customs Brokers Who Are Regularly/Not Regularly Consulted on Changes to Trade Process/Procedures 44 Figure 58. Perception of Trade Firms on Why Business Is Not Regularly Consulted or Does Not Have the Opportunity to Comment on Public Consultations 45 Figure 59. Sources of Consultations on Changes to Official Trade Processes for Trade Firms by Gender 45 Figure 60. Sources of Consultations on Changes to Official Trade Processes for Customs Brokers 46 Figure 61. Perception of Trade Firms That Feedback Is Taken into Consideration by Gender 46 Figure 62. Perception of Customs Brokers That Feedback Is Taken into Consideration 46 Figure 63. Perception of Trade Firms That Believe Border Processes Are Consistently Implemented By Gender 47 Figure 64. Perception of Customs Brokers That Border Processes Are Consistently Implemented 47 Figure 65. Perception of Which Processes Are Not Consistently Implemented by Trade Firms by Gender 47 Figure 66. Proportion of Traders Who Pre-declare Shipments by Gender 48 Figure 67. Proportion of Customs Brokers Who Pre-declare Shipments 48 Figure 68. Reasons Why Traders Do Not Pre-declare Shipments by Gender 49 Figure 69. Proportion of Trade Firms That Pre-declare Shipments by Firm Size 49 Figure 70. Perception of Trade Firms on Whether All Trade Documents Can Be Submitted Electronically by Gender 50 Figure 71. Perception of Customs Brokers on Whether All Trade Documents Can Be Submitted Electronically 51 Figure 72. Methods of Paying Official Fees and Charges Related to Border Processes and Procedures by Trade Firms by Gender 52 Figure 73. Methods of Paying Official Fees and Charges Related to Border Processes and Procedures by Customs Brokers 52 Figure 74. Methods of Paying Official Fees and Charges Related to Border Processes and Procedures by Trade Firms by Size 53 Figure 75. Proportion of Trade Firms That Have Had Goods Detained the Last Three Years by Gender 54 Figure 76. Proportion of Trade Firms That Have Had Goods Detained by Customs or other Border Agencies in the Last Three Years by Firm Size 54 Figure 77. Proportion of Trade Firms That Were Promptly Informed When Goods Were Detained by Gender 55 Figure 78. Proportion of Trade Firms That Were Promptly Informed When Goods Were Detained by Firm Size 55 7 Figure 79. Main Reasons Given for Detaining of Goods for Trade Firms by Gender 55 Figure 80. Main Reasons Given to Customs Brokers for Detaining of Goods 56 Figure 81. Perception of Trade Firms That Guidance on How to Make an Official Appeal Is Clear and Easy to Access across Government Entities by Gender 56 Figure 82. Perception of Customs Brokers That Guidance on How to Make an Official Appeal Is Clear and Easy to Access across Government Entities 57 Figure 83. Reasons Why Guidance and Explanations on Penalties and How to Make an Official Appeal Not Clear or Easy to Access across Government Entities for Trade Firms by Gender 57 Figure 84. Effectiveness of Formal Complaint/Grievance Procedures of Trade Firms by Gender 57 Figure 85. Regularity of Visiting the Airport or Border Post by Traders by Gender 58 Figure 86. Regularity of Visiting the Airport or Border Post by Customs Brokers 59 Figure 87. Potential Safety Issues Listed by Traders by Gender 59 Figure 88. Negative Behaviors Experienced by Traders by Gender 60 Figure 89. The Reason Why Such Inappropriate Behavior Has Not Been Reported by Men Traders 61 Figure 90. Perception of the Amenities at the Land Border Post or Airport for Traders by Gender 62 Figure 91. Perception on Public Transport Accessibility for Traders by Gender 62 Figure 92. Proportion of Trade Firms Whose Ability to Undertake Cross-border Trade Has Been Impacted by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and Border Closures with the Kyrgyz Republic or Afghanistan 64 Figure 93. Proportion of Customs Brokers Whose Ability to Undertake Cross-border Trade Has Been Impacted by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and Border Closures with the Kyrgyz Republic or Afghanistan 64 Figure 94. Factors That Impacted Business Ability of Trade Firms by Gender 65 Figure 95. Factors That Impacted Business Ability of Customs Brokers 65 Figure 96. Proportion of Trade Firms Impacted by Pandemic by Gender 66 Figure 97. Effects of the Pandemic on Cross-border Trade Activities of Trade Firms by Gender 66 Figure 98. Effects of the Pandemic on Cross-border Trade Activities of Customs Brokers 67 Figure 99. Barriers to Expand Business to International Markets for Women Traders 68 Figure 100. Barriers to Expand Business to International Markets for Men Traders 68 Figure 101. Barriers to Expand Business to International Markets by Firm Size 69 8 © Nozim Kalandarov/World Bank 9 9 © Nozim Kalandarov/World Bank Executive Summary There is a dearth of research that quantifies the exact nature of challenges women and men cross-border traders face at The WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (WTO TFA) the firm level in Tajikistan. To help fill this gap, the World Bank contains provisions for expediting the movement, Group undertook a survey of 401 cross-border trade firms and release, and clearance of goods, including goods in 31 customs brokers.23 To supplement the quantitative part of the transit. The TFA sets out measures for customs com- research, the study also included four focus group discussions pliance issues and for effective cooperation between with traders, six key informant interviews, and technical visits of customs and other appropriate authorities on trade three border crossing points and one airport. The survey largely facilitation. Trade facilitation measures can help to focused on areas related to the World Trade Organization’s Trade reduce transaction costs to import and export with Facilitation Agreement (WTO TFA), while also researching the simplified, transparent trade procedures. The TFA impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, conflicts in the region, trans- is particularly important for countries striving to port issues, and safety and security at the borders. increase exports and overall trade and to strengthen domestic economic activity. This report presents the findings and recommendations of the study undertaken in Tajikistan between March and November 2022. Independence tests have been undertaken using chi- square statistical test and Fisher’s test for two-by-two tables that do not meet the assumptions of the Chi-square test due to small sample size. Profile of Surveyed Trade Firms in Tajikistan: ◾ A large majority of firms trading across borders are led ◾ Fewer women (26 percent) than men (31 percent) are by men (87 percent compared to 13 percent women-led members of industry/trade associations. The likelihood firms).24 of membership in a trade/industry association correlates ◾ Around 80  percent of traders are importers, and the with the size of the firm: 61 percent of large firms are mem- majority of trade firms import goods beyond Central Asia bers of a trade/industry associations compared to only (51 percent of men-led and 61 percent of women-led). 15 percent of micro firms.25 ◾ There are considerably fewer married women-led ◾ Fewer women traders (80 percent) work full time (40 (78  percent) than married men-led firms (98  percent). or more hours per week) compared to their men counter- parts (87 percent of men). 23  Trade firms are legally registered firms that are engaged in import, export, 24  The target respondents for this study were either owners or top managers of and/or transit of goods from/to different countries, excluding state-owned trade firms. Depending on the gender identification of the respondent (woman/ enterprises. Customs brokers are formally registered professionals who provide man), the firm is defined as women- or men-led firm. “Owner” refers to 51 percent cross-border trade services and can operate as representatives of trade firms. or more of the shareholding in the business, and “top manager” refers to the highest position in the business with the decision-making authority, for example, CEO, manager, or director. Since most of the men and women respondents inter- viewed are managers of firms, and there were just a handful of women owners, the study is reporting both owners and managers in an aggregated form. 25  In this survey, firm size levels are micro (1–4 employees), small (5–19 employ- ees), medium (20– 99 employees), and large (100 employees and above). 11 The challenges identified through the survey responses can be categorized into two main categories: (A) challenges that are common to both women and men traders and customs brokers, and (B) gender-specific challenges:26 Thirty-eight percent of trade firms, regardless of gender, reported their businesses’ ability to trade was impacted by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Forty-five percent of customs brokers also named Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as a major factor affecting their ability to undertake cross-border trade. The majority of men- and Although Tajikistan has women-led firms and cus- implemented a Single Win- toms brokers reported that dow system, more than their businesses have been 50 percent of trade firms and Common impacted by the pandemic (74 percent of men-led firms, 42 percent of customs bro- kers reported that they still challenges for all 71  percent of women-led firms, and 71 percent of cus- have to submit both paper and electronic forms and firms and customs toms brokers). documents to customs. brokers Most trade firms do not pre-declare their shipments to cus- toms prior to arrival — 89  percent of women-led firms and 85 percent of men-led firms. The larger the firm, the more likely it would pre-declare its shipments, with 14  percent of large firms pre-declaring compared to only 6 percent of micro firms. Among customs brokers, 29 percent of them pre-declare prior to arrival of shipments. 26  Due to the low number of customs brokers that participated in the survey, a gender-disaggregated analysis for customs brokers was not feasible. 12 Most traders find that border Fewer women-led firms processes are consistently (34 percent) than men-led implemented by border firms (51 percent) reported officials, though fewer that guidance and expla- women-led firms have this nations on penalties and perception (85  percent of official appeal processes women-led versus 91  per- are clear and easy to access cent of men-led firms). across government entities. Awareness of the National Trade Facilitation Committee (NTFC), known as the Coordinating Committee on Facilitation of Trade Procedures (CCFTP), is very low in Tajikistan—only 7 percent of women-led firms and 14 percent of men-led firms know that this entity exists. The larger the size of the firm, the Gender-specific greater the chance that they are aware of the NTFC. challenges for Significantly fewer women Among traders that face trade firms traders (26 percent) com- pared to men traders difficulties finding informa- tion, more women than men (42  percent) stated that stated that official websites their business is con- are not user-friendly (75 per- sulted regularly or has the cent of women traders ver- opportunity to comment sus to 41  percent of men) Significantly more women traders are unsatisfied with the on public consultations and that the information is amenities provided at the land border posts or airports. Lack regarding changes to offi- not centralized (62  percent of access to the internet (43 percent of women traders ver- cial trade processes and of women traders versus sus 30 percent of men), unhygienic toilet facilities (36 percent procedures. 44 percent of men). of women versus 18 percent of men), and lack of adequate resting rooms and private space for mothers (36 percent of women versus 10 percent of men) were cited as reasons for A larger share of women traders Most traders do not this lack of satisfaction. (69  percent) rely on personal/ use public trans- company savings to finance their port for travel to the business compared to their men border post or air- More women reported that Most trade firms are not counterparts (53  percent). More port (71  percent of caretaking responsibilities familiar with the Authorized men traders (26  percent) com- men and 79  percent affect their ability to trade Economic Operator program pared to women traders (20 per- of women). Most of (12 percent of those women (88  percent of women-led cent) use official bank loans. those who still use with caretaking responsi- and 95 percent of men-led public transport think bilities compared to 4 per- firms). it is too expensive. cent of men). Less than 15 percent of traders use govern- No women traders reported experiencing inappropriate behavior at land ment enquiry points for trade-related ques- border posts or airports they most frequently visit, while 9 percent of men tions, and fewer women than men have reported it to be an issue.27 The most typical transgressions reported by used them (10  percent versus 15  percent, the men that have experienced harassment are verbal abuse and threats respectively). (6 percent), intimidation (2 percent), and physical violence (1 percent). 27  This study treats the findings on sexual and other types of harassment with caution since the telephone format of interviews does not usually allow interviewers to establish a rapport with the respondents to discuss issues of this sensitive nature; therefore, significant underreporting is expected. 13 © UN Women Tajikistan Summary of Key Recommendations These recommendations primarily aim at government agencies charged with promoting international trade and economic devel- opment in Tajikistan. Initial findings demonstrate an opportunity to improve the design of trade interventions to better address the needs of all traders and customs brokers, and women in particular, for example, by: Expediting the full and effective Reviewing and publicizing official implementation of the WTO TFA, grievance procedures in a clear considering specific challenges and easy-to-access manner. of the COVID-19 pandemic and This includes reviewing and identifying gaps in regional conflicts. the existing process, involving stakeholders in the review process, making the procedures easily accessible and The government should continue to monitor and assess the publicizing them widely online and in print, and training officials implementation of the National Trade Facilitation Roadmap on the proper handling of grievances. and the Mid-term Customs Development Program of the Republic of Tajikistan for 2020–2024. The progress should be publicly available. Strengthening and promoting electronic declaration systems. Strengthening and Removing the need for paper copies and promoting the NTFC. ensuring traders know that they can submit documentation via electronic platforms to Enhancing the NTFC’s action plan to include customs and other border agencies are critical to reduce both a detailed communications strategy to raise trade costs and time. awareness of the NTFC’s existence is critical. The NTFC should continue strengthening partnerships with the private sector and incorporating feedback from a diverse Improving infrastructure set of firms when designing trade facilitation reforms. services at border crossings. The government should thoroughly assess Improving access to official existing infrastructure at all border posts and border regulations and develop a long-term infrastructure plan that procedures. outlines specific measures and activities to improve border infra- structure, including timelines and funding sources. The government should continue enhancing existing platforms, such as the Trade Infor- mation Portal, the Single Window, and border signage at bor- Recruiting more women staff der control posts (BCPs), to ensure these are user friendly and and improving staff working provide up-to-date information from all border agencies. Enquiry conditions at customs and points should be promoted among traders as a source for other border agencies. trade-related information, and information on how to access Development of a gender-sensitive recruitment strategy that the enquiry points should be available on the Trade Informa- actively targets and encourages women to apply for roles in bor- tion Portal, Single Window website, customs and other border der agencies, increasing visibility of female role models, and offer- agencies’ websites, and at border posts. ing flexible working arrangements are critical steps to enhance women’s representation across staff in all border agencies. Enhancing formal and regular government consultations Increasing access to trade finance. between the government and This can be done by reducing bureaucratic the private sector, especially barriers and creating a more transparent women-led businesses. and predictable regulatory environment, estab- The consultation mechanism should be accompanied by an lishing trade finance facilities, and exploring a efficient communication strategy to ensure that the trade deeper partnership with the International Finance Corporation community and all customs brokers are aware of any pro- (IFC) trade finance team. posals for laws and regulations or suggested amendments to these. Section II of the report provides detailed analyses on the identified findings, and section III provides more details for each of the recommendations listed above. 15 © Gennadiy Ratushenko/World Bank 1  Summary of the Methodology and Limitations The study employed mixed methods to combine qualitative telephone. For customs brokers, the full population of 41 cus- and quantitative data collection and analyses. The following toms brokers registered in the Registry of Customs Brokers four research methods were used: between 2017 and 2020 were approached for the survey, of which 31 were surveyed (14 women and 17 men). ◾ A survey on trade facilitation and gender involving inter- views with 401 trade firms and 31 customs brokers was con- ◾ Four focus group discussions (FGDs) with informal29 and ducted between October and November 2022. The survey formal traders (12 women and 12 men) engaged in cross- was designed to identify common and gender-specific trade border trade were held in three regions of Tajikistan: Sughd and barriers experienced by firm-level cross-border traders and Khatlon regions and the city of Dushanbe. This qualitative customs brokers in Tajikistan. A simple random sampling (SRS)28 component provided deeper insights into some of the common method was adopted to sample trade firms from the master and gender-specific challenges of cross-border trade and list of all registered (formal) firms engaged in cross-border helped the researchers to interpret some of the survey results trade during 2020–2021 provided by the Tajikistan Customs by using a “triangulation approach,” that is, validating data authorities. The master list of trade firms contained a total of through cross-verification of quantitative and qualitative 2,472 cross-border traders out of which a random sample sources to help produce a fuller understanding of the gender of 650 firms was drawn. The survey successfully interviewed dimensions of cross-border trade. The FGDs were conducted 340 men-owned/led and 61 women-owned/led trade firms by in May to June 2022. QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH TOPICS COVERED TELEPHONE SURVEY ■ Demographic and business Cross-border Trade Firms Customs Brokers profile ■ Challenges caused by external factors, such as border closures 61 and COVID-19 pandemic women-led ■ Trade faciliation-related challenges in the context of WTO 17 TFA women 14 ■ Safety and security challenges men 340 at the borders men-led ■ Main challenges to expanding business QUALITATIVE RESEARCH DEEPER INSIGHTS into common and FOCUS GROUP DISCUSSIONS gender-specific challenges of 24 traders (12 women and 12 men) cross-border trade REVIEW of the accessibility and FIELD VISITS IN-DEPTH INTERVIEWS safety provisions of the customs 3 border control offices (and services), customer posts and 1 airport Women Chamber of feedback mechanisms, and the 2 customs 2 customs and 37 individual Business Commerce current customs services provided brokers officers interviews at Association and Industry in digitized form visited locations 28  The SRS is a probability sampling technique in which all the elements in 29  Informal traders in this report refers to traders who are not registered, do the target population have an equal probability of being selected regardless of not have a license to trade, or simply trade in small quantities that are exempt other known characteristics/stratifications of the elements. from certain regulatory requirements. They are often also referred to as small- scale traders. 