In a pioneering international collaboration, the State Customs Committee of Uzbekistan (SCC) and the Maldives Customs Service (MCS) recently conducted a virtual knowledge exchange program focused on post-clearance audit (PCA) practices. Facilitated under the World Customs Organization's (WCO) Mercator Programme and supported by the SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP), this three-day event from September 21-23, 2021, marked a significant step in capacity building for customs administrations.
The initiative provided Uzbekistan's newly established PCA unit with valuable insights from Maldives' experienced customs professionals, who shared their expertise in overcoming implementation challenges and developing effective audit systems. This knowledge transfer represents a model of South-South cooperation in customs modernization.
Comprehensive Knowledge Sharing
MCS officials generously shared their institutional knowledge across multiple operational dimensions:
- Organizational Structure: Detailed presentation of PCA department configuration, staffing models, and interdepartmental coordination mechanisms.
- Legal Framework: Examination of legislative foundations governing audit scope, procedures, and enforcement measures aligned with international standards.
- Operational Procedures: Step-by-step guidance on risk assessment methodologies, audit planning, field operations, documentation, and follow-up processes.
- Interagency Coordination: Best practices for collaboration with risk management, intelligence, and enforcement units to combat smuggling and trade violations.
- Technology Integration: Demonstration of IT systems supporting data analysis, risk profiling, and case management functions.
Capacity Building Outcomes
The exchange enabled SCC officials to identify improvement opportunities in their existing procedures while strengthening professional networks within the WCO community. Beyond technical knowledge transfer, the program fostered lasting professional relationships that may facilitate future cooperation.
This initiative exemplifies the successful implementation of both the GTFP - which assists developing countries in adopting WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement measures - and the Mercator Programme that supports implementation of the Revised Kyoto Convention for simplified customs procedures. The virtual format demonstrated the potential for cost-effective international knowledge sharing even during global travel restrictions.
The collaboration between Uzbekistan and Maldives customs authorities highlights the growing importance of international cooperation in trade facilitation and customs modernization. Such exchanges contribute to more efficient global supply chains while strengthening compliance mechanisms against illicit trade practices.