Imagine a future where customs officials use artificial intelligence to detect counterfeit goods, or where trade platforms leverage blockchain technology to streamline cross-border commerce. As digital transformation sweeps across global trade, the World Customs Organization (WCO) is actively exploring how emerging technologies impact customs operations and seeking new models for public-private collaboration.
Public-Private Dialogue on Digital Transformation
On June 25-26, 2018, the WCO Private Sector Consultative Group (PSCG) held its 44th meeting at WCO headquarters. Representatives from 14 PSCG member organizations gathered to review ongoing initiatives, discuss future activities, and prepare for a policy dialogue session with WCO's Policy Commission members scheduled for June 27.
E-Commerce: Accelerating Information Sharing to Address Challenges
The meeting highlighted progress by the e-commerce working group, with participants agreeing on the need for mechanisms to widely disseminate WCO's e-commerce initiatives. As cross-border e-commerce flourishes, customs authorities face unprecedented challenges including product traceability, tax collection, and intellectual property protection. Enhanced information sharing could help stakeholders better address these challenges and foster healthy e-commerce development.
Strengthening Public-Private Partnerships
Discussions included a pilot program to facilitate information exchange between customs and private sector entities. Participants also explored establishing Regional Private Sector Groups (RPSGs) within WCO regions to better understand local conditions and develop tailored cooperation strategies.
Knowledge Sharing: Building Technical Capacity
The meeting featured several technical presentations to prepare participants for policy discussions:
- Combating Counterfeit Goods: Examined threats posed by maritime counterfeit shipments and technological solutions for enhanced monitoring.
- Global Connectivity: Analyzed connectivity indices and their importance for trade facilitation and economic development.
- WCO Knowledge Academy: Showcased training programs to enhance customs officials' technical capabilities.
- Trade Platforms: Demonstrated how Maersk/IBM's blockchain platform improves trade transparency and reduces costs.
Policy Dialogue: Navigating Disruptive Technologies
The June 27 policy session focused on "Disruptive Technologies - Ensuring Regular Interaction Between Customs and Trade on Emerging Trends." Participants explored how to strengthen collaboration amid rapid technological change, with lively discussions yielding constructive recommendations.
Charting the Path Forward
The dialogue produced several consensus points and actionable proposals for WCO forums. Future collaboration may include:
- Establishing regular information exchange mechanisms
- Conducting joint research on technology impacts
- Developing industry standards for technology applications
- Enhancing technical capacity building
- Implementing pilot projects to validate new solutions
Through such cooperation, WCO and private sector partners aim to leverage emerging technologies to enhance customs efficiency, reduce trade costs, and foster global commerce. As technological change accelerates, this public-private partnership will serve as a crucial engine for trade facilitation and security, laying foundations for sustainable development in global trade.