Imagine a forum where customs officials and customs brokers from across the globe convene to streamline cross-border trade and enhance economic competitiveness. This is not a distant ideal but a reality actively championed by the World Customs Organization (WCO). On November 18–19, 2015, WCO Deputy Secretary General Sergio Mujica, at the invitation of ASAPRA President Alfonso Rojas, attended the 46th ASAPRA Congress in Panama City, underscoring the WCO’s commitment to advancing customs modernization in the Americas.
The event brought together representatives from customs broker associations across 19 countries in the Americas, Spain, and Portugal, alongside directors general of customs from multiple Latin American nations. Participants shared insights, discussed reform initiatives, and exchanged best practices in a collaborative effort to improve trade facilitation.
ASAPRA Congress: A Platform for Customs Modernization
The ASAPRA Congress serves as a pivotal forum for dialogue among customs authorities and brokers in the Americas, addressing challenges in an evolving global trade landscape. With nations increasingly prioritizing trade efficiency and compliance, the WCO’s participation injected fresh momentum into regional modernization efforts.
WCO’s Leadership in Enhancing Trade Competitiveness
During the opening ceremony, ASAPRA’s president lauded the WCO’s role in fostering customs modernization and economic competitiveness. The WCO’s influence in global trade facilitation is evident through its development of international standards, technical assistance, and promotion of cross-border cooperation.
In his keynote address, Deputy Secretary General Mujica outlined the WCO’s recent initiatives and emphasized the critical role of customs brokers in bridging the gap between traders and customs administrations. He highlighted their indispensable contributions to compliance and efficiency in clearance processes.
Strengthening Collaboration for Trade Facilitation
Mujica invited attendees to explore deeper collaboration between customs and brokers, particularly in capacity-building and professionalization. Key areas of focus include:
- Information Sharing and Risk Management: Establishing robust mechanisms to combat smuggling and fraud.
- Capacity Building: Joint training programs to enhance brokers’ expertise and compliance awareness.
- Technology Innovation: Leveraging tools like blockchain and AI to optimize clearance processes.
- Standardization: Developing uniform industry benchmarks to elevate service quality.
Such measures aim to create a more secure, efficient, and transparent trade environment across the Americas.
Meetings with Panamanian Officials
During his visit, Mujica held working sessions with Panama’s customs leadership to review modernization projects. As a strategic trade hub, Panama’s reforms hold regional significance. Discussions with Deputy Minister of International Trade Néstor González and other officials further reinforced commitments to trade facilitation.
Future Directions for WCO and ASAPRA
The partnership between the WCO and ASAPRA is poised to expand, with potential initiatives including:
- Promoting adoption of the WCO’s Revised Kyoto Convention.
- Enhancing regional cooperation against illicit trade.
- Supporting SMEs in navigating cross-border complexities.
- Advancing green trade practices.
The WCO’s engagement at the congress reflects its enduring mission to shape a more interconnected and efficient global trade ecosystem.