17 ◾ In-depth interviews with two customs brokers, two cus- The study acknowledges the following limitations: toms officers, and representatives of the Women Business Association and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry were ◾ Challenges in fulfilling the sample size of trade firms and conducted between July 5–11, 2022. Like FGDs, these inter- customs brokers for the interview were encountered due to views complemented the quantitative part of the research nonresponse and inaccurate contact information in the popu­ and provided a more holistic view of the trading environment lation list from which the sample was drawn. Sample weights in Tajikistan. were applied to eliminate any biases arising from nonresponse. ◾ Field visits to three border control posts (BCPs) and the ◾ Due to the low number of customs brokers that partici- Dushanbe International Airport were conducted in August pated in the survey, a gender-disaggregated analysis for cus- 2022. The three BCPs were the Dusti BCP in the Tursunzade toms brokers was not feasible. District, the Fotekhobod-Oybek BCP in the Matchoh District, and the Patar BCP in the Kanibadam District. The BCPs were ◾ The study only focused on identifying challenges to the selected to gather information on the conditions at different cross-border trade of goods and not services. types of border posts along the Uzbekistan border. These visits aimed to review the accessibility and safety provisions ◾ The survey only captured the views of formal traders. of the customs offices (and services), customer feedback Although the study held two focus group discussions with mechanisms, and current customs services provided in digi- informal traders, it did not present their findings due to the tized form, as well as to recommend changes in relation to all inability to draw any conclusions regarding the wider group the above findings. The researchers conducted 37 individual of informal traders in the country. interviews with traders crossing on foot (2), customs officers/ inspectors (16), customs supervisors (4), representatives of ◾ The use of binary categories of “men” and “women” adopted other border agencies (12), drivers (2), and customs brokers by the study may not capture the full diversity of gendered (1) at different locations. The visits yielded rich visual obser- experiences in cross-border trade. While the questionnaire vations, further enhancing the researchers’ understanding of included nonbinary categories for gender identification, none the trade-related challenges. of the respondents chose those options. 18 © UN Women Tajikistan 19 © UN Women Tajikistan 2  Study Findings The survey findings are presented in four parts. Part A pro- bank loans to finance their trade activities. Also, there vides an overview of the demographics of the cross-border are considerably fewer married women than mar- traders and the trade profile of the trade firms and customs ried men cross-border traders, potentially indicating brokers; part B dives deeper into the trade facilitation–specific that the household and care burden could be keep- findings in the context of the World Trade Organization’s Trade ing some women from engaging in trade activities. Facilitation Agreement (WTO TFA), as well as other findings This finding is in line with other global and Tajikistan- related to conducting cross-border trade (such as safety specific research on women’s time poverty and its and security); part C presents the impact of recent chal- implications for paid work. For example, in rural Tajik- lenges caused by external factors, such as Russia’s inva- istan, women spend about seven hours per day on sion of Ukraine and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on household and care responsibilities versus 40  min- cross-border trade; and part D highlights the main obstacles utes for men, while men dedicate three times as much to expanding business internationally. time as women on paid labor.30 Women traders come from more ethnically diverse backgrounds compared All figures and percentages are rounded to the nearest whole to their men counterparts. In terms of functional diffi- number. The survey of trade firms employed a simple random culties, very few traders and brokers self-identified as sampling method, which is a probability sampling technique. having them regardless of gender.31 The survey findings have therefore been generalized to the entire population of trade firms. Further, independence tests have been undertaken using chi-square statistical testing. ◾ Only 13 percent of all registered firms that are engaged in cross-border trade are owned or managed by women (see Figure 1). The striking gender disparity in women’s par- A. Respondents’ ticipation in top management and ownership of trading firms is in line with similar enterprise-level data (both trading and Demographics and non-trading) collected by the World Bank Enterprise Survey in 2019, which found that 7 percent of firms have a female top Business Profile manager and 23 percent of firms have female participation in ownership in Tajikistan.32 Profile of Traders and Customs Brokers Figure 1. Share of Respondents by Gender, Trade Firms33 Trade Firms Most firms engaged in international trade in Tajikistan are owned or managed by men. Even though numeri- 13% cally more men-led firms are involved in cross-border trade, their intragroup demographic characteristics are largely similar. Women traders, however, differ from men traders by the size of their businesses and sources of finance. More women, for example, operate micro businesses, use personal/company savings for trade 87% activities, and do not join professional associations to the same extent as men. In comparison, more men lead or own small, medium, and large firms and rely on Women Men 30   ADB (Asian Development Bank). 2020. Women’s Time Use in Rural Tajikistan. Manila: ADB. Accessed February 1, 2023. https://dx.doi.org/10.22617/ TCS200167-2. 31  Functional difficulties include physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory diffi- culties that may impede the ability to engage in cross-border trade. 32  World Bank. 2019. World Bank Enterprise Surveys: Tajikistan 2019. Washington, DC: World Bank. 33  Figures 1-101 are based on the data collected and analyzed through the survey. 21 ◾ The study interviewed owners and top managers Figure 2. Proportion of Owners and Managers of (or “traders” hereinafter) of firms participating in cross- Trade Firms by Gender border trade. Of the men respondents, 21 percent are owners 100% (72 firms), 72 percent are managers (245 firms), and 7 percent 84% 80% 72% are both owners and managers (23 firms). In comparison, fewer women respondents are owners (10 percent or 6 firms) 60% while a larger share of women respondents are top managers 40% (84 percent or 51 firms), and 7 percent (4 firms) are both owned 21% and managed by women (see Figure 2).34 20% 10% 7% 7% 0% ◾ The study also surveyed 31 customs brokers, of which Majority shareholder CEO/director/ Both owner (owner) top manager and CEO/director/ 14 were women. Of the services provided by customs brokers, top manager all of them provide services related to customs transactions to clear goods, such as legal services, filing of paperwork, and Women Men insurance. About 50 percent of customs brokers also assist traders with payments of official fees and duties/tariffs, and up to 40 percent of them provide other types of services, such as freight forwarding and warehousing (see Figure 3). Figure 3. Type of Services Provided by Customs Brokers 100% 100% 80% 52% 60% 39% 39% 40% 20% 0% Customs transactions to clear Payment of official Freight forwarding Warehousing goods (e.g., legal services, fees and duties/tariffs (transport) (storage) filing of paperwork, insurance) 34  This finding is significant at a 99 percent confidence level. 22 ◾ A larger share of women traders than men lead or own Figure 4. Proportion of Firm Sizes by Gender micro firms (36  percent versus 29  percent), while more 100% men lead or own small, medium, and large firms compared 90% to women (see Figure 4). 80% ◾ Most firms are small taxpayers with an income of fewer 70% than 25 million somoni (US$2.3 million), working under 60% the general taxation system, or are small business enti- 50% ties.35 However, slightly fewer women-led firms (8 percent) 36% 36% 40% 33% compared to men-led firms (13 percent) are large taxpayers 29% 28% 30% 25% with an income over 25 million somoni (see Figure 5). 20% 7% 8% 10% 0% Micro (1–5 Small (6–19 Medium Large (100 employees) employees) (20–99 employees employees) and above) Women Men Figure 5. Size of Business According to the Types of Taxation 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 49% 49% 50% 40% 34% 33% 30% 20% 13% 8% 8% 10% 2% 4% 0% 0% Small business entity Agricultural Taxation under the Large taxpayers Prefer not to answer (with income up to producers/processors general system (with income over 1 million somoni) (single tax) (with income at or 25 million somoni) above 1 million somoni, but less than 25 million somoni) Women Men 35  25,000,000 somoni is equivalent to US$2,306,060 as of February 23, 2023, based on the official exchange rate of the National Bank of Tajikistan. 23 ◾ Most traders are between 35–59 years old. Almost 80 per- ◾ Compared to men traders, more women traders have cent of women and 70  percent of men traders are in this more than 10 years of experience in cross-border trade age category. One significant gender difference is there are (see Figure 8). more younger men traders between 25–34 years old (22 per- cent) compared to women traders in the same age category (16 percent) (see Figure 6).36 Figure 8. Number of Years Traders Have Been Engaged in Cross-border Trade by Gender 100% Figure 6. Distribution of Age of Traders by Gender 90% 100% 80% 80% 70% 60% 60% 60% 54% 46% 50% 46% 40% 33%35% 35% 40% 22% 40% 20% 16% 8% 30% 3% 0% 2% 0% 20% Up to 24 25–34 35–44 45–59 Over 60 10% Women Men 0% Less than 10 years More than 10 years ◾ Like traders, most customs brokers are between Women Men 35–59 years old (84 percent). There are no brokers younger than 25 years old and only 10 percent are younger than 34 ◾ More women traders (92  percent) have a university- (see Figure 7). level degree compared to men traders (85 percent) (see Figure 9). All those who work as customs brokers, both men and women, have higher education at the university level. Figure 7. Distribution of Age of Customs Brokers 100% 90% Figure 9. Level of Education of Traders by Gender 80% 100% 92% 70% 85% 60% 52% 80% 50% 40% 32% 60% 30% 20% 40% 10% 6% 10% 0% 20% 7% 10% 25–34 35–44 45–59 Over 60 5% 0% 2% 0% 0% Women Men Elementary school High school College (vocational) University 36  This finding is significant at a 99 percent confidence level. 24 ◾ The share of traders who self-identified as having func- Figure 12. Proportion of Customs Brokers Self-identifying tional difficulties (physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory) as Belonging to an Ethnic Minority Group is small (2 percent of women and 4 percent of men) (see Fig- 100% ure 10). Among customs brokers, 3 percent self-identified as 90% having functional difficulties. 90% 80% Figure 10. Proportion of Traders Self-identified as Having 70% Functional Difficulties 60% 100% 50% 80% 40% 60% 30% 40% 20% 20% 2% 4% 10% 0% 3% 3% 3% Women Men 0% Tajik Uzbek Russian Other ◾ Women are more diverse in ethnic composition. Seven- teen percent of women traders self-identified as belonging ◾ Most traders reported to be married, but the share of to an ethnic minority compared to 8 percent of men traders married women is lower than men (78 percent of married (see Figure 11). Most customs brokers (90 percent) are ethnic women compared to 98  percent of married men traders). Tajiks (see Figure 12). Twelve percent of women traders have never been married compared to only 1 percent of men traders (see Figure 13). This may indicate that married women find it harder than men to Figure 11. Proportion of Traders Self-identifying as juggle their disproportionate level of household and caregiving Belonging to an Ethnic Minority Group by Gender tasks with their paid work. Of those who reported having care- taking responsibilities, 12 percent of women traders compared 100% 92% to only 4  percent of men traders reported that caretaking 90% 83% responsibilities affected their ability to trade across borders (see Figure 16).37 A similar trend is observed among customs 80% brokers: 84 percent of them are married (see Figure 14). 70% 60% 50% Figure 13. Marital Status of Traders by Gender 98% 40% 100% 90% 30% 78% 80% 20% 70% 60% 10% 5% 7% 5% 7% 1% 0% 50% 0% 40% Tajik Uzbek Russian Other Prefer not 30% to answer 20% 12% 10% 7% 3% Women Men 1% 0% 0% Single (never Married Separated or Widowed married) divorced Women Men 37  This finding is significant at a 99 percent confidence level. 25 Figure 14. Marital Status of Customs Brokers Figure 16. Proportion of Traders Whose Ability to Trade 100% across Borders Affected by Caretaking Responsibilities by Gender 90% 84% 100% 4% 80% 12% 12% 70% 80% 15% 60% 60% 50% 40% 84% 40% 74% 30% 20% 20% 6% 6% 0% 10% 3% Women Men 0% Yes Single (never Married Separated or Widowed married) divorced No, I have help at home with these responsibilities (both paid and unpaid help) No, I handle these responsibilities outside of my business hours ◾ More than 50  percent of traders have caretaking ◾ Only about one-third of surveyed firms are members responsibilities; however, most of them report that these of trade/industry associations (26 percent of women and responsibilities do not affect their ability to trade across 31 percent of men) (see Figure 17). Most customs brokers are borders. Nonetheless, 12  percent of women traders com- also not members of trade/industry associations (see Figure 18). pared to only 4 percent of men traders reported that care- taking responsibilities affected their ability to trade across borders (See Figure 15 and Figure 16). 38 Figure 15. Proportion of Traders Who Have Caretaking Figure 17. Proportion of Trade Firms That Are Members Responsibilities by Gender of a Trade/Industry Association by Gender 100% 100% 90% 90% 80% 80% 54% 74% 70% 56% 69% 70% 60% 60% 50% 50% 40% 40% 30% 31% 44% 46% 30% 26% 20% 10% 20% 0% 10% Women Men 0% No Yes Member of an Not a member of an association association Women Men 38  This finding is significant at a 99 percent confidence level. 26 Figure 18. Proportion of Customs Brokers That Are Figure 19. Membership in Trade/Industry Association Members of a Trade/Industry Association by Trade Firm Size 100% 90% 80% 39% 26% 70% 59% 70% 60% 85% 50% 40% 74% 30% 61% 20% 41% 30% 10% 15% 0% Members Not members Micro (1–5 Small (6–19 Medium Large employees) employees) (20–99 (100 employees employees) and above) Member of an association Not a member of an association ◾ The likelihood of membership in a trade/industry asso- ◾ Among firms that are not members of associations, ciation correlates with the size of the firm: 61 percent of almost one-half of traders (48  percent of men-led and the large firms are members of a trade/industry associa- 44 percent of women-led) are not aware of the existence tion compared to only 15 percent of micro firms (see Fig- of trade or industry-specific associations. However, 21 per- ure 19).39 This trend might explain some gender differences cent of men-led and 22 percent of women-led firms believe in membership, as more women than men are concentrated that their business does not need the networking opportuni- among micro firms while more men lead larger firms. ties (see Figure 20). Figure 20. Reasons Why Trade Firms Are Not Members of a Trade/Industry Association by Gender My business is not aware of any business or trade/industry 44% associations 48% 22% The business does not need the networking opportunities 21% 9% It is not necessary 9% 9% The business can access the information needed elsewhere 9% 7% My business’ voice is heard even if it is not a member 8% 4% Other 1% 4% Newly established company 5% 2% Small company 3% 2% Membership fees are too high 2% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Women Men Note: This was a multiple-choice question and more than one answer could be chosen, so totals may exceed 100. 39  This finding is significant at a 99 percent confidence level. 27 ◾ Gender differences exist in the work schedules of Figure 21. Weekly Workload of Traders by Gender traders: fewer women traders (80  percent) work full- 100% time (40 or more hours per week) compared to their men 87% 80% counterparts (87 percent of men) (see Figure 21). Eighty- 80% four percent of customs brokers also work full-time. 60% ◾ A larger share of women traders (69 percent) rely on 40% personal/company savings to finance their business com- pared to their men counterparts (53 percent). More men 20% 20% 13% traders (26 percent) compared to women traders (20 percent) 0% 0% use official bank loans. Other sources of finances are rarely 0% used (see Figure 22). Full-time Part-time Seasonally (40 or more hours (less than 40 hours per week) per week) Women Men Figure 22. Main Source of Finance for Traders to Finance Their Business by Gender 69% Personal/company savings 53% 20% Official bank loan 26% 7% Advance payment 10% 3% Other 3% 2% Relatives/friends 6% Equity financing (e.g., venture capital, 0% angel investors, public offering) 1% 0% Other loans (including microloans)/grants 1% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Women Men Note: This was a multiple-choice question and more than one answer could be chosen, so totals may exceed 100. 28 ◾ Customs brokers also actively use their personal or Import and Export Activity company savings to finance their business. Another popular source of finance for customs brokers is payment in advance by clients (see Figure 23). Tajikistan’s trade profile is dependent on imports, and it is reflected in the survey results: most trade firms are importers.40 Women-led firms dominate Figure 23. Main Source of Finance for Customs Brokers the importation of mineral, plastic, and rubber prod- to Finance Their Business by Gender ucts41 from beyond Central Asia, such as Russia, 100% China, Türkiye and the United Arab Emirates, while 90% more men-led firms import animal and vegeta- 80% ble products, beverages, and machinery, vehicles, 70% and arms. As for exports, more women-led firms com- 60% pared to men-led firms export their goods only to Cen- 50% tral Asian countries, such as Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz 39% Republic, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, compared 40% 26% to the majority of men-led firms that export beyond 30% 23% Central Asia. Most commonly, women-led firms deal 20% 6% with exports of textile and footwear, and they almost 10% 3% 3% exclusively trade collectors’ pieces, antiques, and 0% miscellaneous manufactured goods. Men-led firms Official Other Personal/ Payment Refused Other mainly export animal and vegetable products and bank loan loans company in (including savings advance beverages. Regardless of gender, most trade firms microloans)/ and customs brokers engage in international trade grants through land border posts rather than airports. Note: This was a multiple-choice question and more than one answer could be chosen, so totals may exceed 100. ◾ Around 80  percent of traders are importers, whereas 12 percent of women-led trade firms and 11 percent of men-led trade firms both import and export, and the remaining 8 and 10 percent specialize in exports, respectively (see Figure 24). Figure 24. Proportion of Importing and Exporting Trade Firms by Gender 100% 90% 80% 79% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 12% 11% 10% 8% 10% 0% Export & Import Export Import Women Men 40  According to the Tajikistan Trade Portal (tajtrade.tj), imports of goods were US$4.2 billion in 2021, doubling exports of goods at US$2.1 billion. 41  Product categories are based on the Harmonized System (HS) Codes at the two-digit chapter level. 29 ◾ The majority of trade firms import goods beyond ◾ The most popular origins of imported goods do not differ Central Asia (51  percent of men-led and 61  percent of significantly by trade firm size: about one-half of all firms women-led). Only 23 percent of women-led firms and 27 per- import goods only from beyond Central Asia (58 percent of cent of men-led firms limit their imports from Central Asia large firms, 44 percent of medium firms, 55 percent of small only (Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Turkmenistan, and firms, and 57 percent of micro firms). The share of trade firms Uzbekistan) (see Figure 25).42 importing only within Central Asia (Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan) is relatively similar (26–30 percent) except for large firms for which this share is much smaller—only 12 percent (see Figure 26).43 Figure 25. Import Origins for Trade Firms by Gender 100% 90% 80% 70% 61% 60% 51% 50% 40% 30% 27% 23% 22% 20% 16% 10% 0% Within Central Asia Beyond Central Asia Both within and (Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, (such as Russia/Afghanistan/China/ beyond Central Asia Turkmenistan, And Uzbekistan) Türkiye/United Arab Emirates) Women Men Figure 26. Import Origins for Trade Firms by Firm Size 100% 80% 57% 58% 60% 55% 44% 40% 28% 30% 30% 26% 26% 19% 20% 15% 12% 0% Micro (1–5 employees) Small (6–19 employees) Medium (20–99 employees) Large (100 employees and above) Within Central Asia (Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan) Beyond Central Asia (such as Russia/Afghanistan/China/Türkiye/United Arab Emirates) Both within and beyond Central Asia 42  This finding is significant at a 90 percent confidence level. 