WCO Regional Workshop on Strategic Planning for the Americas region
Brasilia, 12-16 September 2011
The WCO, in collaboration with the Regional Training Center in Brasilia and the Regional Office for Capacity Building, held a regional workshop on strategic planning. The workshop, held from September 12 to 16, 2011 in Brasilia, Brazil, was organized for the benefit of Spanish-speaking members in the Americas and Caribbean region.
The event was made possible thanks to the generous financial support of the Inter-American Development Bank and of the Eurocustoms fund.
The WCO Capacity Building Strategy calls for Customs administrations to define their vision for reform and modernization. This vision should be structured and serve to secure buy-in from stakeholders and potential donors. Customs administrations in the Americas and Caribbean region have recognized the need to strengthen their in-house capacity to develop sound strategic plans that will increase ownership and support for the modernization process.
Workshop participants were exposed to a number of best practices in strategic planning including the validation of mission and vision statements, and the development of strategic objectives and sub-objectives. Participants also learned about results-based management, logical framework analysis, and the identification of risks as part of the planning process. This will ensure participants are able to participate to the definition of a clear vision for the future that not only ensures an agreed-upon direction for the modernization of Customs, but also ensures commitment from all stakeholders. The strategic vision will also allow for the development of annual action plans that directly and progressively contribute to achieving the long-term goals to become a more modern, efficient and transparent Customs administration.
Participants expressed satisfaction with the contents and delivery of the event, expressing a great interest in calling upon the skills and knowledge acquired during the workshop to contribute to the ongoing strategic planning processes in their respective administration.
The WCO remains committed to assisting its members through Phase II of the Columbus Programme, by providing strategic advice in the preparation of strategic and action plans for Customs reform and modernization. Members interested in receiving this assistance or other types of support should make their needs known to their Regional Office for Capacity Building.