Imagine the economic impact if a nation could double the efficiency of its import-export inspections. Colombia's National Tax and Customs Directorate (DIAN) is pursuing this ambitious goal, drawing valuable lessons from Mexico's customs administration (ANAM).
Supported by the Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP) - a joint initiative of the World Customs Organization (WCO) and Switzerland's State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) - a Colombian customs delegation conducted an intensive study visit to Mexican customs in May 2022. The mission focused on acquiring Mexico's advanced risk management practices to enhance Colombia's customs modernization efforts.
Deepening Bilateral Cooperation
This exchange represents more than a simple fact-finding trip; it marks the deepening of long-term collaboration between Colombian and Mexican customs authorities under the GTFP framework. The groundwork was laid in 2021 through preliminary virtual exchanges, demonstrating how digital tools can enhance international cooperation through hybrid engagement models.
The Colombian delegation gained significant insights from Mexico's sophisticated risk management system, particularly its refined operational protocols and advanced digital infrastructure. Through facility tours and technical discussions, officials examined Mexico's methodologies for risk identification, assessment, and mitigation while exploring joint solutions to shared challenges.
Modernization Priorities
As Colombia's newly established Vice Directorate for Trade Facilitation and Services navigates its modernization agenda, Mexican practices offer actionable benchmarks. Key areas of interest include:
- Data Analytics: Mexico's use of big data to streamline inspection processes
- Digital Solutions: Technological applications that accelerate clearance procedures
- Public-Private Engagement: Mechanisms for effective collaboration with trade stakeholders
A central objective involves strengthening Colombia's risk management coordination unit and developing a comprehensive risk modeling framework. The goal is to establish a more scientific and efficient system that safeguards national security while minimizing disruptions to legitimate trade.
Strategic Focus Areas
Colombia plans to adapt several Mexican best practices:
- Risk Identification: Implementing AI and big data analytics to detect potential threats across trade activities
- Risk Assessment: Developing quantitative models to determine risk levels and appropriate responses
- Risk Control: Implementing tiered inspection protocols that focus resources on high-risk shipments
- Interagency Coordination: Enhancing collaboration between customs units and external enforcement partners
- Digital Transformation: Deploying mobile inspection technologies and integrated risk management systems
Global Framework for Progress
The GTFP initiative continues to facilitate meaningful exchanges between customs administrations worldwide. As global trade complexity increases, such cooperative platforms become increasingly vital for balancing security and efficiency. Colombia's engagement with Mexican expertise exemplifies how targeted knowledge transfer can accelerate institutional development and economic growth.