43  This finding is significant at a 99 percent confidence level. 30 ◾ Responding to the demand of trade firms, customs bro- Figure 27. Imported Goods Handled by Customs Brokers kers provide their services to import goods mainly from by Geographic Location beyond Central Asia. Ten percent support imports only from 100% within Central Asia, and the same share (10 percent) sup- 90% ports imports both from within and beyond Central Asia (see 80% Figure 27). 80% 70% ◾ Fifty percent of women-led firms and 35  percent of 60% men-led firms import minerals, plastic, and rubber prod- 50% ucts. This category of goods is rather large and includes, for example, products of the chemical industries (pharmaceutical 40% products, fertilizers, soap, cosmetics, paints, explosives, etc.) 30% as well as construction materials (plastering materials, lime, 20% cement), which are important for large-scale construction. 10% 10% A greater share of men-led firms import animal and vegetable 10% products, beverages (30 percent for men versus 16 percent for 0% women) and machinery, vehicles, arms (21 percent of men Within Central Asia Beyond Central Asia Both within and (Kazakhstan, the (such as Russia/ beyond versus 16 percent of women) (see Figure 28). Kyrgyz Republic, Afghanistan/China/ Central Asia Turkmenistan, and Türkiye/United ◾ Forty percent of customs brokers provide import ser- Uzbekistan) Arab Emirates) vices for machinery and vehicles; 30 percent deal with mineral, plastic, and rubber products; and 23  percent with animal and vegetable products and beverages (see Figure 29). Figure 28. Main Products Imported by Trade Firms by Gender 16% Animal and vegetable products, beverages (HS chapters 1–24) 30% Mineral, plastic and rubber products (HS chapters 25–49) 50% 35% Textile and footwear (HS chapters 50–67) 4% 2% Stone, glass, and metals (HS chapters 68–83) 6% 7% 16% Machinery, vehicles, arms (HS chapters 84–93) 21% Artwork, collectors’ pieces, antiques, miscellaneous 7% manufactured articles (HS chapters 94–97) 5% 2% Others 0% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Women Men 31 Figure 29. Sectors for Which Customs Brokers Provide Import Service 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 40% 30% 30% 23% 20% 10% 3% 3% 0% Animal and vegetable Mineral, plastic and Stone, glass, and metals Machinery, vehicles, Artwork, collectors’ pieces, products, beverages rubber products (HS chapters 68–83) arms (HS chapters antiques, miscellaneous (HS chapters 1–24) (HS chapters 25–49) 84–93) manufactured articles (HS chapters 94–97) ◾ Among exporting firms, men-led firms are more actively Figure 31. Export Destination of Goods Handled by engaged in exports beyond Central Asia (56  percent) Customs Brokers compared to only 33 percent of women-led firms. At the 100% same time, the share of women-led firms exporting goods 90% only to Central Asian countries is much higher than men-led firms: 50 percent compared to 19 percent (see Figure 30).44 80% 70% 70% ◾ Most customs brokers provide export services only for 60% goods traded beyond Central Asia (see Figure 31). 50% 40% Figure 30. Export Destinations of Trade Firms by Gender 30% 26% 100% 20% 90% 10% 4% 80% 0% Within Central Asia Beyond Central Asia Both within 70% (Kazakhstan, (such as Russia/ and beyond 60% 56% the Kyrgyz Republic, Afghanistan/China/ Central Asia 50% Turkmenistan, and Türkiye/United 50% Uzbekistan) Arab Emirates) 40% 33% 30% 26% ◾ Stark differences exist in the export profile of goods 19% 20% 17% by gender. The greatest share of women-led firms deals with exports of textile and footwear (33 percent of women compared 10% to 19 percent of men) while the majority of men-led firms export 0% animal and vegetable products and beverages (51  percent of Within Central Asia Beyond Central Asia Both within (Kazakhstan, (such as Russia/ and beyond men versus 17 percent of women). More women-led firms com- the Kyrgyz Republic, Afghanistan/China/ Central Asia pared to men-led firms also export artwork, collectors’ pieces, Turkmenistan, and Türkiye/United antiques, miscellaneous manufactured articles and stone, glass, Uzbekistan) Arab Emirates) and metals (see Figure 32). Women Men 44  This finding is significant at a 99 percent confidence level. 32 Figure 32. Main Goods That Trade Firms Export by Gender 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 51% 50% 40% 33% 30% 17% 17% 19% 17% 17% 20% 16% 9% 10% 6% 0% Animal and vegetable Mineral, plastic and Textile and footwear Stone, glass, and metals Artwork, collectors’ pieces, products, beverages rubber products (HS chapters 50–67) (HS chapters 68–83) antiques, miscellaneous (HS chapters 1–24) (HS chapters 25–49) manufactured articles (HS chapters 94–97) Women Men ◾ Among customs brokers, the largest share offers their ◾ Fewer women-led firms trade more than once a month: services for exports of animal and vegetable products 23 percent of women-led firms compared to 31 percent of and beverages (43  percent). Other customs brokers deal men-led firms. Additionally, 35 percent of women-led firms with machinery and vehicles (26 percent) and mineral, plastic, trade only up to three times a year compared to 24 percent of and rubber products (22 percent). The smallest share export men-led firms who trade this infrequently (see Figure 34).45 textile and footwear (9 percent) (see Figure 33). Almost 90 percent of customs brokers provide their service 4 to 12 times per year. Figure 33. Sectors in Which Customs Brokers Provide Export Service Figure 34. Frequency of Trading for Trade Firms by Gender 100% 100% 90% 90% 80% 80% 70% 70% 60% 60% 50% 43% 50% 45% 42% 40% 40% 35% 31% 30% 26% 30% 24% 22% 23% 20% 20% 9% 10% 10% 0% 0% Animal and Mineral, plastic Textile and Stone, glass, 3 or fewer times 4–12 times More than once a vegetable and rubber footwear and metals per year per year month per year products, products (HS chapters (HS chapters beverages (HS chapters 50–67) 68–83) Women Men (HS chapters 25–49) 1–24) 45  This finding is significant at a 95 percent confidence level. 33 ◾ Around 90 percent of trade firms transport their goods a.  Moving Goods and Use of Intermediaries through land border posts compared to airports. A slightly larger share of women-led firms compared to men-led firms use airports (see Figure 35). More customs brokers, accord- ingly, provide their services at land border crossing posts Customs brokers, freight forwarders, and other agents (84 percent) compared to airports (16 percent). help facilitate customs clearance and other import/ export processes and procedures for traders. These service providers are trained experts, are knowledge- able of trade regulations, and have experience with Figure 35. Proportion of Trade Firms That Use Airport trade supply chains. WTO TFA Article 10.6 stipulates and Land Posts by Gender that measures mandating the use of customs brokers 100% 91% shall not be introduced after February 22, 2017 (the 87% date of the agreement’s entry into force). The use of 90% customs brokers is not mandatory in Tajikistan. 80% 70% 60% 50% Most trade firms, and more women-led firms, use the 40% services of customs brokers. Interestingly, while the 30% use of customs brokers is not mandatory in Tajikistan, 20% 13% 24 percent of women traders and 28 percent of men 9% 10% traders believe that the use of customs brokers is mandated by law. 0% Airport Land border post Women Men ◾ The use of customs brokers is more common among women-led firms: 67 percent of women-led firms traders and 56 percent of men-led firms hire intermediates.46 The largest B. Trade Facilitation– share of firms that use intermediary services are large firms, and the smallest share is micro firms (see Figure 36 and Figure 37). Specific and Other Related Key Findings Figure 36. Use of Customs Brokers by Trade Firms and Gender 100% 90% This section investigates the experiences of trade firms and customs brokers with the cross-border trade processes and 80% procedures in Tajikistan, including whether there are gender 67% 70% differences in their experiences. The findings in this section 56% 60% are presented in the context of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement as well as other topics related to international 50% 44% trade (such as safety and security at the borders). 40% 33% 30% 20% 10% 0% Yes No Women Men 46  This finding is significant at a 95 percent confidence level. 34 Figure 37. Use of Customs Brokers by Trade Firms ◾ The most common reasons for hiring intermediaries and Firm Size for both women and men are that they speed up the pro- 100% cess, provide technical knowledge to address complex procedures/regulations, and an assumption that the use 80% 40% 33% 45% 43% of agents is mandated by law. Interestingly, 24 percent of 60% women traders and 28 percent of men traders believe that 40% the use of customs brokers is mandated by law, when in 60% 67% 55% 57% reality it is not. But when it comes to hiring intermediaries to 20% avoid safety issues at land or air border posts, the share of 0% Micro (1–5 Small (6–19 Medium Large (100 men-led firms doubles compared to women-led firms (see employees) employees) (20–99 employees and Figure 38). employees) above) Yes No ◾ Of the firms that do not hire customs brokers (42 per- cent), 75 percent of women-led firms and 69 percent of men-led firms stated that they do not need such services. More men-led firms than women-led firms stated that cus- toms broker services are not available locally or are too costly to use (see Figure 39). Figure 38. Reasons for Hiring Intermediaries by Trade Firms and Gender 100% 90% 80% 77% 70% 63% 58% 60% 50% 46% 40% 28% 30% 24% 25% 18% 20% 12% 12% 7% 10% 2% 0% They speed up They provide technical It’s cheaper Use of agents is To avoid safety issues at Other the process knowledge to address to use agents mandated by law land or air border posts complex procedures/regulations Women Men Note: This was a multiple-choice question and more than one answer could be chosen, so totals may exceed 100. 35 Figure 39. Reasons for Not Using Intermediaries by Trade Firms and Gender 100% 90% 80% 75% 69% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 14% 15% 9% 10% 5% 6% 5% 6% 0% 0% 1% 0% Too costly No confidence in Not available Don’t need, they I didn’t know Other service providers locally do it themselves about intermediary services Women Men Note: This was a multiple-choice question and more than one answer could be chosen, so totals may exceed 100. b.  Authorized Economic Operator ◾ Most trade firms are not familiar with the Authorized Economic Operator program (88  percent of women-led and 95 percent of men-led firms). None of the surveyed firms reported that their business is an AEO (see Figure 40). According to the World Customs Organization (WCO), an authorized economic operator (AEO) is “a party involved in the international movement of goods in whatever Figure 40. Familiarity of Traders with AEO Program function that has been approved by or on behalf of by Gender a national customs administration as complying with 100% 95% WCO or equivalent supply chain security standards.” 88% 90% WTO TFA Article 7 on Authorized Operators states that 80% each WTO Member shall provide additional trade facil- 70% itation measures to authorized operators who meet 60% certain criteria. 50% 40% Chapter 8 (Article 68) of the Tajikistan Customs Code 30% sets the legal basis for the AEO program in Tajikistan. The AEO was introduced in Tajikistan in January 2, 2020. 20% 12% Article 68(2) of the Customs Code provides details on 10% 5% the conditions of granting AEO status and its privi- 0% leges. Tajikistan does not publish the list of AEO- Yes, but my business No, I am not familiar is not an AEO with the program certified companies. Currently, there is only one company registered as an AEO in Tajikistan. Women Men 36 c.  National Trade Facilitation Committee (NTFC)47 Figure 42. Awareness of Trade Firms about the Existence of the NTFC by Firm Size 100% WTO TFA Article 23 stipulates that each WTO Mem- 90% ber should establish and/or maintain a national com- 80% mittee on trade facilitation or designate an existing 70% mechanism to facilitate domestic coordination and 60% implementation of the WTO TFA. Tajikistan established 91% 86% 84% 86% its National Trade Facilitation Committee (also known 50% as the Coordinating Committee on Facilitation of Trade 40% Procedures [CCFTP]) in December 2016 by Govern- 30% ment Decree #529. The objectives of the CCFTP are 20% to enhance the simplification and harmonization of 10% 16% international trade procedures (including the imple- 9% 14% 14% mentation of the WTO TFA obligations) and to facilitate 0% Micro (1–5 Small (6–19 Medium Large (100 the coordination and collaboration between ministries, employees) employees) (20–99 employees and border regulatory agencies, and the private sector. employees) above) Yes No ◾ Awareness of the NTFC is very low in Tajikistan—only d.  Airport and Land Border Working Hours 7 percent of women-led firms and 14 percent of men-led firms know that such an entity exists (see Figure 41).48 By firm size, awareness of the existence of the NTFC is lowest among micro firms, and bigger firms are slightly more informed about Restrictive working hours at government offices and the committee (see Figure 42).49 The situation with customs bro- facilities can have a negative impact on international kers is slightly better: 36 percent of them are aware of the NTFC. trade and on supply chains. If goods are delayed at borders awaiting physical inspection and clearance, Figure 41. Awareness of Trade Firms about the Existence the increased time to clear goods could adversely of the NTFC by Gender affect the cost of doing business and increase overall trade costs. Additionally, there can be an increased 100% 93% risk of theft and spoilage if goods are not adequately 86% 90% secured or stored while waiting for border clearance. 80% 70% 60% Most traders and customs brokers find that work- 50% ing hours of the airport and land borders are convenient. A small share of men traders find 40% working hours of Tajik or neighboring border 30% posts restrictive due to differing opening hours of bor- 20% 14% der agencies within the country. During the visit to one 7% of the border posts, screening equipment appeared 10% 0% to be non­operational, causing additional delays. The Yes No absence of fast lanes for traders with small consign- ments was also observed. Women Men 47  Coordinating Committee on Facilitation of Trade Procedures: https://tajtrade. tj/menu/2?l=en. 48  This finding is significant at the 95 percent confidence level. 49  This finding is significant at the 90 percent confidence level. 37 ◾ More than 90 percent of trade firms find that the working e.  Access to and Understanding of Official Border hours of the airport and land border posts they use are Regulations and Procedures convenient for their businesses. However, 8 percent of men traders compared to 0  percent of women traders reported inconvenience related to different opening hours at border agencies within the country (see Figure 43). Most customs Accessing and understanding official regulations and brokers also find that the working hours of the airport and land procedures are important for transparency, compliance, border posts they use are convenient for their businesses. and predictability of the trading environment. The pub- lication and dissemination of changes to relevant laws and regulations must be done with sufficient advance Figure 43. Perception of Working Hours Convenience notice and in easy-to-understand language. If traders for Traders by Gender are unaware of new customs rules and regulations, or if they cannot understand them, they may face addi- 100% 100% tional compliance burdens and costs for not properly 91% 90% meeting requirements. WTO TFA Article 1.1–1.2 covers 80% publication and availability of information, including the prompt publication of general trade-related information 70% in a nondiscriminatory and easily accessible manner, 60% as well as publication of practical guides, forms and 50% documents, and relevant trade laws. Article 1.3 further 40% advises that members shall establish or maintain one or 30% more enquiry points to answer reasonable enquiries of 20% governments, traders, and other interested parties. 8% 10% 0% 0% 2% 0% Convenient Restrictive due Restrictive due to different to different opening hours opening hours Regardless of gender, most trade firms appear to not of border agencies at neighboring face any difficulties with finding and understand- within country border posts ing information on official regulations and proce- dures. Nonetheless, BCP visits revealed that many Women Men interviewees were not able to obtain current infor- mation on trade rules and regulations. By firm size, the largest share of firms who reported difficulties ◾ Another important time component to trade is the in finding information is micro firms. As for sources speed of service at the borders. During the border con- for finding trade-related information, more women trol post (BCP) technical visits, it was observed that one of than men traders use official government websites the three visited BCPs did not have screening equipment for and communication to get information, whereas a lot larger vehicles. Therefore, screening of cargo in those vehicles more men traders use officials at airports or borders must be manual, which is time consuming. At one of the posts/enquiry points as a preferred source of finding BCPs, the Rapiscan used for luggage screening was in poor information. Of those who reported having difficulty working condition and appeared to be nonoperational on with finding trade-related information, a significant the second day of the visit. Broken-down machinery causes share of women compared to men stated that official screening delays, which requires traders to spend more time websites are not user-friendly, and that the informa- at the screening points. tion is not centralized. On the other hand, more men than women traders responded that not all agencies ◾ Another potential cause of delay for traders observed have comprehensive information available online during the BCP technical visits is the absence of fast and not all agencies keep information up-to-date. lanes for traders with small consignments of goods. With regards to enquiry points, less than 15 percent of Traders with small consignments share queues with traders traders use government enquiry points for trade-re- with larger consignments and have to wait while larger con- lated questions, and fewer women have used it com- signments requiring longer clearance times are processed. pared to men. Notably a large share of traders do not There is an opportunity to consider expedited processing for believe that enquiry points exist, with a higher prev- traders with small consignments. 50 50  Higgins, Kate. 2012. Gender Dimensions of Trade Facilitation and Logis- tics: A Guidance Note. Washington, DC: World Bank. https://openknowledge. worldbank.org/handle/10986/16973. 38 Figure 45. Proportion of Traders That Face Difficulties alence among women traders. Of those traders who When Looking for Information on Official Regulations and use enquiry points, twice as many women traders Procedures Related to Border Processes and Procedures believe that enquiry points take too long to respond by Ethnicity compared to men. 100% 90% ◾ Ninety percent of traders reported that they don’t face 80% 63% difficulties in finding information on official regulations 70% and procedures. Among those who do have problems with 60% obtaining information, very few under 35 years old face difficul- 90% 89% 50% 100% ties. Gender seems to not be impacting the ability to find infor- mation (see Figure 44). Nonetheless, the interviews held during 40% visits to select borders revealed that many interviewees were 30% not able to obtain current information on trading rules and 38% 20% regulations. In addition, it was reported that information posters at the borders were outdated and difficult to read. 10% 10% 11% 0% Tajik Uzbek Russian Other Figure 44. Proportion of Traders That Face Difficulties Yes No, I have no difficulties in finding information When Looking for Information on Official Regulations and Procedures Related to Border Processes and Procedures by Gender ◾ By firm size, the largest share reporting difficulties in 100% 91% finding information is micro firms. This decreases as firm 87% 90% size increases (see Figure 46). 