The World Customs Organization (WCO) Global Forum on Interconnectivity at Origin kicked off on Monday 3 February and will take place over two days at the WCO headquarters in Brussels, Belgium. With around 300 in-person attendees and numerous online participants, the event brings together representatives from customs administrations, intergovernmental organizations, the private sector and academia.
under the motto «Facilitating trade with interconnectivity at the source: from framework to implementation»The forum aims to foster dialogue on advances in digitalization and interconnectivity at origin, while addressing challenges and opportunities for its effective implementation.
A space for international cooperation
The event includes interactive discussions on key topics related to interconnectivity at origin, with an emphasis on collaboration between customs administrations, issuing authorities, the private sector and regional economic communities. The sessions have allowed participants to raise questions and explore new areas of discussion, highlighting the value of an open forum for both the public and private sectors to strengthen cooperation networks.
In his inaugural address, the Deputy Secretary General of the WCO, Ricardo Treviño Chapa, stressed that the forum is a key platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration. “This event offers a space to share experiences, foster partnerships and advance discussions on the digitalisation and interoperability of origin-related processes,” he said.
Treviño Chapa also thanked the Korean Customs Service (KCS) and the European Union (EU), through the EU-WCO Programme on Rules of Origin in Africa, for co-financing the forum and contributing to its implementation.
Advances in the digitalization of origin
During your speech, Treviño Chapa presented updates on the WCO’s efforts to digitise origin data exchanges. Since 2022, the organisation has been carrying out research on origin-related processes, culminating in a Feasibility Study to establish an Interconnectivity Framework for Certificates of Origin. This initiative, supported by the WCO Council, is part of the Strategic Plan 2022-2025, which aims to improve the automation and interoperability of customs procedures.
The opening of the forum also featured the participación by Dr. Im Hyuncheol, Customs Attaché at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Belgium and the EU, and Isabel García Catalán, Head of Unit at DG TAXUD A6 of the European Commission. Both highlighted the importance of strengthening digital connectivity to facilitate international trade. The session was moderated by Gael Grooby, Acting Director of the WCO's Tariff and Trade Affairs Directorate, and Brendan O'Hearn, Acting Director of the Compliance and Facilitation Directorate, reflecting the synergy between the organisation's Origin and Facilitation areas.
WCO's commitment to customs modernization
This high level of participation in the forum demonstrates the global interest in moving towards a more efficient and integrated system of certification of origin. In this context, the WCO will continue to support its members through training, technical assistance and researchAs part of this effort, an e-learning course will be developed to enhance Customs officials' understanding of origin interconnectivity and its impact on trade facilitation.
Second day: deepening the interconnectivity of origin
During the second day of the forum, Tuesday, February 4, participants will continue to delve deeper into issues related to interconnectivity in certification of origin, with a special focus on cooperation between international trade actors.
The day will begin with the 4 Panel, where experts will discuss the WCO's tools for the Certificate of Origin Interconnectivity Framework. Speakers will include Brendan C. O'Hearn, Chunxiao Xu, Atsushi Tanaka and Tejo Kusuma.
Following a coffee break, the discussion will continue with a panel discussion led by Donggeun Kim, Fachry Rozy Oemar and Seung Hyan Cha, who will address the challenges and benefits of digitalizing Certificates of Origin within the framework of international trade agreements.
El 5 Panel, Titulado Way forward: Global collaboration on origin interconnectivity, will bring together experts such as Gael Grooby, Kelly Morgero, Nelson Brens, Pedro Gomes Estevao, Stefano Inama and Mette Werdelin Azzam. This panel will discuss international cooperation strategies to consolidate a harmonized global framework for certification of origin, with the aim of facilitating trade and strengthening transparency in supply chains.
The day will conclude with the words of closing by Gael Grooby, who will reflect on the progress and next steps to achieve greater interconnectivity in certification of origin at a global level.
Aduana News is the first Argentine customs newspaper to launch its digital version. With 20 years of experience, its publications and initiatives aim to provide the most relevant knowledge on customs issues in order to contribute to safe trade in the region.
