Customs risk management is a critical component in enhancing operational efficiency and safeguarding national economic security. The challenge lies in accurately identifying risks, allocating resources effectively, and balancing regulatory oversight with trade facilitation. In September 2018, the World Customs Organization (WCO) held a workshop on risk analysis and profiling in Astana, Kazakhstan, providing valuable insights and methodologies to the State Revenue Committee of Kazakhstan. The event was financially supported by the China Customs Cooperation Fund (CCF/China) and brought together 24 officials from Kazakhstan’s customs headquarters and frontline departments to discuss pressing issues in risk management.
Workshop Opening: Emphasizing Comprehensive Risk Management
During the opening ceremony, Talgat Mamaev, Director of Analysis, Statistics, and Risk Management at the State Revenue Committee, and Serik Biyekenov, Deputy Director of the Training Methodology Center, joined the WCO coordinator in highlighting the importance of a holistic risk management approach. Their remarks underscored the relationship between risk-based selectivity, efficient resource allocation, and the dual goals of facilitation and control. This set the tone for the workshop, reinforcing the central role of risk management in customs operations.
Workshop Focus: Risk Identification, Response, and Profiling
Over five days, the workshop covered organizational and operational aspects of risk management, including risk-based cargo selection and targeting. Participants explored:
- Risk Identification and Assessment: Tools such as data analysis, intelligence gathering, and expert consultations were discussed to evaluate potential risks and their impact.
- Risk Mitigation Strategies: Participants learned about risk avoidance, reduction, transfer, and acceptance, tailoring responses to specific scenarios.
- Risk Profiling: The workshop delved into profiling techniques outlined in the WCO’s Customs Risk Management Compendium , enabling targeted oversight of high-risk entities.
- Case Studies and Simulations: Practical exercises allowed officials to apply theoretical knowledge in simulated customs environments.
Outcomes: Enhanced Capabilities and Process Refinement
The workshop yielded tangible results:
- Strengthened risk awareness among Kazakh customs officials.
- Practical mastery of risk assessment tools.
- Discussions on optimizing profiling processes within the State Revenue Committee.
- Strengthened collaboration between Kazakhstan and the WCO.
Future Directions: Advancing Risk Management
To build on this progress, Kazakhstan’s State Revenue Committee could:
- Develop a robust risk management framework with clear departmental roles.
- Leverage big data analytics for precision in risk detection.
- Enhance intelligence-gathering mechanisms to stay abreast of global customs trends.
- Deepen international cooperation to adopt best practices.
The workshop marked a significant step in elevating Kazakhstan’s customs risk management, aligning it with international standards to bolster economic security and trade efficiency.