As global trade enters the digital era, customs authorities worldwide are transforming from border guardians to economic catalysts. The challenge of balancing security with trade facilitation has become a priority for nations across the globe.
High-Level Participation at ALACAT Congress
At the invitation of ALACAT President Mr. Galo Molina and Barcelona International Logistics Exhibition Chairman Mr. Enrique Lacalle, World Customs Organization (WCO) Deputy Secretary General Sergio Mujica attended the XXXIII ALACAT International Congress in Barcelona, Spain from June 7-9, 2016. The event gathered over 200 freight forwarders, logistics operators from Latin America, Spain, and Mediterranean countries, along with representatives from various international organizations across public and private sectors.
Key Customs Issues Take Center Stage
The congress agenda focused on critical customs-related topics including international perspectives on trade facilitation, customs' contribution to global competitiveness, and private sector collaboration strategies. Discussions centered on improving trade efficiency, reducing costs, and building more transparent customs systems.
WCO Highlights Customs' Economic Role
During panel discussions, Mr. Mujica emphasized customs' pivotal role in enhancing economic competitiveness and implementing the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). He presented WCO-developed tools designed to help customs administrations streamline processes, increase transparency, and strengthen cooperation to create favorable trade environments.
The deputy secretary general particularly stressed the importance of public-private partnerships, noting that effective collaboration between customs and businesses is essential for achieving true trade facilitation. Such cooperation helps customs better understand business needs while encouraging regulatory compliance, ultimately improving clearance efficiency and reducing trade costs.
Strengthening Partnerships in Spain
During his Barcelona visit, Mr. Mujica met with Spanish Customs Director Pilar Jurado and her management team to explore enhanced cooperation. He also held working sessions with senior representatives from Catalonia's private sector and toured Barcelona's port facilities.
The meeting with Director Jurado established future collaboration priorities, including information sharing, technical exchanges, and personnel training. These discussions reinforced the WCO-Spanish Customs relationship while injecting new momentum into joint trade facilitation efforts.
Private sector meetings provided valuable insights into operational challenges and service expectations at border crossings. The port visit offered firsthand understanding of customs' critical role in maintaining the competitiveness of this Mediterranean trade hub.
WCO's Commitment to Efficient Customs Systems
The WCO continues its global efforts to facilitate trade through international standards, technical assistance, and multilateral cooperation. Mr. Mujica's participation in the ALACAT Congress and subsequent engagements in Spain demonstrate the organization's practical approach to advancing these goals.
Through such initiatives, the WCO strengthens regional partnerships while showcasing its trade facilitation achievements. The organization remains committed to building more efficient, transparent customs systems that will drive global economic growth.