80% 70% 60% Figure 46. Proportion of Traders That Face Difficulties When Looking for Information on Official Regulations and 50% Procedures Related to Border Processes and Procedures 40% by Firm Size 30% 100% 20% 90% 13% 9% 80% 10% 70% 0% Women Men 60% 89% 90% 91% 93% Yes No, I have no difficulties in finding information 50% 40% 30% ◾ Language barriers can affect the ability to find infor- 20% mation: 38 percent of ethnically Russian traders reported that they face difficulties when looking for information on official 10% 11% 10% 9% 7% regulations and procedures related to border processes and 0% procedures (see Figure 45). The Tajik Trade Portal and Customs Micro (1–5 Small (6–19 Medium Large (100 employees) employees) (20–99 employees and portal both provide information in Tajik, Russian, and English employees) above) languages; however, content in Russian and English does not appear to be updated as often. Yes No, I have no difficulties in finding information 39 ◾ Just like traders, customs brokers usually do not face “There is not enough information, especially difficulties with finding information on official regulations at border crossings, and information and procedures related to border processes and proce- dures. Only 6 percent of them (two respondents) reported that boards should be installed everywhere, with they encounter difficulties (see Figure 47). They cited problems recommendations so that everything is clear at with official government information websites not being user- night. Especially drivers sometimes get lost.” friendly, trade-related information not being centralized, not all CUSTOMS BROKER, DUSHANBE agencies having comprehensive information available online, and not all agencies keeping information up-to-date. Figure 47. Proportion of Customs Brokers That Face ◾ Of the 10 percent of traders who face difficulties finding Difficulties When Looking for Information on Official information on official regulations and procedures, the Regulations and Procedures Related to Border types of difficulties faced differ by gender. A significant share Processes and Procedures of women compared to men stated that official websites are not user-friendly (75 percent of women traders versus to 41 percent 6% of men) and that the information is not centralized (62 percent of women traders versus 44 percent of men). On the other hand, more men than women traders reported that not all agencies have comprehensive information available online (44 percent of men traders versus 25 percent of women) and not all agen- cies keep information up-to-date (50 percent of men traders versus 38 percent of women traders) (see Figure 48). 94% Yes No, I have no difficulties in finding information Figure 48. Types of Difficulties Faced by Traders When Looking for Information on Official Regulations and Procedures by Gender 100% 90% 80% 75% 70% 62% 60% 50% 50% 41% 44% 44% 38% 40% 30% 25% 25% 20% 14% 14% 13% 13% 9% 10% 0% Official Trade-related Not all agencies Not all agencies Most I have access to Other government information is have keep information is online information not centralized comprehensive information online, and I resources, but I websites are information up-to-date don’t have don’t know how not user available online access to online to use them friendly resources Women Men Note: This was a multiple-choice question and more than one answer could be chosen, so totals may exceed 100. 40 ◾ Around one-half of traders use personal networks and ◾ By firm size, the smaller the firm, the more it relies on official government websites as their main sources of personal networks and government officials at airports, information on official regulations and procedures related border posts, or physical enquiry points for finding offi- to border processes. More women than men traders (61 per- cial trade-related information. A big difference is observed cent of women versus 51 percent of men) actively use gov- in using official government websites or official communication ernment sources to get information, whereas a lot more men among different sized firms: only 38 percent of micro firms use traders use officials at airports, border posts, or enquiry points this source compared to 64 percent of large firms (see Figure 50). as a preferred source of finding information (35  percent of Interestingly, almost no traders use trade and industry associa- men versus 20 percent of women) (see Figure 49). tions for information on official regulations and procedures. Figure 49. Sources for Finding Information on Official Regulations and Procedures by Traders by Gender Personal networks, i.e., word of mouth/agents/brokers/ 51% freight forwarders 51% Official government websites or official communication 61% (including trade portals, public manuals, government 51% newsletters, official phone/text messages) 10% Non-government websites, social media 11% Government officials at airports, border posts, or 20% enquiry points 35% 2% Radio/TV/newspapers 4% Trade/industry associations 1% 5% Other 3% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Women Men Note: This was a multiple-choice question and up to two answers could be chosen, so totals may exceed 100. Figure 50. Sources for Finding Information on Official Regulations and Procedures by Traders by Firm Size 100% 90% 80% 70% 64% 59% 60% 56% 55% 51%49% 50% 43% 38% 39% 40% 36% 30% 26% 20% 20% 10% 10% 12% 10% 10% 7% 5% 3% 3% 4% 4% 1% 1% 1% 0% 2% 2% 0% Personal Official government Non-government Government Radio/TV/ Trade/industry Other networks, i.e., websites or official websites, officials at newspapers associations word of mouth/ communication social media airports, border agents/customs (including trade posts, or clearing agents portals, public enquiry points manuals, government newsletters, official phone/text messages) Micro (1–5 employees) Small (6–19 employees) Medium (20–99 employees) Large (100 employees and above) Note: This was a multiple-choice question and more than one answer could be chosen, so totals may exceed 100. 41 Figure 51. Sources for Customs Brokers for Finding Information on Official Regulations and Procedures 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 55% 52% 50% 40% 32% 30% 20% 6% 10% 3% 0% Personal networks, i.e., Official government Government officials at Radio/TV/newspapers Other word of websites or official airports, border posts, or mouth/agents/customs communication enquiry points clearing agents (including trade portals, public manuals, government newsletters, official phone/text messages) Note: This was a multiple-choice question and more than one answer could be chosen, so totals may exceed 100. ◾ Customs brokers actively use official government Figure 52. Proportion of Traders Who Use Government sources for finding trade-related information: 55 percent Enquiry Points for Trade-Related Questions by Gender look for the information on official government websites 100% and 52 percent ask officials at airports, border crossing 90% points, or physical enquiry points (see Figure 51). 80% 70% ◾ Less than 15 percent of traders use government enquiry 60% points for trade-related questions, and fewer women have 48% 51% used them than men (10 percent versus 15 percent) (see 50% 43% Figure 52).51 About one-half of traders stated that their busi- 40% 34% ness has never needed to use the enquiry points, and 43 per- 30% cent of women and 34  percent of men traders believe that 20% 15% 10% enquiry points do not exist. The Law of the Republic of Tajikistan 10% No. 1678 amended and supplemented the Customs Code of the 0% Republic of Tajikistan, providing that all information regarding Yes No, my business No, to my knowledge, the movement of goods across the customs border should be has never needed enquiry points to use the enquiry do not exist posted on the official website of the customs service. A request points for the provision of the necessary information can be submitted both in person and in writing. An in-person request is subject Women Men to consideration by the customs authority on the day of receipt of the said request. When submitting a written request, the answer must be given in writing within 10 days from the date of receipt of the said request. In addition, enquiry points exist in the form of different helplines for each region, as well as electronically via the official customs website. Telephone enquiry points usually work 24/7, and the operational duty service is responsible for answering the helpline. The phone call is recorded and transferred to the leadership of the Cus- toms Service for making an appropriate decision. 51  This finding is significant at a 95 percent confidence level. 42 ◾ Of those who used enquiry points, around 50 percent of ◾ Thirty-two percent of customs brokers use government traders prefer to submit their enquiries in person by visiting enquiry points for trade-related questions. Almost one-half a customs office. More men than women actively use the cus- of customs brokers (45  percent) have never needed to use toms website and more women than men more often visit or call them and 23 percent think they do not exist (see Figure 55). a Customs office (see Figure 53). Figure 55. Proportion of Customs Brokers Who Use Figure 53. Way of Submitting Enquiries by Traders Government Enquiry Points for Trade-Related Questions by Gender 100% 100% 90% 80% 80% 70% 60% 50% 47% 60% 39% 40% 50% 45% 31% 19% 40% 32% 20% 14% 30% 23% 0% 20% In person by Through a By phone visiting a form on the (calling the 10% customs office customs website customs office) 0% Yes No, I have never No, to my Women Men needed to use the knowledge, Note: This was a multiple-choice question and more than one answer could enquiry points enquiry points do be chosen, so totals may exceed 100. not exist ◾ Almost all men traders (94 percent) who used govern- f.  Consultative Mechanisms ment enquiry points consider them helpful and fast com- pared to 50 percent of women traders. Another 50 percent of women traders think that enquiry points take a long time to A mechanism whereby stakeholders are consulted on respond (see Figure 54). any changes to official border processes and procedures can alleviate misinformation regarding planned changes Figure 54. Experience of Traders When Using Government related to their cross-border trade activities and can Enquiry Points improve compliance. Equally important is a consultation mechanism that takes into consideration the feedback 94% 100% provided by stakeholders before any changes are 80% implemented. Article 2.2 of the WTO TFA calls for regular 50% 50% consultations between border agencies, traders, and 60% other stakeholders. Article 2.1 states that stakeholders 40% must be given an opportunity and time to comment on 20% 8% proposals for new or amendments to trade-related 0% 4% regulations and customs law. 0% Enquiry point was Enquiry point took a Other helpful and fast long time to respond Women Men Note: This was a multiple-choice question and more than one answer could be chosen, so totals may exceed 100. 43 Figure 56. Proportion of Trade Firms Who Are Regularly/ Fewer women-led firms than men-led firms are con- Not Regularly Consulted on Changes to Trade Processes/ sulted regularly or have the opportunity to comment Procedures by Gender on public consultations regarding changes to official 100% trade processes and procedures. More women-led 90% firms also have never been consulted or do not know if they have been consulted by the government. When 80% asked about reasons for not being consulted, most 70% men- and women-led firms stated that they are not 60% 54% made aware of these opportunities, and more women 50% 46% also believe that they are not being consulted because 42% their business is too small. Of the trade firms that are 40% regularly consulted, the majority are consulted via 30% 26% government-managed public consultations and think 20% 16% that their feedback is taken into consideration. 10% 10% 3% 2% 0% Never been Not regularly Consulted Don’t know ◾ Significantly fewer women-led firms (26 percent) com- consulted consulted pared to men-led firms (42  percent) stated that their business is consulted regularly or has the opportunity to Women Men comment on public consultations regarding changes to official trade processes and procedures.52 More than one- half of women traders (54 percent) stated that their business Figure 57. Proportion of Customs Brokers Who Are has never been consulted, and 16 percent of women did not Regularly/Not Regularly Consulted on Changes to Trade know whether their business has ever been consulted or had an Processes/Procedures opportunity to comment on public consultations (compared to 100% 46 percent and 2 percent of men, respectively) (see Figure 56). 90% 84% As for customs brokers, only 16 percent of customs brokers are 80% reportedly never consulted while others said they are consulted on a regular basis (see Figure 57). 70% 60% ◾ Almost one-half of trade firms who confirmed that 50% they are not being consulted explained that they have not 40% been made aware of opportunities for consultations. More 30% women-led firms (40  percent) compared to men-led firms 20% 16% (28 percent) also believe that they are not consulted because their business is too small to be part of a consultative process 10% (see Figure 58). 0% No, never Yes 52  This finding is significant at a 99 percent confidence level. 44 Figure 58. Perception of Trade Firms on Why Business Is Not Regularly Consulted or Does Not Have the Opportunity to Comment on Public Consultations 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 54% 53% 50% 40% 40% 28% 30% 20% 10% 10% 8% 10% 6% 6% 3% 3% 3% 0% My business is too My business does My business does My business has If invited, we will Other small to be not have enough not have enough not been made participate consulted expertise time to participate aware of (legal/technical) to opportunities for advocate on issues consultations Women Men Note: This was a multiple-choice question, and more than one answer could be chosen, so totals may exceed 100. ◾ Of the about 40 percent of trade firms who are regu- consulted through this channel). Trade/industry associa- larly consulted, the most common way consultations are tions are a less common source for men-led firms (9 per- undertaken is through general government-managed cent) and especially for women-led firms (6  percent) for public consultations, a notice-and-comment mecha- consultations, reflecting the low level of membership in nism. More men-led firms compared to women-led firms and awareness of such entities (see Figure 59). As for customs use this source—71 percent versus 56 percent. Traders also brokers, 96 percent are consulted through general government reported being consulted through agents and service public consultations and 19 percent through a trade/industry providers (33 percent of the women-led firms are regularly association (see Figure 60). Figure 59. Sources of Consultations on Changes to Official Trade Processes for Trade Firms by Gender 100% 80% 71% 56% 60% 40% 33% 23% 17% 20% 6% 9% 11% 0% Through general government Through agents or service Through a trade/industry Other (customs) managed public providers (customs brokers, association consultations, notice-and- freight forwarders, attorneys, comment mechanism etc.) Women Men Note: This was a multiple-choice question and more than one answer could be chosen, so totals may exceed 100. 45 Figure 60. Sources of Consultations on Changes Figure 61. Perception of Trade Firms That Feedback to Official Trade Processes for Customs Brokers Is Taken into Consideration by Gender 96% 100% 100% 90% 80% 76% 78% 60% 80% 40% 70% 19% 60% 20% 0% 50% Through general government Through a trade/ 40% (customs) managed public industry association consultations, notice-and- 30% comment mechanism 17% 20% Note: This was a multiple-choice question and more than one answer could 11% 11% be chosen, so totals may exceed 100. 7% 10% 0% ◾ Of the trade firms that are consulted, there appears to Feedback taken Feedback NOT taken Not sure into consideration into consideration be a relatively strong perception that their feedback is taken into consideration by the government (78 percent of Women Men men-led trade firms and 76 percent of women-led firms). Nonetheless, 24  percent of women-led and 22  percent of men-led trade firms do not believe their feedback is taken into Figure 62. Perception of Customs Brokers That Feedback consideration or are not sure if it is taken into consideration Is Taken into Consideration (see Figure 61). Ninety-two percent of customs brokers think that feedback is taken into consideration by the government 8% (see Figure 62). 92% Feedback taken into consideration Feedback NOT taken into consideration 46 g.  Consistency in Implementation of Border Procedures Figure 63. Perception of Trade Firms That Believe Border Processes Are Consistently Implemented By Gender 100% 91% The consistent application of border procedures pro- 90% 85% vides predictability and certainty for businesses 80% engaging in cross-border trade. Traders may face 70% additional costs of complying with regulations if border procedures are inconsistently implemented. 60% 50% 40% While most trade firms and customs brokers believe 30% that trade procedures and processes are consistently 20% implemented by border officials, fewer women-led 7% 7% 7% 10% firms hold this opinion compared to men. Of those who 2% 0% 2% believe that processes and procedures are not consis- 0% Yes, most of No, rarely Not sure, because it’s Don’t tent, a larger share of women noted that clearance of the time (or just no) processed by my know import and export declarations and cargo inspections customs broker are not consistently applied. Women Men ◾ Most trade firms find that border processes are con- Figure 64. Perception of Customs Brokers That Border sistently implemented by border officials, though slightly Processes Are Consistently Implemented fewer women-led firms have this perception (85 percent 100% of women-led versus 91 percent of men-led firms) (see 84% Figure 63). Most customs brokers (84 percent) also believe 80% that border procedures are consistently implemented most of the time (see Figure 64). 60% ◾ Of the trade firms that believe procedures are not con- 40% sistently applied, a larger share of women-led firms com- pared to men-led firms believe that clearance of import and 20% 10% 6% export declarations (75 percent of women versus 17 per- cent of men) and cargo inspectio ns (50 percent of women 0% Yes, most of No, rarely Not sure versus 26 percent of men) are not consistently applied (see the time (or just no) Figure 65). Figure 65. Perception of Which Processes Are Not Consistently Implemented by Trade Firms by Gender 100% 90% 80% 75% 70% 60% 50% 50% 40% 30% 25% 26% 25% 26% 22% 22% 17% 20% 9% 10% 0% 0% 0% Process for payment Clearance of Cargo inspection Compliance procedures Cargo handling Other of duties, taxes, fees export/import procedures and documentation services and charges declarations (e.g., phytosanitary inspections, Certificates of Rules of Origin) Women Men Note: This was a multiple-choice question and more than one answer could be chosen, so totals may exceed 100. 47 h.  Pre-Arrival Processing of Goods Figure 66. Proportion of Traders Who Pre-declare Shipments by Gender 100% 89% Pre-arrival processing can expedite the release of 90% 85% goods, as it allows traders and customs brokers to 80% submit declaration data to the relevant authorities prior 70% to arrival (imports) of goods. Article 7.1 of the WTO TFA states that each Member shall adopt or maintain pro- 60% cedures allowing for the submission of import docu- 50% mentation and other required information, including 40% manifests, in order to begin processing prior to the arrival of goods, with a view to expediting the release of 30% goods upon arrival. 20% 11% 10% 7% 5% 5% In accordance with Article 130 of the Customs Code, 0% customs declaration can be submitted before arrival Yes No Don’t know of goods in the customs territory of the Republic of Tajikistan or before the completion of internal customs Women Men transit. The declaration can be submitted 15 days prior the arrival of goods. Figure 67. Proportion of Customs Brokers Who Pre-declare Shipments Although Tajikistan established a legal basis for pre-declaring of goods prior to arrival, in practice most trade firms do not pre-declare shipments to 29% customs. More than one-half of women-led firms and slightly fewer men-led firms do not find any benefits to pre-declaring. There is also a strong association 71% between firm size and pre-declaring of shipments prior to arrival, with large firms more likely to pre-declare compared to micro firms. Yes No ◾ Most trade firms do not pre-declare their shipments to customs prior to arrival—89 percent of women-led firms and 85 percent of men-led firms. Within the very small share of those who do pre-declare, the proportion of women traders is only 7 percent compared to 11 percent of men traders (see Figure 66). Among customs brokers, almost one-third of them pre-declare prior to arrival of shipments (see Figure 67). ◾ The main reasons for not pre-declaring shipments vary by gender: more women-led firms do not pre-declare because the business does not find any benefits in pre- declaring (56 percent for women versus 45 percent for men). More women-led firms (19 percent) compared to men (13 percent) also think that pre-declaration does not save time or money. Fifteen percent of women-led firms and 17 percent of men-led firms also believe that pre-declaration is not allowed (see Figure 68). 