Against the backdrop of pandemic-induced vulnerabilities in global supply chains, customs authorities worldwide are being called upon to play a more proactive role in trade recovery. The recent virtual meeting between World Customs Organization (WCO) Secretary General Kunio Mikuriya and Geneva-based customs representatives served as a timely response to this challenge.
A Special Meeting on International Customs Day
Marking International Customs Day, customs delegates based in Geneva transcended geographical boundaries by inviting WCO Secretary General Kunio Mikuriya to participate in an innovative online session. The meeting aimed to strengthen dialogue between the customs communities of Brussels (WCO headquarters) and Geneva—two pivotal hubs of international trade—to address shared priorities and enhance cooperation in tackling global trade challenges.
Organizers and Participants
The virtual meeting was chaired by Sheri Rosenow, WTO representative and Chair of the Geneva Customs Club. The Club comprises active members representing 12 WTO member delegations and four international organizations. The successful convening reflected the Club's meticulous preparation and members' enthusiastic participation.
Secretary General Mikuriya's Address and Vision
Secretary General Mikuriya began by extending International Customs Day greetings to all participants. He commended customs personnel globally for their exceptional work during the COVID-19 pandemic and outlined the WCO's 2021 vision: "Recovery, Renewal, and Resilience: Customs for a Sustainable Supply Chain." This theme encapsulates the WCO's role in global economic recovery and its commitment to building more resilient and sustainable supply chains.
WCO-WTO Collaboration
Mikuriya emphasized the longstanding productive partnership between the WCO and WTO, highlighting joint achievements in trade facilitation and customs capacity building. He reaffirmed the WCO's commitment to deepening cooperation with the WTO to address global trade challenges, particularly focusing on pandemic-related trade disruptions and leveraging technological innovation to enhance customs efficiency and transparency.
The Critical Role of Technological Innovation
The Secretary General stressed technology's transformative potential in modernizing customs operations. He urged members to adopt emerging technologies—including big data, artificial intelligence, and blockchain—to improve risk management, streamline clearance processes, and combat cross-border crime. Mikuriya encouraged collaborative efforts to advance digital transformation across customs administrations.
Commitment to Geneva Customs Community
Secretary General Mikuriya pledged WCO support to the WTO and Geneva customs community in priority areas including implementation of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) and e-commerce development. He offered to share expertise, provide technical assistance, and foster partnerships to advance global trade facilitation.
Implementing the Trade Facilitation Agreement
The WTO TFA seeks to simplify and harmonize international trade procedures, reduce costs, and stimulate trade growth. Mikuriya emphasized that effective implementation requires collective effort, particularly from customs authorities, and assured continued WCO support through training and technical assistance.
E-commerce Developments
With cross-border e-commerce expanding rapidly, Mikuriya noted the WCO's proactive approach in analyzing its impact on customs operations and developing appropriate policies. He called for enhanced cooperation among members to address emerging e-commerce challenges while fostering its healthy growth.
Geneva Customs Community's Response
Geneva Customs Club members expressed appreciation for Mikuriya's participation, endorsing his vision and commitments. They emphasized maintaining strong Brussels-Geneva connections to advance shared objectives for global trade prosperity. The meeting established a valuable platform for future collaboration.
WCO's Global Role
The WCO, an independent intergovernmental organization with 184 members, enhances customs administration effectiveness to promote legitimate international trade. It develops global customs standards, provides technical support, and facilitates member cooperation—playing pivotal roles in trade facilitation, security, and revenue collection.
Significance of International Customs Day
Observed annually on January 26, International Customs Day commemorates the 1953 establishment of the Customs Cooperation Council (WCO's predecessor) and recognizes customs' contributions to global trade and economic development. Each year's theme highlights priority areas and mobilizes collective action against trade challenges.
Moving Forward: Sustained Dialogue and Cooperation
This virtual engagement not only strengthened WCO-Geneva ties but also clarified customs' critical role in economic recovery, trade facilitation, and sustainable supply chains during challenging times. Through technological innovation, international cooperation, and effective TFA implementation, global customs authorities are positioned to overcome challenges and contribute to trade growth.