The meeting of the National Customs Directorates of Latin America, Spain and Portugal concluded on Friday in Valencia, Spain, within the framework of the Multilateral Agreement on Cooperation and Mutual Assistance, known as COMALEP. This meeting, held over two days (September 26 and 27, 2024), brought together representatives of 15 member countries, including Argentina.
The Spanish Tax Agency and the Mexican National Customs Agency (ANAM) acted as hosts and organizers. It is important to note that Mexico acts as the Permanent Secretariat of COMALEP, playing a central role in facilitating the fulfillment of the objectives established in the agreement.
Announcement of new portal and host country for 2025
In this context, the Permanent Secretariat of COMALEP has presented a report on the results obtained by the region in the last year, highlighting the importance of the commitments fulfilled and the activities carried out. During the event, five panels were held with experts who shared good practices, national strategies, successful public policies and projects underway in their respective countries.
It was also highlighted that this meeting represents an invaluable opportunity to strengthen institutional ties between customs administrations in the region, as well as being a favorable space to share experiences and learn about the outstanding results and successful projects implemented that can benefit other member countries. In this context, it was significant to learn about the initiatives being developed by various counterpart administrations.
During the meeting, the Secretariat presented the official COMALEP portal, detailing its sections and showing its scope and usefulness. This web space will strengthen ongoing collaboration and serve to consult and exchange strategic information among member countries.
In an announcement, El Salvador was confirmed to be the host country for the next meeting, scheduled for 2025, underscoring the member nations' commitment to maintaining sustained customs dialogue and cooperation.
Reflections by the WCO Deputy Secretary General
In light of the important event, the Deputy Secretary General of the World Customs Organization (WCO), Ricardo Treviño Chapa, shared on his social networks the effort and importance of the progress achieved. In his message, he highlighted the work of the WCO in training its members and emphasized the relevance of strategic alliances with institutions such as the Inter-American Development Bank and the International Monetary Fund.
Four recognitions
During the meeting, an award ceremony was also held to recognize good customs practices in several categories. The Chilean National Customs Service was awarded in the Administration category. Innovative, thanks to its effective communication strategy. In addition, the Dominican Republic Customs was awarded for Youth Leadership, the Cuban Customs par excellence in Crisis Management, and Peru for extraordinary findings in the field of Security.
Private sector presence
The event was attended by the private sector. Among those present were: Roberto Fuentes, general secretary of the International Association of Professional Customs Agents (ASAPRA); Wilfida Sandoval Alvarenga, vice president for Central America and the Caribbean of ASAPRA; Gabrielle Gambaro, representative of the Association of Customs Brokers of Uruguay (ADAU); and Tomás Ruiz and Marta Portillo, representing the Center of Customs Brokers of Paraguay (CDAP).
In summary, the annual meeting of National Directors of Customs of Latin America, Spain and Portugal, held in Valencia, turned out to be a great success. This meeting highlighted COMALEP as an ideal space for customs dialogue and collaboration. It also highlighted the importance of specialized multilateral organizations in this context. With El Salvador as the next host of COMALEP, new opportunities will open up to continue advancing in these objectives.
Fonts:
- https://anam.gob.mx/comunicado-de-prensa-no-15-2024/
- https://www.aduana.cl/premio-administracion-innovadora-aduana-es-reconocida-por-sus-pares-de/aduana/2024-09-25/144641.html
- https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?fetchDeterministicClustersOnly=true&heroEntityKey=urn%3Ali%3Afsd_profile%3AACoAABF7nNkBp8DNeh4MkdHRjZlIN_tw677nqYM&keywords=ricardo%20trevi%C3%B1o%20chapa&origin=RICH_QUERY_SUGGESTION&position=0&searchId=df26c04c-68cf-476d-89df-deb1b11efb36&sid=feR&spellCorrectionEnabled=false
- https://www.linkedin.com/posts/asapra_comalep-2024-activity-7245795532881752064-8-yl?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_android
- Recommended reading: article “COMALEP: A Pillar of Customs Integration and Cooperation in Latin America” by Dr. Héctor Juárez Allende https://aduananews.com/comalep-convenio-multilateral-sobre-cooperacion-y-asistencia-mutua-entre-las-direcciones-nacionales-de-aduanas/
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