48 Figure 68. Reasons Why Traders Do Not Pre-declare Shipments by Gender 100% 80% 56% 60% 45% 40% 15% 17% 19% 17% 18% 20% 13% 13% 11% 10% 4% 6% 2% 0% Customs/border The business It doesn’t save Instructions Declares upon Don't know Other agencies don’t does not find any time or aren’t clear receipt allow it any benefits in money pre-declaring Women Men Note: This was a multiple-choice question and more than one answer could be chosen, so totals may exceed 100. ◾ There is an association between the size of the firm i.  Electronic Acceptance of Documents and Payments and whether it pre-declares shipments prior to arrival. The larger the firm, the more likely it will pre-declare its shipments—with 14  percent of large firms pre-declaring compared to only 6 percent of micro firms (see Figure 69).53 The ability to submit import and export declarations through a Single Window, or other electronic system, reduces time to comply with documentary require- ments by functioning as a single point of entry/exit for Figure 69. Proportion of Trade Firms That Pre-declare all regulatory documentation for internationally traded Shipments by Firm Size goods. This facilitates trade and reduces costs. Benefits to traders include faster clearance times, trans­ parent 100% 87% 85% 85% and predictable processes, and less bureaucracy. 80% 80% Article 10.4 of the WTO TFA stipulates that WTO Members shall endeavor to establish or maintain a Single Window 60% and to the extent possible, use information technology 40% to support the Single Window. Additionally, Article 7.2 states that an electronic option—to the extent practica- 20% 11% 13% 14% 7% ble—should be adopted or maintained for the payment 6% 7% 5% 2% 0% of duties, taxes, fees, and charges collected by customs Yes No Don’t know incurred upon importation and exportation. Micro (1–5 employees) A Single Window (SW) for registration of export, import, Small (6–19 employees) and transit procedures was established in Tajikistan on Medium (20–99 employees) September  1, 2020, by Government Decree #410 of Large (100 employees and above) June 24, 2020.54 The Decree prescribed to transfer the paperwork connected to export, import, and transit procedures to electronic media. The Tajikistan SW offers a unified application form for import, export, and transit of goods, which can be submitted electronically 24/7 from any location to 11 government agencies. 53  This finding is significant at a 99 percent confidence interval. 54  https://tajtrade.tj/media/410%20Single%20Window.pdf. 49 ◾ More than one-half men traders (56 percent) and women Although Tajikistan has implemented a Single Window traders (51 percent) reported that they have to submit both system for registration of export, import, and transit paper and electronic forms and documents to customs. procedures, more than one-half of trade firms reported A slightly smaller percent of traders state that they have to that they still have to submit both paper and electronic submit paper and electronic forms and documents to forms and documents to customs. With regards to elec- other border agencies (41 percent of men versus 36 percent of tronic payments, both women and men trade firms and women) (see Figure 70). customs brokers actively use payment methods such as bank transfers, and the extent to which this method is used varies by the size of the firm. Only one-half of micro firms use bank transfers compared to about three-fourths of large firms. Figure 70. Perception of Trade Firms on Whether All Trade Documents Can Be Submitted Electronically by Gender 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 56% 56% 51% 50% 41% 40% 36% 36% 30% 20% 10% 7% 1% 0% Yes, all land border/airport No, my business has to No, my business has to Don’t know agencies have systems that submit both paper forms submit both paper forms accept all forms and and documents and and documents and documents electronically electronically to customs electronically to other border agencies Women Men Note: This was a multiple-choice question and more than one answer could be chosen, so totals may exceed 100. 50 ◾ As for customs brokers, 77 percent of them believe that Figure 71. Perception of Customs Brokers on Whether all the border crossing points have systems that accept all All Trade Documents Can Be Submitted Electronically forms and documents electronically. However, 42 percent 100% of brokers still have to submit both paper forms and electron- 90% ically (see Figure 71). Feedback from key informant interviews 80% 77% with customs brokers further substantiated the survey data. 70% It was mentioned that submitting electronic declaration does 60% not mean anything. “We [customs brokers] also need to submit 50% a pile of documents in paper, including this declaration. They 42% [Customs] do not receive documents in the electronic version.” 40% 29% During border post visits, customs officers elaborated that the 30% internet speed is slow and cumbersome, which means gaining 20% access to information in online documents is difficult. Some 10% reported having to use their personal smart phones to access 0% information because the internet bandwidth provided is simply Yes, all land No, I have to No, I have to too slow. border/airport submit both submit both agencies have paper forms and paper forms and systems that electronically to electronically to accept all forms customs the other border “It is necessary to make everything and documents agencies electronically. It is necessary to eliminate electronically Note: This was a multiple-choice question and more than one answer could contact between a broker or a subject be chosen, so totals may exceed 100. and customs official. Customs officials should work electronically.” ◾ Most trade firms state they pay their fees by bank trans- fers, with no major gender differences between women- “It is necessary to make a feedback in order to and men-led firms (66 percent of women- and 62 percent improve the single window operation, remove of men-led firms). The second most common method used by 23 percent of women-led and 25 percent of men-led firms personal contacts with customs officers and is payment in cash via Amonatbank at the customs terminals remove those forms that we fill out every time.” (see Figure 72). Most of those who prefer cash payment argue CUSTOMS BROKER, DUSHANBE that this method is faster. Customs brokers also prefer bank transfers (87 percent); payment in cash via Amonatbank at the customs terminals is the second most popular method (35 percent) (see Figure 73). 51 Figure 72. Methods of Paying Official Fees and Charges Related to Border Processes and Procedures by Trade Firms by Gender 2% Via broker/agent—cash 3% 8% Via broker/agent 8% 66% Bank transfer 62% 0% Mobile wallets (Alif) 1% 5% Bankcard via Amonatbank at the customs terminals 5% 23% Cash via Amonatbank at the customs terminals 25% 5% Cash via self-service payment kiosks 9% 0% Cash (to government entity) 4% 2% Check/money order (to government entity) 0% 8% Other 8% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Women Men Note: This was a multiple-choice question and more than one answer could be chosen, so totals may exceed 100. Figure 73. Methods of Paying Official Fees and Charges Related to Border Processes and Procedures by Customs Brokers 100% 87% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 35% 30% 20% 10% 10% 6% 3% 3% 0% Bank transfer Mobile wallets Bankcard via Cash via Cash via Other (payment order, (Alif) Amonatbank at Amonatbank at self-service internet banking) the customs the customs payment kiosks terminals terminals Note: This was a multiple-choice question and more than one answer could be chosen, so totals may exceed 100. 52 ◾ Bank transfers are also more typical for larger firms, and the percentage of firms that use this method gradu- ally increases with the size of the firm: 52 percent for micro firms, 58 percent for small firms, 76 percent for medium firms, and 70 percent for large firms (see Figure 74). Figure 74. Methods of Paying Official Fees and Charges Related to Border Processes and Procedures by Trade Firms by Size 3% 1% Via broker/agent—cash 2% 10% 6% 9% Via broker/agent 9% 13% 52% 58% Bank transfer 76% 70% 2% 0% Mobile wallets (Alif) 1% 0% 6% 4% Bankcard via Amonatbank at the customs terminals 5% 3% 33% Cash via Amonatbank at the customs terminals 28% 16% 14% 12% 10% Cash via self-service payment kiosks 3% 10% 2% Cash (to government entity) 6% 2% 0% 1% 0% Check/money order (to government entity) 0% 0% 7% 11% Other 4% 7% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Micro (1–5 employees) Small (6–19 employees) Medium (20–99 employees) Large (100 employees and above) Note: This was a multiple-choice question and more than one answer could be chosen, so totals may exceed 100. 53 j.  Detention of Goods ◾ More than 90 percent of trade firms have not had goods detained by customs or other border agencies in the last three years regardless of gender (see Figure  75). Similar Customs has the power to search imports and exports findings are true for customs brokers, 90 percent of whom did and exclude, detain and/or seize, and destroy counter- not have goods detained in the last three years. feit and infringing products. To avoid time and finan- cial loss to traders, the best practice is for customs ◾ By firm size, the highest proportion of detentions was to promptly inform traders that goods have been reported by micro firms (see Figure 76). detained for inspection, which is covered in Article 5.2 of the WTO TFA. Figure 75. Proportion of Trade Firms That Have Had According to the decree of the Government of the Goods Detained the Last Three Years by Gender Republic of Tajikistan No. 436 “On the Rules for 100% 94% coordinating the activities of bodies controlling road 90% 90% checkpoints across the customs border of the Republic of Tajikistan on the principle of “One stop,” 80% the following agencies can inspect goods in addition 70% to customs: the State Service for Supervision and 60% Regulation in the Field of Transport of the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Tajikistan, Food Safety 50% Committee under the Government of the Republic of 40% Tajikistan (veterinary, phytosanitary supervision, and 30% plant quarantine supervision), State Supervision Ser- vice of Health and Social Protection of the Population 20% of the Ministry of Health, and Social Protection of the 10% 7% 6% 3% Population of the Republic of Tajikistan (sanitary quar- 0% 0% antine control body). Yes No Don’t know Women Men Most trade firms and customs brokers did not have Figure 76. Proportion of Trade Firms That Have Had goods detained in the last three years. While there are Goods Detained by Customs or other Border Agencies no major differences across genders, slightly more in the Last Three Years by Firm Size micro firms have experienced detentions compared 99% 100% 93% 93% to larger firms. 89% 80% 60% 40% 20% 11% 6% 7% 1% 0% 1% 0% 0% 0% Yes No Don’t know Micro (1–5 employees) Small (6–19 employees) Medium (20–99 employees) Large (100 employees and above) 54 ◾ Of those whose goods were detained, 75 percent of Figure 77. Proportion of Trade Firms That Were Promptly men-led firms and 73 percent of women-led firms reported Informed When Goods Were Detained by Gender they were promptly informed about the detention. How- 100% ever, 27  percent of women-led firms reported not being promptly informed compared to 20  percent of men-led 90% firms (see Figure 77). By firm size, 50 percent of large firms 80% 75% and 24  percent of micro firms were not promptly informed 73% about their goods being detained (see Figure 78). 70% 60% ◾ Of firms that had goods detained, the following were the three main reasons cited for detention by both 50% women- and men-led firms: (i) problems with customs 40% declaration/classification/valuation (ii) plant quarantine/ animal health, and (iii) licenses, permits, and certificates 30% 27% of origin and or authorization to import. However, the first 20% 20% two reasons are more pronounced for women traders compared to men (50 percent and 25 percent, respectively). 10% 5% On the other hand, 40 percent of men cited problems with 0% 0% customs declaration/classification/valuation, and 40  percent Yes No Don’t know cited other reasons, such as late payment of the amount and failure to comply with the customs duty plan (see Figure 79). Women Men Figure 78. Proportion of Trade Firms That Were Promptly Informed When Goods Were Detained by Firm Size 100% 100% 80% 76% 75% 60% 50% 50% 40% 24% 20% 13% 13% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% Promptly informed Not promptly informed Don’t know Micro (1–5 employees) Small (6–19 employees) Medium (20–99 employees) Large (100 employees and above) Figure 79. Main Reasons Given for Detaining of Goods for Trade Firms by Gender 100% 80% 60% 50% 40% 40% 40% 25% 25% 25% 25% 20% 5% 5% 0% 0% Problem with customs Problem with plant Problem with licenses, Problems with other Another reason declaration/ quarantine/animal permits, certificates of entities classification/valuation health origin or authorizations to import Women Men Note: This was a multiple-choice question and more than one answer could be chosen, so totals may exceed 100. 55 ◾ For customs brokers the main reason for detention ◾ There is a strong association between access to official of goods was problems with customs declaration/ appeal mechanisms and gender. Fewer women-led firms classification/valuation (see Figure 80). (34  percent) than men-led firms (51  percent) reported that guidance and explanations on penalties and on how to make Figure 80. Main Reasons Given to Customs Brokers an official appeal are clear and easy to access across gov- for Detaining of Goods ernment entities.55 The other 60 percent of women-led and 47 percent of men-led firms did not know if guidance is clear 100% and easy to access because their business hasn’t had to pay 90% a penalty or submit an appeal (see Figure 81). 80% 70% 67% 60% 50% “We do not know who to complain to — there is 40% 33% 33% 33% no book of complaints, no telephone number 30% 20% to contact in case of violation or 10% harassment by customs officers . . .” 0% Problem with Problem Problem with Another FGD IN SUGHD, WOMEN customs with plant licenses, reason declaration/ quarantine/ permits, classification/ animal health certificates of valuation origin or authorizations to import Note: This was a multiple-choice question and more than one answer could be chosen, so totals may exceed 100. k.  Grievance and Appeals Procedures and Processes Figure 81. Perception of Trade Firms That Guidance on How to Make an Official Appeal Is Clear and Easy to Access across Government Entities by Gender 100% An official grievance mechanism is important to enable 90% traders to contest and appeal against border agencies’ decisions regarding a detained shipment or non- 80% compliance. Article 4 of the WTO TFA aims to ensure 70% 60% that concerned parties have the right to administra- 60% tive appeals or a review, as well as a judicial appeal or 51% 47% 50% review, of administrative decisions issued by customs. Chapter 7 of the Tajikistan Customs Code established 40% 34% the legal basis for appealing decisions or actions 30% (inaction) of customs authorities and customs officials. 20% 10% 5% 3% 0% Yes No Don’t know, my Fewer women-led firms compared to men-led firms business hasn’t had claim that official appeal procedures are clear and to pay a penalty or are easy to access. When asked about the effective- submit an appeal ness of the appeal mechanism, almost 25 percent of Women Men men-led firms and only 17 percent of women-led firms believe that formal complaints lead to change. More women-led firms also believe that they do not have the right for appeal and unofficial methods are faster to resolving issues. At the same time, a large share of women- and men-led firms did not have experience in filing formal complaints. 55  This finding is significant at the 99 percent confidence level. 56 ◾ Only 10  percent of customs brokers have experi - ◾ The main reason among women-led firms have dif- ence with submitting an appeal (see Figure 82), and they ficulty with appeals and grievance procedures was the reported that the guidance how to submit an appeal is perception that “official appeal procedures are unclear.” clear and easy to access across government entities. Sixty-seven percent of women-led firms (out of the total 5  percent who considered guidance not clear) cited that Figure 82. Perception of Customs Brokers That Guidance official appeal procedures unclear compared to only 13 per- on How to Make an Official Appeal Is Clear and Easy to cent of men-led firms who stated the same. The same share Access across Government Entities of women also stated that no explanation for penalties is provided. Thirty-three percent of the women-led firms also believe that there is no right to appeal compared to 25 percent 10% of men-led firms (see Figure 83). ◾ At the same time, most traders—in equal shares (67 per- cent of both women-led and men-led firms)—have had no experience with filing formal complaints/grievance procedures. However, 24  percent of men-led firms com- 90% pared to only 17  percent of women-led firms believe that formal complaints lead to change. More women-led firms also believe that unofficial methods are faster for resolving issues (see Figure 84). Yes Don’t know, I haven’t had to pay a penalty or submit an appeal Figure 83. Reasons Why Guidance and Explanations on Penalties and How to Make an Official Appeal Not Clear or Easy to Access across Government Entities for Trade Firms by Gender 100% 80% 67% 67% 60% 50% 40% 33% 33% 33% 25% 20% 13% 13% 0% 0% No explanation for Official appeal procedures There is no right Set periods for review are not Other penalties is provided are unclear to appeal specified in laws or regulations Women Men Note: This was a multiple-choice question and more than one answer could be chosen, so totals may exceed 100. Figure 84. Effectiveness of Formal Complaint/Grievance Procedures of Trade Firms by Gender 100% 90% 80% 70% 67% 67% 60% 50% 40% 30% 24% 20% 17% 8% 8% 10% 2% 6% 2% 0% 0% It leads to change Unofficial methods are faster Nothing changes My business Don’t know or (e.g., paying speed money) hasn’t used it prefer not to answer Women Men 57 l.  