Customs officials from across the Asia-Pacific region gathered virtually for the 19th World Customs Organization (WCO) Regional Training Centers (RTCs) Heads Meeting, addressing critical challenges in global trade security and efficiency during the pandemic era.
Pioneering Virtual Collaboration
The meeting, hosted by the WCO Asia-Pacific Regional Office for Capacity Building (ROCB A/P), brought together leaders from eight regional training centers representing China, Fiji, Hong Kong (China), India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, and Malaysia. Observers from Iran Customs, Thailand Customs, and the Asia-Pacific Regional Intelligence Liaison Office (RILO AP) also participated.
"RTCs serve as the cornerstone of WCO's capacity building regionalization policy," said Norikazu Kuramoto, Head of ROCB A/P, in his opening remarks. "The Asia-Pacific region has made significant contributions to WCO's mission, particularly through their innovative approaches during these challenging times."
Adapting to Pandemic Challenges
The conference highlighted how regional training centers have transformed their operations amid travel restrictions. Participants shared best practices in remote training methodologies, including the use of virtual reality (VR) technologies and online learning platforms to maintain training continuity without compromising quality.
WCO representatives outlined their COVID-19 response measures and presented key elements of the 2021-2024 Environmental Scan , which will inform the 2022-2025 Strategic Plan . The organization also introduced new "hybrid meeting" arrangements and basic conditions for conducting domestic missions.
Building Data-Driven Customs Operations
A significant focus of the discussions centered on enhancing customs modernization through data analytics capabilities. Dr. Taeil Kang, WCO Capacity Building Director, presented updates on the BACUDA Project (Blended Analytics for Customs Data Applications) and VR training initiatives.
"Developing fundamental data literacy among customs officers has become essential in our rapidly evolving trade environment," Dr. Kang emphasized. The BACUDA project includes developing an online data analytics course on the CLiKC! platform and a five-month scholarship program in Korea.
Regional Cooperation and Future Outlook
Participants unanimously agreed on the importance of strengthening regional collaboration through:
- Expanding remote training as a permanent capacity-building tool
- Enhancing data analytics competencies across customs administrations
- Deepening partnerships between RTCs, WCO, and ROCB A/P
The meeting concluded with case studies demonstrating technological innovations in customs operations across the region, including China's AI-powered inspection systems, Korea's big data applications for anti-smuggling efforts, and Indonesia's mobile clearance platforms.
Key Regional Training Centers
China Customs Management Institute : The sole institution under China's General Administration of Customs dedicated to cultivating senior customs professionals, known for its advanced facilities and international collaborations.
Hong Kong Customs Training School : Emphasizes practical skills development through its comprehensive curriculum spanning basic, specialized, and management training programs.
Korea Customs Service Training Institute : Focuses on developing globally competitive customs officers through innovative training methods and international perspective-building.
The virtual gathering marked a significant step in aligning regional capacity building efforts with emerging global trade requirements, setting the stage for continued innovation in customs modernization across the Asia-Pacific region.