Background and Objectives
On October 27–28, 2021, the 19th Asia-Pacific Regional Training Centers (RTCs) Heads Meeting was held virtually. Organized by the Regional Office for Capacity Building in the Asia-Pacific (ROCB A/P), the meeting aimed to strengthen collaboration among RTCs and explore effective strategies for delivering remote training amid the pandemic. The goal was to enhance the professional capabilities of customs personnel and advance modernization efforts across the region.
Participants and Agenda
The meeting brought together representatives from eight RTCs across the Asia-Pacific region, including China, Fiji, Hong Kong (China), India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, and Malaysia. Observers from Iran Customs, Thailand Customs, and the Regional Intelligence Liaison Office for Asia-Pacific (RILO AP) also attended. Key agenda items included:
- Opening remarks by ROCB A/P, emphasizing the critical role of RTCs in regional capacity building.
- Updates from the WCO on pandemic response measures and the 2021–2024 Environmental Scan .
- Reports on regional policies and initiatives by the Vice Chair of the Asia-Pacific region.
- Sharing of remote training experiences, challenges, and innovations by RTC representatives.
- Introductions to the WCO’s BACUDA project and advancements in virtual reality (VR) training.
Overview of Regional Training Centers
As a cornerstone of the WCO’s capacity-building strategy, RTCs in the Asia-Pacific region serve multiple functions:
- Implementing capacity-building activities: Organizing workshops, seminars, and tailored training programs to address regional needs.
- Facilitating knowledge exchange: Promoting best practices and collaborative problem-solving among member administrations.
- Developing specialized curricula: Offering courses in areas such as commodity classification, risk management, and customs modernization.
- Fostering regional cooperation: Strengthening ties between customs administrations to support integration efforts.
- Advocating WCO standards: Ensuring alignment with international customs tools and frameworks.
Each RTC brings unique expertise. For example, China’s RTC specializes in valuation and origin rules, while Japan’s focuses on technology-driven customs modernization.
Challenges and Solutions in Remote Training
The pandemic accelerated the adoption of remote training but revealed significant hurdles:
- Inadequate technical infrastructure in some member administrations.
- Unstable internet connectivity affecting participation.
- Reduced interactivity and engagement in virtual settings.
- Difficulty in assessing hands-on skills remotely.
RTCs addressed these challenges through:
- Technical support to improve digital readiness.
- Interactive course designs using forums and virtual classrooms.
- Hybrid models combining online and in-person elements.
- Pilot programs leveraging VR for immersive simulations.
Notable Practices
Several RTCs pioneered innovative approaches:
- South Korea’s RTC launched online data analysis courses to address evolving trade complexities.
- Japan’s virtual customs laboratory enabled trainees to practice procedures in simulated environments.
- China’s case-study methodology emphasized real-world problem-solving.
Future Directions
Key trends shaping the future of customs training include:
- Personalized learning pathways tailored to individual needs.
- Greater emphasis on practical application through VR and augmented reality (AR).
- Expanded cross-border collaboration to harmonize standards.
By embracing these strategies, the Asia-Pacific region aims to build a resilient, skilled customs workforce capable of navigating global trade challenges.