Safety and Security at the Border ◾ Twenty-eight percent of men traders and 18 percent of women traders regularly visit the airport or border post to undertake cross-border trade processes (see Figure 85). Almost one-half (48  percent) of customs brokers regularly Safety and security issues at the border can arise visit border crossing points (see Figure 86). from unwelcome attention, requests for favors, and other verbal or physical conduct by both officials and ◾ While more than one-half of traders did not identify non-officials. These behaviors create and foster hostile any serious safety problems, some women traders high- or offensive environments that may impact a trader’s lighted specific issues. As many as 21 percent of women ability or desire to undertake trade. traders compared to 6 percent of men feel unsafe because border post/airport/terminals are too crowded; 14 percent of women traders compared to 3  percent of men experi- enced lack of safe separate examination rooms for women The study would like to treat the findings on sexual and men; and 14 percent compared to 6 percent of men harassment with caution since the format of the inter- reported unsafe sanitation facilities, for example, no toilets view (telephonic) does not usually allow interviewers with lockable doors or toilets located in remote/dark areas to establish a rapport with the respondents to discuss (see Figure 87). an issue of this sensitive nature; therefore, significant underreporting is expected. According to the survey results, sexual harassment is not reported to be an “The toilets are without facilities, lighting is issue for cross-border traders in Tajikistan. The most poor. . . there was an incident when crossing the typical negative behavior reported by respondents is neutral zone — I fell down because it was dark, verbal abuse, mostly toward men. Safety issues raised there are pits on the road.” during phone interviews were mainly related to the conditions of infrastructure at border checkpoints, which were raised by women. More women com- “The procedure of customs clearance takes a plained about the lack of basic amenities at check- long time — there are no conditions for waiting, points, which complicates doing business because no benches or shelters. The toilets are very dirty, traders have to spend a lot of time at the border. you go to them and it seems that all your clothes are stained. You have water in a jug to wash your hands in the street, but it’s not always there.” FGD IN SUGHD, WOMEN Figure 85. Regularity of Visiting the Airport or Border Post by Traders by Gender 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 37% 40% 28% 28% 30% 25% 25% 18% 20% 9% 10% 10% 5% 5% 4% 6% 0% 0% 0% Yes No, there isn’t a No, because I No, because No, because No, because it is No, because of need because only visit the another I hire customs not a safe the other reason everything is terminal, border employee in clearing agents environment done when there is a my company to go to the electronically problem that goes to the border on my needs to be border on behalf resolved in-person my behalf Women Men 58 Figure 86. Regularity of Visiting the Airport or Border Post by Customs Brokers 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 48% 50% 40% 30% 26% 19% 20% 10% 3% 3% 0% Yes No, there isn’t a need to No, because I only visit No, someone else at No, because of visit because everything the border when there the customs clearing another reason is done electronically is a problem that agent’s firm goes needs to be Figure 87. Potential Safety Issues Listed by Traders by Gender 7% Lack of clear organization and proper staff identification 8% Border post/airport/terminal is too crowded 21% that makes me feel unsafe 6% Lack of officials of the same gender as mine servicing 7% customers at all times and especially at night 2% 0% Lack of security staff patrolling the area 2% 14% Unsafe sanitation facilities 6% Lack of safe separate examination rooms 14% 3% for women and men 7% Lack of safe resting areas 5% 7% Lack of safe accommodation for overnight stay 3% 0% Poor lighting 4% 7% Nothing to disturb 14% 57% No problem, everything is fine 61% 14% Other 4% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Women Men Note: This was a multiple-choice question and more than one answer could be chosen, so totals may exceed 100. 59 ◾ Most respondents reported to have not experienced Of the men traders who reported that they have faced abuse, inappropriate behavior at land border posts or airports they have not reported the inappropriate behavior because that they visit most frequently. However, 6 percent of men they do not trust that anything would change as a result claimed that they faced verbal abuse or threats, followed by of their claims. One more common reason is the fear of retal- intimidation (2  percent), and physical violence (1  percent) iation (see Figure 89). (Figure 88). As with the case of sexual harassment, these figures need to be treated with caution as some people do not feel comfortable sharing the stories in surveys (especially in “All this is useless, no one will help. telephone interviews) out of fear of retaliation. Only if you have connection with a “high-ranking” official who will instruct “It happens—they are rude, shout—I give money, customs officials can let you through.” quietly and silently I pass the border;” FGD IN KHATLON, MEN “They overturn all the products, spread them around. It takes a long time to pack. The staff are rude, they calculate the amount. Of course I have to give some money to the customs officer.” FGD IN SUGHD, WOMEN Figure 88. Negative Behaviors Experienced by Traders by Gender 100% 100% 92% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 6% 0% 0% 2% 0% 1% 0% 2% 0% Verbal abuse or threats Intimidation (e.g., Physical violence No harassment Prefer not to answer (e.g., verbal remarks of making you afraid or (physical assault, non-sexual nature and uncomfortable using robbery or other forms inappropriate and looks, actions and/or of physical violence) offensive comments) gesture) Women Men Note: This was a multiple-choice question and more than one answer could be chosen, so totals may exceed 100. 60 Figure 89. The Reason Why Such Inappropriate Behavior Has Not Been Reported by Men Traders 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 43% 40% 29% 29% 30% 20% 14% 14% 10% 0% I was not aware that I don’t trust that I was scared to I was scared to report Other I could report it or anything would jeopardize my it for safety reasons/ who to report it to change career/reputation fear of retaliation Note: This was a multiple-choice question and more than one answer could be chosen, so totals may exceed 100. ◾ During the BCP technical visits, the absence of pedes- “There are no conditions at customs — trian walkways with clear separation, causing pedestrians no place to sit down, no shelter, no water. and vehicles to share transit routes, was also flagged as an issue, in addition to the aforementioned safety concerns. At one There is no room for mothers with children, of the border posts, it was reported that an elderly traveler had no medical staff in case someone feels ill.” recently fallen into one of the vehicles under carriage inspec- FGD IN KHATLON, WOMEN tion racks, demonstrating the dangers that arise from shared passageways. ◾ Generally, more women traders are unsatisfied with ◾ During the BCP visits, it was observed that the public the amenities provided at the land border post or air- toilets at the airport were in good condition. However, at port. Among the most critical problems of border points the three land border posts, public toilet buildings were in that infrastructure traders listed are lack of access to the various states of disrepair—including no lighting, no locks on internet (43 percent of women traders versus 30 percent of doors, and no running water—posing both safety and hygiene men), unhygienic toilet facilities (36 percent of women versus hazards for the public. Staff facilities were also in poor condi- 18 percent of men), lack of adequate resting rooms and private tion apart from the indoor facilities at one border post, funded space for mothers (36 percent of women versus 10 percent of by a staff member’s personal resources. men) (see Figure 90). Of the 16 customs brokers who regularly visit crossing points or visit crossing points only when there ◾ Most of the traders do not use public transport to travel is a problem, four mentioned lack of access to the internet and to the border post or airport (71 percent of men and 79 per- desperate situations with hygiene in the toilets. These findings cent of women). Most of those who do use public transport were backed up by the focus group discussions and technical think it is too expensive. Others claim public transportation visits to BCPs. lacks accessibility for differently abled people, has difficul- ties in carrying goods, and has inconvenient schedules. In all “We got used to the fact that there are cases, more women raised these problems compared to men (see Figure 91). no conditions at the border (shelter, waiting room) — I take an umbrella and warm clothes in bad weather.” FGD IN SUGHD, WOMEN 61 Figure 90. Perception of the Amenities at the Land Border Post or Airport for Traders by Gender 29% Toilet facilities not readily available/cannot be found 8% 36% Toilet facilities available but unhygienic 18% 43% Lack of access to internet 30% 36% Lack of adequate resting rooms 15% Lack of private space for mothers to nurse or 36% tend to their babies 10% 21% Lack of stores nearby selling snacks and refreshments 13% Border crossing territory not arranged for 29% different weather conditions 14% 43% No problem 48% 7% Other 9% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Women Men Note: This was a multiple-choice question and more than one answer could be chosen, so totals may exceed 100. Figure 91. Perception on Public Transport Accessibility for Traders by Gender 100% 79% 80% 71% 60% 40% 20% 20% 14% 14% 7% 5% 8% 7% 7% 0% 1% 1% 2% 0% Transport is not Transport is too Transport is Transport is not Transport mode I am not using Other readily available expensive unsafe accessible for for carrying public transport (e.g., infrequent, differently goods is to the border not available abled people unavailable post or airport at night) Women Men Note: This was a multiple-choice question and more than one answer could be chosen, so totals may exceed 100. 62 m.  Human Resources–Related Issues of headaches), autumn to winter power outages that shut down information technology (IT) systems and slow down service provision, and outmoded diesel-operated generators The objective of the BCP visits was to evaluate specific in poor operating condition, as well as broken and unusable aspects of customer service at select border posts. office furniture. Evidence to some of these concerns could Without prompting, however, participating customs be observed by the research team during the visits to some of staff voluntarily provided information on what can the border crossing points. best be categorized as human resources (HR) issues. The customs profession remains a male-dominated field across the world. The lack of women at all lev- els, particularly among managerial and customer C. Challenges Caused front-facing roles, often prevents policy makers from connecting strongly with the needs of women traders by External Factors and affecting the quality and gender responsiveness of the customer service.56 It is this context within which the study also examined some HR-related aspects. Global and regional challenges affect all spheres of life, and cross-border trade is no exception. Border The following qualitative information gathered during BCP closures, reduced demand for exported and imported visits should be viewed as purely indicative as it is based on goods, disruptions in value chains, decline in eco- a very small sample and applies to the visited locations only. nomic activity, and other factors affect firms’ ability to trade across borders. The survey shows that percep- ◾ Employment and Compensation: Interviewees flagged tions related to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, that male customs officers dominate staff ranks. This can also Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and border closures be confirmed by official workforce statistics; accordingly, in with Afghanistan and the Kyrgyz Republic are equally 2020, just 10 percent (114) of the 1,108 employees in customs affecting men- and women-led firms. During in-depth offices in Tajikistan were female.57 interviews, experienced customs brokers stated that the situation has especially negatively affected those ◾ Work Life Balance and Career Development: Interview- who dealt with goods transiting through Russia. While ees informed that all customs supervisors are men, and that this route is currently closed, for example, trade firms there are no women staff at the managerial level. Further- have to pay double to arrange logistics. more, respondents claimed that some positions are reserved strictly for men officers, for example, the electronic screening of large trucks and the position of cynologist for which only men Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and Border Closures are trained. On the other hand, both men and women officers with the Kyrgyz Republic or Afghanistan perform luggage searches, physical personal searches (by same sex only), declarations processing, data entry, and administrative ◾ Thirty-eight percent of trade firms, regardless of paperwork completion. Interviewed customs staff all attended gender, reported that their businesses’ ability to trade in-house trainings on topics related to their work, including ter- was impacted by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. In addition, rorism and extremism, violence against women, human traffick- 15  percent of women-led and 11  percent of men-led firms ing, and gender equality. Trainings, however, were not regular. reported that the border closure with the Kyrgyz Republic impacted their business (see Figure 92). ◾ Physical Working Conditions: Customs staff reported dis- satisfaction with a number of working conditions, including ◾ Forty-five percent of customs brokers also named the absence of a designated resting area or kitchen for offi- Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as a major factor affecting cers working 24-hour shifts, poor heating in the customs hall their ability to undertake cross-border trade. As for the during winter (which also affects equipment operation), lack of border closure with the Kyrgyz Republic, only 10  percent protective wear for rapid scan operations (operators complain reported being impacted (see Figure 93). 56  Törnström, Johanna. 2018. WCO Steps up Efforts to Promote Gender Equality and Diversity. WCO News. Brussels: World Customs Organization. https://mag.wcoomd.org/magazine/wco-news-86/wco-steps-up-efforts-to- promote-gender-equality-and-diversity/; World Bank. 2013. Helping Women Cross Borders and Break Barriers in Customs Administration: A WCO Confer- ence. Washington, DC: World Bank. 57  Data obtained from Customs Service on June 5, 2020. 63 Figure 92. Proportion of Trade Firms Whose Ability to Undertake Cross-border Trade Has Been Impacted by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and Border Closures with the Kyrgyz Republic or Afghanistan 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 56% 52% 50% 38% 38% 40% 30% 20% 15% 11% 10% 2% 4% 0% Yes, the war in Ukraine Yes, border closure with the Yes, border closure with No, it has not impacted my Kyrgyz Republic Afghanistan business’ ability to undertake cross-border trade Women Men Note: This was a multiple-choice question and more than one “Yes” answer could be chosen, so totals may exceed 100. Figure 93. Proportion of Customs Brokers Whose Ability ◾ Almost one-half of trade firms reported that the impact to Undertake Cross-border Trade Has Been Impacted of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and border closures with the by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and Border Closures Kyrgyz Republic or Afghanistan was caused by restrictions with the Kyrgyz Republic or Afghanistan imposed by affected governments. Other significant factors 100% that negatively impacted business were less demand for trading products for 30 percent of men-led firms and 17 per- 80% cent of women-led firms, as well as issues with sending/ 55% receiving payments for 28 percent of men-led and 31 percent 60% 45% women-led firms (see Figure 94). 40% 20% 10% ◾ The most significant factor that negatively impacted the 0% majority of customs brokers was a decrease in demand Yes, the war Yes, border closure No, it has not for their services (87 percent). A significant share of cus- in Ukraine with the Kyrgyz impacted my toms brokers also reported issues with receiving production Republic business’ ability inputs for their clients and restrictions imposed by affected to undertake cross-border governments (see Figure 95). trade Note: This was a multiple-choice question and more than one “Yes” answer could be chosen, so totals may exceed 100. 64 Figure 94. Factors That Impacted Business Ability of Trade Firms by Gender 17% There is less demand for my business’ product 30% 10% There is more demand for my business’ product 7% Ability to cross-border trade was restricted due to export/import/transit restrictions imposed by the affected 48% governments (e.g., closed borders in other countries) 48% There are long delays for my business’ cross-border 17% trade goods to be cleared in Tajikistan 15% There are issues with sending/receiving payments 31% for my business’ product 28% There are issues with receiving production inputs (delays/stopped receiving the input or receiving 21% in insufficient quantity) 26% 24% Other 28% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Women Men Note: This was a multiple-choice question and more than one answer could be chosen, so totals may exceed 100. Figure 95. Factors That Impacted Business Ability of Customs Brokers There is less demand for my services 87% Ability to import/export/transit was restricted due to export/import/transit restrictions imposed by the affected 67% governments (e.g., closed borders in other countries) There are long delays for the imported/exported/transited goods I arrange to be cleared in Tajikistan 7% There are issues with sending/receiving payments on behalf of my clients 33% There are issues with receiving production inputs for my clients (delays/stopped receiving the input or receiving in 67% insufficient quantity) 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Note: This was a multiple-choice question and more than one answer could be chosen, so totals may exceed 100. 65 COVID-19 Pandemic Figure 96. Proportion of Trade Firms Impacted by Pandemic by Gender ◾ Most men- and women-led firms reported that their 100% businesses have been impacted by the pandemic (71 and 90% 74 percent, respectively) (see Figure 96). Seventy-four per- cent of men-led firms compared to 67 percent of women-led 80% 74% firms reported that their ability to undertake cross-border 71% 70% trade was restricted due to cross-border trade restrictions imposed by other governments during the pandemic (see 60% Figure 97). On the other hand, more women-led (38 percent) 50% compared to men-led firms (30 percent) reported that their ability to undertake cross-border trade of certain goods was 40% 29% restricted due to Tajik government-imposed cross-border 30% 26% trade restrictions during the pandemic. 20% ◾ As many as 71 percent of customs brokers also claimed 10% that their ability to provide services in cross-border trade 0% was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. They cited less Yes No, it has not impacted my demand for their services and restrictions imposed by other business’ ability to undertake cross-border trade governments as the main factors (see Figure 98). Women Men Figure 97. Effects of the Pandemic on Cross-border Trade Activities of Trade Firms by Gender There is less time to work on my business because my 24% family care and household obligations have increased 32% 44% There is less demand for my business’ product 47% 4% There is more demand for my business’ product 10% Ability to undertake cross-border trade of certain goods was 38% restricted due to Tajik government-imposed cross-border trade restrictions during the pandemic (e.g., alcohol) 30% Ability to undertake cross-border trade of certain goods was restricted due to cross-border trade 67% restrictions imposed by other governments during 74% the pandemic (e.g., closed borders in other countries) There are long delays for the imported/exported/transited 22% goods I arrange to be cleared in Tajikistan 20% Clearance times have decreased (e.g., due to expedited 11% processing or simplified processing, which were not 13% available prior to the pandemic) 4% Other 8% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Women Men Note: This was a multiple-choice question and more than one answer could be chosen, so totals may exceed 100. PCR is a COVID-19 test that detects genetic material of the virus using a lab technique polymerase chain reaction (PCR). 66 Figure 98. Effects of the Pandemic on Cross-border Trade Activities of Customs Brokers There is less time to work because my family care and household obligations have increased 27% There is less demand for my services 91% Ability to undertake cross-border trade of certain goods was restricted due to Tajik government-imposed cross-border trade 18% restrictions during the pandemic (e.g., alcohol) Ability to undertake cross-border trade of certain goods was restricted due to cross-border trade 82% restrictions imposed by other governments during the pandemic (e.g., closed borders in other countries) There are long delays for the imported/exported/transited goods I arrange to be cleared in Tajikistan 32% Other 9% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Note: This was a multiple-choice question and more than one answer could be chosen, so totals may exceed 100. D. Main Challenges to Expanding Business ◾ More women-led firms than men-led firms do not have The survey asked respondents to rank the top three further expansion plans (72  percent of women versus barriers that pose a challenge to their firm’s ability to 56 percent of men). Besides of an absence of expansion plans further expand to international markets. Significantly that can be determined as an internal reason, there are a more women-led firms than men-led firms have no number of external difficulties for business development to further business expansion plans. Access to finance is international markets. Access to finance is a significant barrier a major barrier for both women- and men-led firms, to expanding business, and more men-led firms rank it as the although more so for men. By firm size, micro firms top external obstacle compared to women (16 percent of men also perceive access to finance as their biggest barrier and 10 percent of women) (see Figure 99 and Figure 100). compared to larger firms. Other barriers, such as a lack of knowledge of international markets, and bureaucratic and burdensome export and import processes and pro- cedures, are most pronounced among micro firms. The findings indicate that the size of the firm is an important determinant of the traders’ intentions to expand their business internationally. 