In an increasingly complex and interconnected global trade environment, customs authorities face unprecedented risk challenges. Smuggling, fraud, terrorism, and other forms of cross-border crime pose serious threats to international trade security, economic development, and national security. To effectively address these risks, the World Customs Organization (WCO) has been committed to strengthening global customs capacity building, with risk management as a crucial component.
WCO's Comprehensive Risk Management Strategy
The WCO's risk management strategy aims to help member customs administrations establish and strengthen their risk management systems to identify, assess, respond to, and monitor various risks. The strategy includes four key elements:
- Risk Management Framework: Provides comprehensive guidance for member administrations to establish effective risk management systems covering all stages of the process.
- Capacity Building: Offers training, technical assistance, and expert support to enhance risk management capabilities across all aspects.
- Information Sharing: Facilitates the exchange of risk information, best practices, and lessons learned through a global risk information network.
- International Cooperation: Collaborates with organizations like the UN, INTERPOL, and WTO to combat cross-border crime and promote trade security.
Developing a High-Quality Expert Workforce
The WCO recognizes that maintaining a pool of qualified risk management experts is essential for implementing its strategy. These experts provide technical assistance, training, and guidance to help member administrations strengthen their risk management systems.
The WCO has established a rigorous certification process for risk management experts, including application, assessment, specialized training, and final certification. Certified experts are included in the WCO's expert database and can participate in global risk management projects.
Collaboration with JICA for Capacity Building
The WCO has maintained a long-term partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to conduct risk management capacity-building activities. Joint projects include:
- Advanced Trainer Program to develop high-quality risk management trainers
- Risk management workshops for knowledge exchange
- Technical assistance projects to strengthen risk management systems
Pre-Certification Workshop for West African Experts
In May-June 2022, the WCO and JICA jointly organized a pre-certification workshop in Brussels for Technical and Operational Advisors (TOAs) in risk management. The event aimed to quickly expand the WCO's expert pool to meet members' urgent needs in risk management.
Fifteen outstanding representatives from five West African countries (Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, and Togo) participated. These individuals had previously excelled in the WCO-JICA Advanced Trainer Program implemented from 2019-2021, which focused on developing sustainable, autonomous training capacity in West Africa.
During the workshop, participants demonstrated their knowledge, skills, and enthusiasm for contributing to future WCO capacity-building activities. WCO Secretary General Dr. Kunio Mikuriya met with participants, acknowledging their contributions and encouraging them to become valuable assets in global customs operations.
Future Directions in Risk Management
The WCO remains committed to strengthening global customs capacity building, with risk management as a key priority. Through initiatives like these workshops, the organization not only expands its expert workforce but also fosters collaboration among members to address global risk challenges.
As the global trade environment continues to evolve, the WCO will intensify its risk management strategy to support customs administrations worldwide in maintaining trade security and promoting economic development.