The global trade system resembles the complex network of human blood vessels, where any blockage can trigger serious economic consequences. The World Customs Organization (WCO) serves as the "heart" of this intricate system, while its regional structures act as vital "capillaries" ensuring smooth circulation of goods. The 12th Global Meeting of Regional Capacity Building Office (ROCB) and Regional Training Center (RTC) Heads and Vice-Chairs, held March 2-3, 2017 at WCO headquarters in Brussels, aimed to strengthen these capillaries for healthier global trade.
Strategic Focus on Trade Facilitation
The meeting's primary objective was clarifying the crucial role of WCO's regional structures and vice-chairs in implementing the organization's strategic plan, particularly regarding the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). Through the Mercator Programme , participants worked to accelerate trade facilitation by evaluating regional experiences in developing strategic plans and organizing donor conferences.
Regional Strategies and Donor Engagement: Foundations for Success
Four of WCO's six regions have developed regional strategic plans and gained valuable experience organizing donor conferences. Representatives from the Americas/Caribbean, Asia/Pacific, Eastern/Southern Africa, and Western/Central Africa regions shared practical insights demonstrating these tools' effectiveness. Their experiences proved that clear regional strategies optimize resource allocation, while successful donor conferences secure crucial funding for capacity building.
Best Practice Guidelines and Organizational Frameworks
To enhance regional effectiveness, participants agreed to annually update ROCB and RTC best practice guidelines while developing new guidelines for vice-chairs. The meeting also established an organizational framework to address shared governance challenges, strengthening regional structures' ability to support WCO's strategic objectives.
WCO Expertise Fuels Regional Initiatives
Experts from WCO's Compliance and Facilitation Directorate, Tariff and Trade Affairs Directorate, and Research Unit presented cutting-edge policies and research findings. This knowledge transfer enables regional structures to better promote initiatives and support implementation - from improving customs enforcement through updated compliance requirements to advancing regional trade via new facilitation measures.
Regional Collaboration Through Informal Meetings
Regional caucuses provided platforms for discussing local priorities and sharing solutions to common challenges. These sessions fostered cooperation on issues ranging from cross-border security to implementing single window systems, establishing foundations for future collaboration.
Digital Transformation: CLiKC! and VCOA
The meeting highlighted progress on WCO's digital tools, including the CLiKC! platform (now serving 23,000+ global users with updated e-learning modules on customs controls, TIR, single windows, rules of origin, and TFA) and the Virtual Customs Academy (VCOA) providing flexible professional development. These resources significantly enhance customs capabilities to adapt to evolving trade environments.
Looking Ahead: 2018 and Beyond
The successful meeting reinforced WCO regional structures' pivotal role in global trade facilitation. Participants agreed that strengthened cooperation, shared best practices, and digital tools will better support WCO's strategic goals and sustainable trade development. The next meeting, scheduled for Q1 2018, will address emerging challenges and opportunities to further strengthen global commerce.
WCO's regional efforts transcend simplified clearance procedures, working toward a fairer, more efficient, and secure global trade environment that benefits businesses, economies, and citizens worldwide. Through continuous regional cooperation, WCO is building a brighter trade future for all.