67 Figure 99. Barriers to Expand Business to International Figure 100. Barriers to Expand Business to International Markets for Women Traders Markets for Men Traders 2% 1% Time management Time management 2% 3% 5% 3% 6% Lack of capacity to Lack of capacity to 5% 7% increase production increase production 2% 6% Expensive/complex 3% Expensive/complex 4% transport and 3% transport and 8% logistics services 7% logistics services 10% 3% 4% High tariffs 2% High tariffs 9% 3% 5% 10% 16% Access to finance 2% Access to finance 9% 5% 4% Bureaucratic and 3% Bureaucratic and 5% burdensome import burdensome import 5% 4% and export processes and export processes and procedures 2% and procedures 4% Lack of knowledge of 3% Lack of knowledge of 8% international markets international markets 5% 4% (e.g., networks, (e.g., networks, language barriers) 2% language barriers) 3% 72% 56% No expansion plans 7% No expansion plans 3% 5% 8% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Rank 1 Rank 2 Rank 3 Rank 1 Rank 2 Rank 3 Note: The percentages are based on the number of respondents that have Note: The percentages are based on the number of respondents that have ranked each issue area as either their first, second, or third most challenging ranked each issue area as either their first, second, or third most challenging barrier to expanding their business. barrier to expanding their business. 68 ◾ Most firms, regardless of size, have no plans of further obstacle, especially for smaller firms: 38 percent for micro expanding their businesses. The plans to expand decrease firms, 25  percent for small firms, 22  percent for medium, by firm size: 83 percent of large firms, 73 percent of medium and 17 percent for large firms (see Figure 101). During focus firms, 72  percent of small firms, and 61  percent of micro group discussions (FGDs), women traders leading micro firms have no expansion plans. As for the barriers for fur- firms also complained about the lack of funds and access ther international expansion, access to finance is the top to finance. Figure 101. Barriers to Expand Business to International Markets by Firm Size 100% 90% 83% 80% 73% 72% 70% 61% 60% 50% 38% 40% 30% 25% 22% 23% 23% 20% 20% 21% 20% 18%16% 17% 16% 17% 18% 18% 15% 15% 12%14% 13% 14% 8% 10% 10% 10% 7% 6% 3% 0% 0% No expansion Lack of Bureaucratic Access to High tariffs Expensive/ Lack of Time plans knowledge of and finance complex capacity to management international burdensome transport and increase markets import and logistics production (e.g., networks, export services language processes and barriers) procedures Micro (1–5 employees) Small (6–19 employees) Medium (20–99 employees) Large (100 employees and above) Note: This was a multiple-choice question and more than one answer could be chosen, so totals may exceed 100. The top three ranked obstacles were combined for this graph. 69 © UN Women Tajikistan 3  Recommendations Study findings demonstrate an opportunity to improve the countries.59 In light of the current crises, strong trade facili- design of trade facilitation interventions to better address the tation measures can also serve as important tools to maintain needs of all traders and customs brokers, with specific atten- business continuity and to keep the flow of goods moving tion to women traders where gender gaps have been identi- across borders. Specific recommendations include: fied. These recommendations are organized around common themes of the World Trade Organization’s Trade Facilitation ◾ Monitor implementation of the existing National Agreement (WTO TFA)—including transparency, technology Trade Facilitation Roadmap developed by the the solutions, simplification of processes and procedures, and National Trade Facilitation Committee (NTFC) of the institutional arrangements – as well as topics beyond the WTO Ministry of Economic Development and Trade (MEDT) TFA, such as safety and security, border infrastructure, and and the Mid-term Customs Development Program of human resources (HR). the Republic of Tajikistan for 2020–2024. Ensure that continuous assessment of, and accountability for, the trade facilitation performance of the country Recommendation 1. Expedite the full and effective is undertaken (e.g., alignment of processes and pro- implementation of the WTO TFA, considering specific cedures with international standards, publication challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and regional of release times and other relevant indicators, traders’ conflicts satisfaction reports, and independent assessments by the private sector of procedures at border points). Moving Implementation of the WTO TFA provides a unique opportunity forward, the results framework should also include to make cross-border trade easier, quicker, and less costly. Full specific indicators associated with women’s participa- and effective implementation of the WTO TFA should be expe- tion in international trade. The status of the progress dited, particularly through the conclusion of ongoing projects of the Roadmap and Mid-term Customs Development and initiatives, as envisaged by the Central Asia Regional Links Program should be made publicly available and updated regularly according to the current situation. (CARs-4)58 program. Component 3 of the CARs-4 program aims to streamline and rationalize processes and procedures at the border and provide a platform for the application of a ◾ Build stronger relationships with neighboring range of internationally agreed norms and standards, many countries around key trade issues. Explore avenues to establish more regular collaboration between joint of which are incorporated in the Government of Tajikistan’s border agencies, including a potential Joint Border Medium-Term Program for Customs Development. Committee with representatives of all border agencies and the private sector in neighboring countries. Prioritize Unforeseen crises and conflicts have negatively impacted the implementation of Article 8.2 on Border Agency the ability of businesses to trade in recent years. In Tajikistan, Co-operation, including the implementation of One Stop most traders and customs brokers reported that their busi- Border Posts (OSBPs) with joint cargo inspection. Other nesses have been impacted by the pandemic, largely because areas for collaboration between Central Asian republics of the restrictions imposed by neighboring countries, but also should be explored, such as introduction of green corri- because trade of certain goods was restricted due to Tajik dors when moving perishable products, introduction of government-imposed cross-border trade restrictions during electronic queues at the border, and preliminary exchange the pandemic. Many traders also reported that the border of information. closure with the Kyrgyz Republic impacted their business. An effective implementation of trade facilitation measures has ◾ Continue conducting training with private sector been found to positively impact economies by improving export participants (including women in particular) in matters and import performance and generating gains for developing related to border processes and procedures. 58  Fourth Phase of the Central Asia Regional Links Program (CARs-4). 59  See World Trade Organization. 2015. World Trade Report 2015: Speeding up 2020. World Bank. https://projects.worldbank.org/en/projects-operations/ trade: benefits and challenges of implementing the WTO Trade Facilitation project-detail/P166820?lang=en. Agreement. Geneva: WTO Publications; Moïsé, Evdokia, Dorothee Flaig, and Silvia Sorescu. 2016. “Economy-wide impacts of trade facilitation: a metro model simulation.” OECD Trade and Agriculture Directorate Trade Committee; United Nations. 2016. World Economic Situation and Prospects 2016. New York: United Nations Publication; Go, Eugenia. 2018. Contribution and Effectiveness of Trade Facilitation Measures: A Structured Literature Review. Literature Review, Washington DC: World Bank Publication; OECD. 2018. Trade Facilitation and the Global Economy. Paris: OECD Publishing. 71 Recommendation 2. Strengthen and promote the where the private sector has the opportunity to apply for National Trade Facilitation Committee (WTO TFA Article membership of the NTFC. This information should be 23 on Institutional Arrangements) disseminated to the private sector. The selected asso­ ciations will need to represent a diverse set of women-led Only 7 percent of women traders and 14 percent of men traders businesses in Tajikistan. are aware of the existence of the NTFC established in 2016 (also known in Tajikistan as the Coordinating Committee on ◾ Formalize collaboration of NTFCs of other Central Facilitation of Trade Procedures). The awareness level of micro Asian republics at the regional level. firms is lowest of all firms (9 percent). Made up of both public and private sector representatives, the NTFC plays a vital role Recommendation 3. Improve access to official border in planning and implementing trade reforms. Efforts should be regulations and procedures (WTO TFA measures 1.1 on made to promote the visibility of the NTFC, especially among Publication, 1.2 on Information Available Through Internet; women-led and micro firms whose voices are often left out of 1.3 on Enquiry Points) the public debate. Of traders who find it difficult to access information, a signif- Specific recommendations include: icant share of women stated that official websites are not user-friendly (75 percent of women traders versus 41 percent ◾ Enhance the NTFC’s action plan to include a of men) and that the information is not centralized (62 percent detailed communications strategy to raise aware- of women traders versus 44  percent of men). Traders also ness of the NTFC’s existence. Both the action plan and reported that not all agencies have comprehensive informa- the communications strategy should specifically target tion available online or keep the information up-to-date. Micro women traders and micro, small, and medium-sized firms face the most difficulties in finding information, and the enterprises (MSME). majority of all firms do not use or are not aware of enquiry points. ◾ Ensure that NTFC continues to hold regular meet- Specific recommendations include: ings to monitor implementation of the TFA, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. ◾ Enhance the Tajikistan Trade Information Portal and Single Window websites to make them more user- ◾ Promote visibility of the NTFC through official gov­ friendly and more centralized with information from all ernment websites and official communication, which border agencies. Official websites should include the are the most used sources for official information by most recent detailed information on the trading process, women traders in Tajikistan. The government should regulations, and fees, including valid contact informa- explore ways to improve proactive communication with tion for various border agencies and enquiry points to traders for both dissemination of information and consul- respond to questions and requests for required forms tations. Enhance the NTFC website to share information and documents. on the work of the NTFC, the issues raised, the measures taken, the meetings to be held, as well as to allow for a ◾ The government, through the NTFC and in collab- wide range of the private sector to bring emerging issues oration with industry associations, should design to the NTFC. tools, instruments, and platforms to address gaps in knowledge on trade formalities and procedures. ◾ Strengthen the partnership with the private Such capacity building should target the diversity of sector by encouraging and recognizing their par- traders, including women and micro firms. It is also critical ticipation in workshops and consultations held by that customs and other border agency officials receive the NTFC. When the NTFC targets the diversity of firms, continued and regular training to ensure that they are including those represented by women and micro firms, up-to-date on new border processes and procedures it is imperative that the committee demonstrates that that are introduced. the voices of the private sector are heard and the com- mittee is willing to incorporate their feedback. The NTFC ◾ Ensure up-to-date and comprehensive informa- should also organize capacity building seminars for tion are disseminated through other channels, such traders and associations to strengthen capacity of these as through border signage and government officials. agencies to participate in trade-related discussions. Disseminate information through visuals at border control posts (BCPs) on how to fill in the information ◾ Invite associations of businesswomen to the and consider providing easy-to-follow leaflets. This is NTFC to help design trade facilitation reforms. The especially important for micro firms, for whom the second NTFC has a rotation principle among the private sector, most common way to access information (after personal 72 networks) is through government officials at border posts. of any proposals for new laws and regulations or sug- In addition, information should be updated at border gested amendments to existing laws and regulations. customs posts, taking into account the changes and This may happen through official websites, social media additions made regarding the declaration of goods platforms, specific communications at local border sta- transported by individuals through the customs border tions, or even through direct messaging to stakeholders. of the Republic of Tajikistan. Ensuring that government Where and when appropriate, meetings or roundtables officials and enquiry points provide accurate and up-to- should also be held for stakeholders to present their date information is critical. comments in-person to the relevant authorities, and draft regulations for general discussion and feedback ◾ Enhance existing enquiry points and ensure should be published through a variety of channels traders are aware of various ways to submit enqui- before their approval. ries. Enquiry points should provide easily accessible, precise, and complete information to all trade-related ◾ Ensure that women-led firms are made aware of questions in a reasonable time period and free of charge. the consultative processes. The survey revealed that Enquiry points should be promoted among traders as more women-led firms (40  percent) compared to a source for trade-related information, and information men-led firms (28  percent) believe that they are not on how to access enquiry points should be available and consulted because their business is too small to be a updated on the Trade Information Portal, Single Window part of the consultative process. The quality of infor- website, and customs and other border agencies’ web- mation shared needs to be improved to clarify any mis- sites, and at physical border posts (signs, stands). conceptions around consultative processes, and the three major sources of information for women-led firms ◾ Make information available in multiple languages. should be utilized to inform about these: official govern- Make all official information on border processes and ments websites and communication channels, personal regulations available in multiple languages to ensure networks (such as intermediaries), and government offi- that it is accessible to a wide range of stakeholders. cials at airports and border posts. Develop QR Codes that provide direct links to relevant online information. ◾ Institutionalize regular consultations. While con- sulting with stakeholders prior to the promulgation of Recommendation 4. Enhance formal and regular con­ new procedures and regulations is critical, a mechanism sultations between the government and the private for regular consultations (regardless of changes) should sector, especially women-led businesses (WTO TFA be established. Improving the frequency of which stake- measures 2.1 Opportunity to Comment and Information holders are consulted through actions, such as focus Before Entry into Force; 2.2 on Consultations) group discussions, open notice-and-comment periods, and feedback surveys, as well as through the NTFC There is a clear gender gap in government consultations with could help bolster private sector confidence in the gov- the private sector: only 26 percent of women-led firms com- ernment’s efforts. pared to men-led firms (42 percent) are consulted regularly or have the opportunity to comment on public consultations Recommendation 5. Review and publicize official regarding changes to official trade processes and procedures. grievance procedures in a clear and easy-to-access Consultations can be enhanced across three main levels: manner (WTO TFA measure 4 on Procedures for Appeal (i) pre-changes to notify of planned adjustments; (ii) active and Review) consultations to seek feedback on proposed changes; and (iii) active participation in which the private sector engages, There is a strong association between access to and under- for example, through focus groups and expert panels. standing of official appeal mechanisms and gender. Fewer women-led firms (34 percent) than men-led firms (51 percent) Specific recommendations include: reported that guidance and explanations on penalties and on how to make an official appeal are clear and easy to access ◾ Enhance communications around consultations across government entities. An efficient grievance redressal on proposed changes to regulations and legislation. mechanism is a vital anti-corruption measure. Almost one-half of trade firms who are not being con- sulted explained that they have not been made aware Specific recommendations include: of opportunities for consultations. The consultation mechanism should be accompanied by an efficient ◾ Review existing trade grievance procedures. Con- communication strategy to ensure the entire trade duct a thorough review of the existing trade grievance community and all customs brokers become aware procedures to identify any gaps or areas for improvement. 73 This should include an assessment of the effectiveness more than one-half of trade firms reported that they still have of the procedures in addressing trade grievances, as well to submit both paper and electronic forms and documents to as any barriers that prevent stakeholders from utilizing Customs; 36 percent of women traders and 41 percent of men them. The government should review the appeal mecha­ traders think they have to submit paper and electronic forms nisms to ensure the decisions are issued in a timely and documents to other border agencies. Feedback from the manner and that the procedures are well-known and BCP visits also revealed that poor information technology (IT) efficient with better communication on the results from infrastructure at border posts makes access to electronic the system, including concerning eventual revision information difficult for border officers requiring submission and update of policies and procedures. Any performance of paper copies. indicators monitoring response times should be made public to allow public monitoring of the cases of litigation, Specific recommendations include: establishment of service level agreements, and change in satisfaction by clients. ◾ Remove any need for paper copies of declara- tions and other documentation. Ensuring that traders ◾ Involve stakeholders in the review process. Engage know that they can submit documentation via elec- a diverse group of stakeholders, including businesses, tronic platforms is critical to reduce both trade costs trade associations, and consumer groups, in the review and time. Full automation of customs clearance pro- process to ensure that the procedures take into account cesses would also reduce corruption at the borders and the needs and concerns of all relevant parties. increase transparency of procedures. ◾ Make the procedures easily accessible. Ensure that ◾ Enhance the IT infrastructure at all border posts. the trade grievance procedures are easily accessible Full automation of border procedures would need to all stakeholders, including by publishing them in to be implemented alongside the provision of suit- multiple languages and making them available online able IT equipment to all border posts and agencies and in print at border posts. Publicize details on how to (scanners, servers, safe data storage, computers, and submit an appeal, including how to complete, submit, high-speed internet services) to overcome reported and track once submitted. cumbersome delays. Mandating e-declarations without providing the necessary infrastructure will result in ◾ Publicize the procedures widely. Publicize the trade more delays. grievance procedures widely, including through public awareness campaigns, to ensure that all stakeholders ◾ Increase the use of pre-arrival processing of are aware of their rights and how to access the proce- goods. Greater use of pre-declarations will ensure that dures. The NTFC should publicize and communicate traders and customs brokers are able to take full advan- more broadly through the official channels for appeal to tage of customs automation and its benefits of expe- private stakeholders dited release. This involves greater awareness-raising among traders and brokers of the benefits of pre-arrival ◾ Ensure women-led firms are aware of the proce- processing through communications campaigns, out- dures. It is important that guidance is published and reach to business and industry groups, and other forms communicated through the most used sources of infor- of dissemination. mation used by women: official governments websites and communication channels, personal networks (such ◾ Ensure interoperability and connectivity. Ensure as intermediaries), and government officials at airports that electronic systems are interoperable and con- and border posts. nected with other trade-related systems, such as trade (ASYCUDA/UAIS), logistics, and transport systems, to ◾ Train officials. Provide training to officials on the facilitate the efficient flow of goods. This would involve proper handling of trade grievances and the effective an assessment of the current state and connectivity of use of the procedures. electronic systems to determine gaps in inter­ operability, followed by specific actions to address the identified Recommendation 6. Strengthen and promote electronic gaps. systems and establish suitable infrastructure at customs and other border agencies (WTO TFA measure ◾ Promote the use of electronic declarations among 10.4 on Single Window; 7.1 Pre-arrival processing). stakeholders. Promote the use of electronic systems among stakeholders, including businesses and govern- Tajikistan implemented a Single Window system for registra- ment officials, through awareness-raising campaigns tion of export, import, and transit procedures in 2020. Yet, and training programs. 