Struggling with outdated strategic planning and inefficient project management? Colombia's National Tax and Customs Directorate (DIAN) faced similar challenges until a recent intervention by the World Customs Organization (WCO) propelled its modernization efforts forward.
From June 17-19, 2022, WCO conducted a national workshop in Colombia titled "Advanced Practices in Strategic Planning and Project Management." This initiative formed part of the Global Trade Facilitation Program (GTFP), a joint effort between WCO and Switzerland's State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), designed to strengthen DIAN's institutional capabilities.
GTFP: A Global Catalyst for Customs Modernization
The GTFP initiative supports developing nations in implementing the WTO's Trade Facilitation Agreement through capacity building and technical assistance. The program addresses multiple customs domains including valuation, rules of origin, commodity classification, risk management, and information technology.
Workshop Highlights: Building Future-Ready Capabilities
The intensive three-day program covered multiple dimensions of organizational transformation:
- Strategic Planning: Developing clear objectives and actionable implementation plans for customs reform
- Project Management: Enhancing capabilities across all project lifecycle phases to ensure timely, budget-conscious delivery
- Results-Based Management: Establishing performance evaluation systems to measure reform effectiveness
- Disruptive Planning: Developing adaptive strategies for evolving operational environments
WCO experts employed case studies, group discussions, and practical exercises to ensure knowledge transfer and skill development.
Tangible Outcomes: Blueprinting the Future
The workshop yielded several concrete deliverables that will shape DIAN's transformation:
- A draft implementation plan for results-based management systems
- Visionary models for future customs operations, including three flagship modernization projects
- Methodologies for disruptive planning and effective meeting facilitation
These outcomes position DIAN to better navigate complex operational challenges while improving service delivery and compliance mechanisms.
Dual Transformation: Strategy and Execution
The workshop marks a significant milestone in DIAN's modernization journey. By strengthening both strategic planning and project execution capabilities, the customs authority has established a framework for sustained improvement.
This case demonstrates how targeted capacity-building initiatives can drive meaningful reform in government institutions. DIAN's experience offers valuable insights for other developing economies pursuing similar transformations in their customs administrations.