Imagine a well-trained, professional customs team that not only ensures border security with precision but also optimizes trade processes and boosts economic growth. How is such a team cultivated? Latvia provides a unique answer.
Breaking Tradition: University as the Cradle of Customs Talent
Diverging from traditional "customs academy" or training center models, Latvia has chosen an innovative path by partnering with Riga Technical University (RTU) to develop customs professionals. As a founding contributor to the World Customs Organization's (WCO) PICARD program, RTU plays a pivotal role in customs education.
In May 2011, WCO Capacity Building Deputy Director Heike Barczik visited Riga at RTU's invitation to examine Latvia's practices in customs specialization, human capital investment, leadership development, and training needs.
This collaborative model centers on close cooperation between Latvia's State Revenue Service, private sector stakeholders, and RTU. The university delivers degree programs for customs officers while offering professional development courses for customs clients including declarants, authorized agents, and entrepreneurs.
Since 1994, RTU has trained customs managers and specialists, expanding to tax administration in 2004. To date, approximately 7,000 graduates have earned higher education qualifications in customs and tax administration, with over 1,000 students currently enrolled in these programs.
Multi-Stakeholder Ecosystem for Talent Development
Latvia's approach represents more than academic training—it constitutes an integrated ecosystem. The State Revenue Service provides policy guidance and practical support, private sector partners contribute industry expertise, while RTU designs and delivers the curriculum. This tripartite cooperation ensures graduates possess immediately applicable job skills.
During her visit, Barczik met with key stakeholders including State Revenue Service Deputy Director Aigars Uncens, Customs Committee Deputy Directors Aivars Eglitis and Ingrida Gulbe-Otanke, and Latvian Logistics Association Chairman Aivars Taulins. All expressed strong support for sharing this model internationally, including at the September 2011 PICARD Conference in Geneva.
Continuous Quality Improvement
RTU continually enhances its programs through initiatives like aligning with the WCO's Management Development Program as a preparatory course for university studies. This ensures students begin their academic journey with foundational management knowledge.
Advantages of the Latvian Model
- Theory-Practice Integration: Combines systematic academic training with real-world application through government and industry partnerships
- Interdisciplinary Approach: Develops comprehensive competencies across law, economics, and management
- Lifelong Learning: Provides continuous professional development opportunities
- Talent Pipeline: Ensures sustainable human resource supply for customs administration
Global Implications
Latvia's success offers valuable insights for customs talent development worldwide:
- Explore innovative partnerships with academic institutions
- Establish multi-stakeholder collaboration frameworks
- Emphasize experiential learning components
- Pursue continuous program improvement
- Engage in international knowledge exchange
WCO Management Development Program
The WCO initiative enhances leadership capabilities through training in:
- Strategic planning and execution
- Risk identification and mitigation
- Performance measurement systems
- Change management methodologies
This program complements academic training by developing critical leadership competencies for customs executives.
Future Outlook
In an increasingly globalized world, customs administrations must strengthen cooperation to build a global talent development community. By sharing best practices and jointly developing training programs, nations can enhance collective capabilities to ensure secure and efficient global trade.
Latvia's experience demonstrates that cultivating customs excellence requires continuous innovation and international collaboration. Only through sustained commitment to talent development can nations build the professional customs workforce needed to support global economic prosperity.