Within the framework of Davos 2025, a panel discussion entitled «Trade Technology: Helping People in Need”, which brought together two influential figures in the field of international trade: the Secretary General of the World Customs Organization (WCO), Ian Saunders, and the Minister of Trade of Finland, Ville Tavio.
Moderated by Macarena Torres, Head of the World Economic Forum's Trade Facilitation Team, the panel today (21.01.2025) addressed the intersection between trade, customs and humanitarian assistance, highlighting how streamlined customs processes can strengthen crisis response and global economic resilience.
Ian Saunders He stressed the role of customs in managing the cross-border movement of goods during crises, underlining the need for advanced technology, data sharing and strategic partnerships to efficiently collect revenue, facilitate legitimate trade and combat the smuggling of illicit goods.
For its part, Ville Tavio He shared Finland’s experience in crisis preparedness and trade continuity, stressing the importance of ensuring access to essential supplies and services, including digital infrastructure. Tavio highlighted his country’s efforts in supporting Ukraine’s resilience through private sector investments and innovative technological solutions.
Both speakers agreed on the need to strengthen the public-private partnerships and international development as fundamental pillars to improve the resilience of supply chains and the response to global crises. In this regard, they stressed the importance of information exchange between governments and companies to effectively manage risks in value chains.
The panel also addressed the challenges faced by SMEs (SMEs) in global trade, highlighting how customs can facilitate their integration into global value chains. A point of particular attention was the increase in shipments of small packages, a trend that makes it difficult to detect illicit goods due to their dispersed origin and the variety of companies involved.
In the final part of the discussion, they focused on the impact of technology, trade and humanitarian assistance in a changing global context. Both Secretary General Saunders and Minister Tavio concluded by emphasizing the need for Constant investment in technological infrastructure and adaptable customs processes to meet security challenges and the dynamic international trade landscape.
At the conclusion of the session, the WCO Secretary-General summarized the main message of the session on social media:
«HToday at the World Economic Forum in Davos, I had the privilege of speaking at the session ‘Trade Technology: Helping People in Need’, where I emphasised the vital role of customs in ensuring the smooth flow of humanitarian aid in times of crisis. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, customs can speed up the clearance of life-saving goods, share critical data and collaborate with key partners, thereby ensuring the timely delivery of aid. All of this is achieved while protecting societies from the influx of illicit goods and illegal activities that often arise during these difficult times.
«It is also important to note that these approaches to customs work are part of effective trade management in normal times..Together, we can build a stronger, more resilient global system for all.
With this reflection, the Secretary General of the WCO summarized not only the essence of the debate in Davos, but also the commitment of customs at a global level to more efficient, safe and prosperous trade.
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