74 Recommendation 7. Improve infrastructure and facility ◾ Involve the private sector in the development services at border crossings and maintenance of border infrastructure through public-private partnerships or concessions. While more men traders than women traders experienced harassment at the borders, technical visits to select border ◾ Install self-service kiosks that allow traders to com- crossing points revealed that border infrastructure (including plete online processes. basic amenities) also does not meet the safety and security needs of traders, especially for women. The main claims of Recommendation 8: Recruit more women staff and traders and customs brokers relate to inadequate sanitation improve staff working conditions at customs and other facilities and unsafe conditions inside border posts and cus- border agencies and border posts toms areas, forcing traders to share the clearance area with trucks and other vehicles, which increases insecurity and The BCP technical visits revealed that improvements can slows down procedures. Other concerns include a lack of the be made in the areas related to human resources, such as following: rest facilities for drivers and individuals crossing on employment and compensation, work life balance and career foot, especially for parents traveling with small children; cater- development, physical working conditions, and a feedback ing facilities for both staff and the traders; transport choices mechanism for staff. Addressing indicative HR findings will when crossing the neutral zones; fast lanes for traders/ improve staff working conditions and result in increased drivers with smaller transactions/cargo loads or traveling on employee satisfaction and performance. This also aligns with foot versus in a vehicle; ATM machines to withdraw cash in the findings of the joint World Customs Organization–World the local currency to pay border fees; a means of submitting Bank Group (WCO-WBG) human resource management and the feedback by the traders on the service that guarantee the development diagnostics of 2021. claimants’ complete anonymity; and the lack of/poor internet service. During the border visits it was also evident that Specific recommendations include: scanning equipment at some locations is either not working properly or not meeting the demand for scans. Without suffi- ◾ Develop a gender-sensitive recruitment strategy cient and proper scanning equipment, manual processes are that actively targets and encourages women to undertaken, resulting in delays at the borders. apply for roles in border agencies. Increase women’s representation across the Customs organization at Specific recommendations include: different locations and in different types of positions, as well as at the supervisory and management levels. ◾ Thoroughly assess existing infrastructure at all Identify a senior level champion, ideally from or within border posts and surrounding territories and develop senior management, to drive the agenda of recruiting a long-term infrastructure plan that outlines specific more women forward. measures and activities to improve border infra- structure, including timelines and funding sources. ◾ Increase the visibility of female role models within border agencies to encourage more women to ◾ Analyze the border crossing points infrastructure consider careers in these fields. This can be done, from a public health security perspective. The World for example, by ensuring at least one woman official is Health Organization’s International Health Regulations posted in each shift. Implement a mentorship program (IHR) is a binding legal instrument to which Tajikistan that pairs experienced female employees with new is signatory and requires signatories to maintain public hires to provide guidance and support. Address uncon- health measures and a response capacity at designated scious bias in the recruitment process by providing airports, ports, and ground crossings. Such an analysis training to recruiters and hiring managers to ensure a of the border crossing points infrastructure could also fair and unbiased selection process. consider the International Organization of Migrations’ (IOM’s) Humanitarian Border Management approach.60 ◾ Review working conditions, including staff com- pensation, the duration of shifts, and conditions ◾ Prioritize the upgrading of critical infrastructure under which 24-hour shifts are undertaken. Offer at ports and border crossing points that handle a flexible working arrangements, such as part-time or high volume of trade. remote work options, to make it easier for staff to balance 60  https://www.iom.int/humanitarian-border-management. 75 work and family responsibilities. Build dormitories (living Specific recommendations include: quarters) and restrooms for women staff at the border. Such living quarters were built in Kazakhstan, which ◾ Assess the policy and legal environment to make helped ensure that women officers also serve at borders it more conducive to trade finance, by reducing in large numbers. bureaucratic barriers and creating a more transparent and predictable regulatory environment. ◾ Enable the use of electronic payments for duties, taxes, fees, and charges related to importation and ◾ Establish or support trade finance facilities, such exportation collected by customs authorities. Cash as export credit agencies or trade finance guarantee payments should not be a requirement, but rather an schemes, that can provide financing or guarantees to option should the trader not be in a position to pay businesses to help them secure trade finance. Consider electronically. mechanisms that target women traders specifically. ◾ Create an institutional staff training calendar. ◾ Explore the use of community resources and Expand the staff training curriculum to include regular build upon the tradition of informal networking, training on trade rules and regulations and in-depth which is an approach that has proved to be successful training in cross-cutting areas like gender equality. in Tajikistan in the shape of community-based saving groups (groups of people who pool their savings and ◾ Create an organization-wide staff feedback take out loans, providing an alternative to formal finan- mechanism for which senior management is account- cial institutions). In addition to the ability to accumulate able to staff. Visibly take action in response to staff resources needed for expanding business operations, suggestions. such community networks have great potential in the development of technical capacities of their members. Recommendation 9. Increase access to trade finance ◾ Explore a deeper partnership with the WBG in Access to finance goes beyond the scope of this work; how- trade finance. Local financial institutions can establish ever, the study confirmed that lack of access to finance is a working partnerships with major international banks significant barrier for many businesses to operate and grow via the International Finance Corporation (IFC) that can their businesses in Tajikistan, especially for small and medium broaden access to finance and reduce cash collateral firms (many of which are women-led). Loans from banks is requirements. This enables the continued flow of trade only a financing source used by one-fourth of the traders in credit into the market at a time when imports may be the survey. Factors such as lack of collateral, credit history, and critical, and the country’s exports can generate much- financial literacy can make it difficult for businesses to secure needed foreign exchange.61 financing from traditional financial institutions. Additionally, trade finance can be perceived as a high-risk endeavor, which ◾ Consider developing capacity-building and train- can make it difficult for businesses to secure financing from ing programs to help businesses understand the commercial banks. trade finance options available to them. 61  Bank Eskhata is already an active member of IFC’s Global Trade Finance Program 76 © Natacha da Silva Montenegro/UN Women 77 © UN Women/Daria Komleva Annex A Detailed Description of Survey Sample and Methodology Quantitative Survey The constructed sampling frame had information on the name of the firm and telephone contact. It, however, lacked other The sampling for the trade firms to participate in the survey auxiliary information such as gender of owner/manager, firm adopted a simple random sampling (SRS) method. The SRS is a size, and location of the firm. This limitation made it impossible probability sampling technique in which all the elements in the to stratify the sampling frame based on these variables of target population have an equal probability of being selected interest—further, informing the choice of SRS as the sampling regardless of other known characteristics/stratifications of method for the survey. the elements. The sample selection method differs from the quota sampling approach employed in previous Trade and The sample size for the survey was computed at 650 firms Gender surveys in the Pacific region, Brazil, the Philippines, and using Slovin’s sample size computation formula. Slovin’s South Africa. The change was informed by limitations of the formula was chosen to calculate the sample size due to the quota sampling method, which is non-probabilistic, and hence, lack of sufficient information about the existing characteris- restricted the inability to generalize survey findings to the gen- tics of the population, including the distribution of character- eral population. SRS is probabilistic and allows for statistical istics of interest to the survey. The formula and the underlying conclusions with confidence; however, its downside is that it assumptions are given below: can at times generate a sample of unwanted concentration. N n= 1 + Ne 2 To undertake a probabilistic sample survey, a sampling frame, which is a list of all elements eligible for a given survey, Where: is required. The Tajikistan Trade and Gender Survey utilized a list of all registered (formal) firms engaged in cross-border N = Population size, which is 2,472 firms trade provided by the Tajikistan Customs Authority. The list was n = Sample size, constructed from systems used by customs to process trade in e = Margin of error, assumed at 4% Tajikistan, namely the Unified Automated Information System (UAIS) and the Single Window (SW). The UAIS list was com- The above parameters fixed into the formula resulted in a prised of data for the years 2020 and 2021 and contained a sample size of 499 firms to be interviewed. Given the rarity of total of 4,398 firms, while the Single Window was comprised of women owned and managed firms, as well as to cater for 1,047 firms. The two lists were combined and manually cleaned anticipated non-response (which is usually high for CATI to remove non-eligible firms, such as state-owned enterprises surveys), the sample size was further inflated by 30 percent, and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). Duplicates were resulting in 650 firms to be sampled for the survey. These also removed from the list using unique identifiers in the UAIS firms were selected randomly from the sampling frame using list, and telephone contact and name in the combined UAIS an SRS sample selection method. The survey results were and SW lists. Further, since the survey employed Computer monitored on a weekly basis, and a decision on a replacement Assisted Telephone Interviews (CATI), firms without telephone sample or to increase in sample size was discussed based on contact information were also removed from the list. Upon the numbers realized on a weekly basis. A total of 401 firms cleaning, the sampling frame contained a total of 2,472 firms were successfully interviewed. that were involved in formal cross-border trade in the period 2020–2021 (see table 1). To conduct the phone survey among the customs brokers, the entire population of registered customs clearing agents was surveyed. The list of customs brokers provided by the Tajikistan Table 1. Construction of the Sampling Frame for Trade Customs Authority contained about 41 customs brokers regis- and Gender Survey in Tajikistan Traders tered in the Registry of Customs Brokers between January 1, 2017, and December  31, 2020 (see table  2). Out of these Number of Firms in the Field List 41 brokers, eight numbers were unanswered and 2 more Category Number of Entries Original list 5,445 Table 2. Construction of Sampling Frame for Trade Removed: duplicates 1,209 and Gender Survey in Tajikistan Custom Brokers Removed: firms with missing contacts 1,606 Number of Customs Brokers Removed: Non-active 97 Category Number of Entries Removed: State-owned enterprises/ 48 nonprofits Original list 64 Removed: Customs broker companies 13 Removed duplicates 23 Remaining after initial filtering 2,472 Remaining after initial filtering 41 79 brokers refused to participate in the survey. A total of 31 cus- between July 5 and July  11, 2022 (see table  4). Like FGDs, toms brokers were successfully interviewed. these interviews complemented the quantitative part of the research and provided a more holistic view of the trading Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) environment in Tajikistan. Focus group discussions were held according to the schedule below in three regions of Tajikistan: Sughd and Khatlon regions Table 4. Schedule of Key Informant Interviews and the city of Dushanbe (see table 3). No. Key Informant Interviews Region 1 Association of Women Entrepreneurs Sughd Table 3. Type of Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) 2 Chamber of Commerce and Industry Dushanbe Type of 3 Customs Service, Inspector Dushanbe Focus Group Discussion Number of 4 Customs Service, Middle Manager Dushanbe No. (FGD) Region Date Participants 5 Customs broker, woman Dushanbe FGD 1 Informal Sughd May 26, 2022 6 6 Customs broker, man Dushanbe traders— women FGD 2 Formal Sughd May 26, 2022 6 Border Post Visits traders— women Qualitative technical border visits were conducted at the FGD 3 Informal Dushanbe June 17, 2022 5 traders— Dushanbe International Airport and three border posts along men the Uzbekistan border: the Dusti BCP (Tursunzade District), the Fotekhobod-Oybek BCP (Matchoh District), and the Patar BCP FGD 4 Formal Khatlon June 10, 2022 7 traders— (Kanibadam District). The overall objective was to assess cus- men toms services on gender-related issues. The specific research objectives were to review (i) the accessibility and safety provi- sions of the customs offices (and services), (ii) customer feed- FGDs were aimed at gathering qualitative data on the presence back mechanisms, and (iii) current customs services provided of difficulties in compliance with customs procedures, such as: in digitized form. The researchers conducted 37 individual interviews with traders (2), customs officers/inspectors (16), ◾ Absence/availability of security for traders, both women and customs supervisors (4), representatives of other border agen- men and their cargo cies (12), and drivers (2), and customs brokers (1) at different locations. ◾ Absence/availability of sanitary conditions The selection of the BCPs was based on results from FGDs ◾ Differences in compliance with cross-border procedures by and the importance of some of the BCPs in trade intensity. traders—women. In relation to trade volume, the BCPs at Dusti and Fotekhobod with Uzbekistan are the most important ones as they serve Twenty-four traders participated in FGDs, including 12 women large truck volumes of more than 10,000 trucks per year.62 The and 12 men engaged in cross-border trade. BCP in Patar (Konibodom) was selected to follow up on results from FGDs with traders which were conducted earlier on a Key Informant Interviews pilot basis in Sughd and Khatlon provinces. Although the BCP road in Patar (Konibodom) with the Fergana Valley region of In-depth interviews with two customs brokers, two customs Uzbekistan serves smaller truck volumes of 5,000 trucks per officers, and representatives of the Women’s Business Associa- year on average, the small-scale traders also use this border tion and Chamber of Commerce and Industry were conducted crossing point. 62  “Tajikistan Transport Sector Assessment.” Asian Development Bank. Asian Development Bank, December 2021. Accessed February 1, 2023. https://dx.doi.org/ 10.22617/TCS210478-2. 80 A variety of methods to conduct this assessment to triangu- Researchers assessed the physical condition of border ser- late findings for a more thorough analysis of the results were vices’ infrastructure in (and around) border areas. used, including: Several research limitations in relation to this qualitative ◾ A desk review of existing literature and data. research study should be noted: ◾ Key informant interviews: The researcher met with rep- 1. Only two women traders (at the Fotekhobod-Oybek BCP) resentatives from government agencies exercising border were interviewed during the field trip. A customs officer at the Dusti BCP politely and firmly prevented the researchers from control, including Customs Service, State Centre for Sanitary conducting trader interviews, with the reason that “It is not Epidemiological Control under the Ministry of Health, the allowed.” The same officer remarked that none of the pedes- Ministry of Transport, and the Committee for Food Security trians crossing the border ever admit that they are traders. under the Government of Tajikistan, which combines the state This narrow interview base greatly limits the voice of women veterinary inspection service, phyto-sanitary, and quarantine traders in the reported findings. inspection. Interviews with truck drivers supplied details on circumstances of delays. The research team was able to inter- 2. Given the “sensitive” nature of border posts, respondents view only two women traders. Information was obtained using may have felt uncomfortable with disclosing information for a a structured questionnaire to capture information on dimen- number of reasons, including but not limited to the perceived sions, including physical barriers connected to traders’ activi- fear of retaliation or consequences for participating in the ties at border posts. interview. ◾ On-site observations: Observations were carried out in 3. The researchers received contradictory information from three BCPs with the Uzbekistan border as well as in cargo and customs officers at the same BCP in relation to equipment and passenger terminals of the Dushanbe International Airport. customs operations. 81 © UN Women Tajikistan Bibliography ADB (Asian Development Bank). 2021. Tajikistan Transport Sector Assessment. Manila: ADB. Accessed February 1, 2023. https:// dx.doi.org/10.22617/TCS210478-2. ADB (Asian Development Bank). 2020. Women’s Time Use in Rural Tajikistan. Manila: ADB. 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