Not to be missed!
Co-operation with European Commission
October 2007
The new unit is part of “International bilateral agreements and multilateral organizations” unit which is headed by Mr. Peter Kovacs.
This meeting results from an agreement of June 2007 between Mr. Lars Karlsson, Director Capacity Building, and Mr. Koos Richelle, Director General of AidCO, upon an on-going dialogue between WCO and AidCO to explore further partnership possibilities concerning capacity building delivery.
Mr. Jan ten Bloemendal, Head of Unit `Business, trade and regional integration` in AidCo presented the current and future EC financial instruments for assistance in EU neighboring countries, Russia, the African, Caribbean and Pacific regions, Latin America and Asia, which cover a huge component on customs assistance.
WCO Capacity Building Directorate provided an overview on the Columbus Programme and the current state of play –covering a summary of the emerging findings and conclusions after finalization of 91 Diagnostic Missions- which gives ground for potential areas of donor cooperation.
EC expressed a view to explore further possible cooperation with WCO in the following areas:
- look for synergy of analysis with WCO diagnosis in relation to identification of future programmes in the field of trade facilitation
- use of WCO accredited experts in technical assistance projects of the EC.
In this connection, DG EuropeAid expressed an interest in accession to the Diagnostic mission reports, developed during the 1st phase of the Columbus Programme. These reports contain confidential information; therefore WCO committed itself at this stage towards the development of a compiled executive summary of the recommendations acquired, which will soon be commonly available.
In addition, Mr. Lars Karlsson announced the development of Regional Trends and Pattern Reports to be available for distribution to the stakeholders in December 2007.
On 9th October 2007 an opening meeting with representatives from the EC DG Enlargement took place at the premises of the EC. DG Enlargement briefly explained its customs reform strategies in Central and Eastern Europe whilst WCO Capacity Building Directorate presented opportunities for contribution in the framework of the Columbus Project. The discussion between Mr. Joe Kelly, Deputy Head of WCO Capacity Building Directorate and Mr. Yngve Engström, Head of Unit - Regional Programmes, laid the ground for further co-operation. Agreement was achieved to move forward towards a more formal co-operation along with representatives from DG TAXUD.
Overall WCO and EC share the view that customs reform and modernization programmes should in future be developed towards a more regional approach.
There was consensus on the importance of a dialogue on political and other levels to make the establishment of a modern Customs service an integral part of governmental strategies, based on the conditions and needs of the countries and regions, and to ensure full country (and regional) ownership.
