World Customs Organization Deputy Secretary-General Ricardo Treviño spoke last week about the future of Customs, especially in the post-COVID-19 pandemic environment, according to the official statement.
Ricardo Treviño made an official visit to Washington DC, United States, from March 7 to 9, to discuss at the Wilson Center regarding How to Maximize Economic Growth and Prosperity through the World Customs Organization (WCO)According to the activities outlined in the statement, the official also discussed strategic issues of the WCO with senior representatives of the US government.
Wilson Center
At the Wilson Center, one of the most influential policy forums, Ricardo Treviño addressed a conversation entitled “Getting used to the new normal: border customs in the era of COVID-19".
During his presentation, the Deputy Secretary-General highlighted that Customs is at an important crossroads determined by the gradual economic recovery – capitalizing on cross-border trade – plus the continued changes and challenges in the current global environment. To cite a few examples, he mentioned the need to combat new variants of the coronavirus, the emergence of new technologies and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. He said that in that context, “Customs needed to ensure the efficient cross-border movement of goods, including medical supplies such as vaccines, while remaining focused on curbing criminal activities.”
Treviño then noted that the COVID-19 pandemic has clearly brought seismic changes around the world, accelerating some of the trends “already identified” and turning them into “megatrends.” He suggested that to respond to the global recovery, customs must have effective risk management through transparency and predictability in procedures; new technologies, data analysis and automation; and cooperation between customs, other border agencies and the private sector.
Regarding that, he added: “Customs must respond efficiently to the needs created by a greener economy and digitally driven, adapting procedures and operations to new forms of commerce.”
The official also stated that “the WCO must lead the change”. In particular, by “updating and improving its main instruments, paying full attention to the core mission of Customs and incorporating new elements to maintain its continued relevance in the future, ensuring that the Organization remains a viable and sustainable entity, recognized as the only global institution with 100% competence in customs matters”.
"The Strategic Plan 2022-2025, document that will enter into force on 1 July 2022, “It has been developed to ensure the right approach to preparing the WCO and Customs of the future,” said Treviño.
United States Government
As stated at the outset, the Under-Secretary-General also met, during his visit to the United States, with senior officials from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to discuss issues of strategic importance to the WCO and to support the customs community in the years ahead.
Today, the WCO represents 184 customs administrations around the world, which together process approximately 98% of global trade. – (WCO Press Release)
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