As global trade continues to expand, customs authorities are transforming from mere border guardians into facilitators of trade. In this increasingly complex international trade environment, enhancing the professionalism of customs personnel has become a shared priority across the Asia-Pacific region. The 2018 WCO Asia-Pacific Regional Training Center (RTC) Directors Meeting, held October 24-25 at the Shanghai Customs College, addressed this critical issue through collaborative discussions on regional capacity building.
Gathering of Experts for a Common Cause
Hosted by Shanghai Customs College, the meeting brought together RTC directors from across the Asia-Pacific region, including representatives from China (Shanghai and Xiamen), Fiji, Hong Kong (China), India, Japan, South Korea, and Malaysia. The World Customs Organization (WCO) Secretariat, the Vice Chair's Office for the Asia-Pacific region, and the Regional Office for Capacity Building Asia-Pacific (ROCB A/P) also participated. Dr. Cong Yuhao, President of Shanghai Customs College, delivered the opening address, while Associate Professor Zheng Jizheng served as moderator.
Participants engaged in substantive discussions about strengthening professional networks and human resources to enhance customs capabilities, ultimately supporting modernization efforts across the region.
Key Focus Areas for Development
The meeting centered on several critical topics to identify more effective approaches to capacity building:
- E-learning Development: With rapid technological advancement, digital learning has become essential. Participants shared experiences in creating engaging, effective e-learning programs to meet diverse training needs.
- WCO Training Strategy Implementation: Discussions focused on adapting the WCO's global training framework to regional contexts while leveraging the organization's resources.
- Maximizing WCO Seminar Benefits: Participants explored strategies to enhance participation in WCO seminars and translate insights into practical applications.
- Strengthening RTC Functions: The meeting examined ways to boost RTC service capabilities and influence through improved training, research, and technical assistance.
- Advancing "Centers of Excellence": Participants shared best practices for implementing this WCO concept to develop regionally influential training centers.
These discussions provided clarity about current conditions and future directions for capacity building in the region.
Mutual Learning and Progress
The event offered valuable opportunities for cross-border learning. China's RTC showcased its advanced training approaches, while participants toured Shanghai Customs College's facilities and visited the Shanghai Free Trade Zone to observe China's trade facilitation reforms firsthand.
Attendees praised China Customs' efforts to streamline trade and stimulate economic growth, expressing interest in adapting relevant practices to their national contexts.
Forward Momentum
South Korea's RTC extended an invitation to host the 2019 meeting. All participants expressed gratitude to China Customs and Shanghai Customs College for their hospitality and well-organized programming.
The successful convening strengthened regional RTC collaboration, clarified capacity-building priorities, advanced WCO training strategy implementation, and elevated the Asia-Pacific region's global customs profile.
Looking ahead, Asia-Pacific RTCs will continue collaborating to address global trade challenges, develop professional expertise, and deliver efficient customs services that support sustainable economic development across the region.