WCO standards play a key role in New Zealand’s trade and border management initiatives
New Zealand, 21-22 August 2012
Report
At the invitation of Carolyn Tremain, the Chief Executive and Comptroller of the New Zealand Customs Service, the Secretary General of the WCO, Kunio Mikuriya, visited Wellington for discussions on various Customs and trade issues from 21-22 August 2012.
Secretary General Mikuriya met the Minister for Customs, Maurice Williamson, to discuss a range of topics, including Customs’ role in ensuring the free flow of goods in international trade, the impact of export trade on economic recovery, new and exciting options offered by the use of new technology, and capacity building.
At Custom House in Wellington, Maori members of staff extended a traditional Powhiri welcome to the Secretary General to reflect the ethnic diversity of the New Zealand Customs Service (NZCS).
The Secretary General was briefed on several developments in NZCS, including the Joint Border Management System/Trade Single Window (JBMS/TSW) and the multi-agency initiative that is based on WCO standards, including the Data Model. Once fully developed, these initiatives will enhance the implementation of the country’s import/export policies.
In this context, the Secretary General was also briefed on the strategic direction of New Zealand’s trade and excise management and the principles applied by border agencies in the country's economic interest by managing risk to protect the economy, citizens and trading partners. These principles were encapsulated in the proposed JBMS. Further discussions took place on how best to highlight this forward looking approach to the broader membership of the WCO.
The Secretary General was also invited to address representatives from the diplomatic corps, several border agencies and academia on the current strategic approach of the WCO. In his address, Secretary General Mikuriya referred to various topics, including globalization, connectivity, security, WCO initiatives, standards, capacity building, and relationships with other international organizations.
Additionally, the Secretary General met a cross-section of NZCS staff to raise awareness of the impact of WCO standards on the daily duties of Customs officials. This interactive session highlighted the wide range of WCO standards in everyday use, such as the Harmonized System, the SAFE Framework, the Data Model and the Revised Kyoto Convention. The important role played by NZCS in developing WCO standards over many years was acknowledged.
The Secretary General also visited the Integrated Targeting Operation Centre (ITOC) hosted at Auckland Custom House and staffed by six border agencies. This is a step forward for the realization of JBMS to support the multi-agency approach for the command, planning and coordination of operations across New Zealand's layered border enforcement strategy.
Secretary General Mikuriya looks forward to continued strong support for WCO activities by the New Zealand Customs Service.