The key to achieving both global trade security and facilitation may lie in establishing efficient and secure Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) systems. From August 29 to 31, 2023, the World Customs Organization (WCO), under the framework of the Switzerland State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO)-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP), conducted a follow-up assessment and capacity-building mission for Bolivia's Customs Administration regarding its AEO program.
The mission, held in La Paz, aimed to evaluate and enhance the effectiveness of Bolivia's AEO initiative while providing recommendations to optimize its performance and ensure long-term sustainability. The technical assistance focused on revising Bolivia's AEO program and communication strategy, collaborating with WCO experts to develop practical solutions for maximizing current outcomes and future growth potential.
Project Background and Objectives
In an era of increasingly complex global trade and rising security risks, AEO programs have gained prominence as vital tools for trade security and facilitation. By establishing partnerships with private sector entities to share security responsibilities, these programs enhance supply chain safety and efficiency. Bolivia's Customs Administration, with comprehensive GTFP support, has worked to strengthen its AEO program to achieve measurable progress in building more secure supply chains and sharing security responsibilities with private enterprises.
The WCO follow-up mission sought to consolidate previous achievements while elevating Bolivia's AEO program to higher standards. Key objectives included:
- Assessing current implementation: Comprehensively evaluating progress, challenges, and gaps in Bolivia's AEO program.
- Optimizing program design: Providing recommendations to improve application processes, certification criteria, monitoring mechanisms, and other key elements.
- Ensuring long-term sustainability: Establishing frameworks to maintain effective program operation and contribute to Bolivia's trade development.
- Enhancing customs capabilities: Delivering training and technical guidance to strengthen Bolivia Customs' expertise in AEO program management.
Technical Assistance Components
The three-day mission focused on three primary areas:
1. AEO Program Revision
Bolivian customs officials collaborated with WCO experts to comprehensively review and revise the existing AEO program, emphasizing:
- Refined certification standards: Aligning criteria with international best practices to better evaluate applicants' security risk management capabilities.
- Streamlined application processes: Reducing administrative burdens to encourage greater private sector participation.
- Enhanced monitoring: Strengthening oversight to ensure continued compliance and timely correction of violations.
- Improved incentives: Expanding benefits such as reduced inspection rates and priority clearance to attract more participants.
2. Communication Strategy Development
The mission included developing a strategic communication plan to increase public awareness and support, focusing on:
- Clear communication objectives regarding participation rates and public trust
- Identification of target audiences including businesses, government agencies, and media
- Selection of appropriate dissemination channels
- Development of clear messaging highlighting program benefits
3. Capacity Building
WCO experts provided comprehensive training covering:
- AEO program fundamentals and international standards
- Implementation methodologies including application processing and certification
- Risk management techniques for security assessments
- Audit procedures to verify compliance
Progress and Achievements
With GTFP support, Bolivia's Customs Administration has achieved:
- A doubling of AEO-certified enterprises over four years
- Strengthened program alignment with international standards
- Developed strategic communication frameworks to increase awareness
Future Recommendations
To further enhance the program's effectiveness, suggested measures include:
- Strengthening intergovernmental coordination with trade and security agencies
- Deepening private sector engagement through improved dialogue and services
- Continuing professional development for customs personnel
- Implementing regular program evaluations to identify improvement opportunities
The WCO follow-up mission positions Bolivia's AEO program for continued advancement in trade security and facilitation. The SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme remains committed to supporting Bolivia's trade development objectives.