The smooth functioning of global trade relies heavily on close cooperation between customs authorities and businesses. A key question remains: how can this partnership be further optimized to enhance trade facilitation while ensuring compliance? This central issue was the focus of the International Federation of Customs Brokers Associations (IFCBA) World Congress, held from May 18 to 20, 2016, in Shanghai. Sergio Mujica, Deputy Secretary General of the World Customs Organization (WCO), attended the event at the invitation of IFCBA President Satyan Badkar and delivered a significant address.
Congress Overview: A Platform for Customs-Business Dialogue
The IFCBA World Congress brought together over 400 customs brokers and representatives from 21 countries and regions. Under the theme "Advancing Trade Facilitation Through Customs-Business Collaboration," discussions spanned global trade facilitation trends, challenges and opportunities in customs oversight, and the pivotal role of customs brokers in international trade. The event served as a forum for dialogue among customs agencies, businesses, and academia to explore effective strategies for improving trade efficiency and security.
China Customs' Proactive Role: Driving Trade Facilitation and Economic Growth
In her opening remarks, Lü Weihong, Deputy Commissioner of China's General Administration of Customs, highlighted customs' dual role in facilitating trade and enhancing economic competitiveness. She detailed China's efforts, including advancing the Belt and Road Initiative, optimizing port business environments, streamlining clearance processes, and strengthening international customs cooperation. These reforms have demonstrably reduced trade costs, shortened clearance times, and improved efficiency—creating a more favorable business climate and supporting sustained economic growth.
WCO's Strategic Priorities: The Critical Role of Customs-Business Partnerships
Deputy Secretary General Mujica outlined the WCO's key activities and developments, emphasizing the indispensable role of customs brokers as intermediaries between customs and businesses. He noted that brokers must master customs regulations while possessing the expertise to guide companies toward compliant trade practices. Mujica stressed that enhancing broker training and certification is vital for trade facilitation—a point underscored throughout the congress.
WCO Survey Insights: Pathways for Enhanced Collaboration
On the second day, Mujica presented findings from a WCO survey on customs brokers' current challenges and developmental needs. The study identified opportunities for improved cooperation in information sharing, risk management, and capacity building. Such collaboration, he argued, could boost clearance efficiency, reduce trade costs, and minimize violations—creating mutual benefits. Participants were invited to explore concrete measures to strengthen these partnerships.
Deepening China-WCO Cooperation: A Strategic Partnership for Global Trade
Following the congress, Mujica met with Sun Yibiao, China's Deputy Customs Commissioner, in Beijing to discuss WCO modernization efforts and China's contributions to the organization's strategic agenda. Mujica acknowledged China's consistent support for WCO initiatives, reinforcing their collaborative framework. As a key WCO member, China's active participation has significantly advanced global trade facilitation—benefiting both domestic and international trade ecosystems.
Future Directions: Building a Resilient Global Trade System
The congress provided a critical platform for stakeholders to address emerging trade challenges and opportunities. Moving forward, several priorities emerged:
• Strengthening information-sharing mechanisms between customs and businesses to improve transparency and compliance awareness.
• Expanding risk management technologies to streamline low-risk shipments while focusing scrutiny on high-risk consignments.
• Investing in professional development for customs officials and brokers to adapt to evolving trade environments.
• Promoting standardization of customs procedures internationally to reduce trade barriers.
• Enhancing cross-border customs cooperation to combat illicit trade activities.
Through these measures, the international community can work toward a more efficient, secure, and sustainable global trade system—one that supports continued economic growth and development worldwide.