The WCO/Asian Development Bank (ADB) National Workshop on Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC) Implementation was held on 9-12 June 2014 in Thimpu, Bhutan. Responding to the needs expressed by Department of Revenue and Customs (DRC) of Bhutan, this 4-day workshop particularly focused on the implementation aspect of key provisions of RKC. Experts from the WCO, Asia Pacific Regional Office for Capacity Building (ROCB A/P) and Japan Customs, together with an expert from Asian Development Bank (ADB), participated in and contributed to the successful organization of this workshop.

Bhutan is now at the final stage of accession to RKC and it is a critical moment for DRC for its effective implementation.  To meet such emerging needs, the first 3-day of this workshop was allocated for the customs only session and focused on the implementation of 2 key concepts of RKC, namely “business partnership” and “special procedures for authorized persons” which DRC has been seeking more information to design their effective programs in Bhutan. Through the information exchange and the discussion among resource persons and participants, DRC came up with the clear idea on how to implement these important provisions and developed respective action plan for their smooth implementation.

Last day of this workshop was allocated for the consultation with stakeholders on RKC and other reform program of DRC to which approximately 25 stakeholders including Bhutan Exporter Association (BEA), Bhutan Chamber of Commerce and Industries (BCCI), Bhutan Agriculture and Food Regulatory Authority (BAFRA) and Department of Trade (DOT) participated. All participants appreciated this opportunity to know more about RKC and supported the DRC’s extensive efforts on reform and modernization. 

This workshop was part of the joint coordinated supports of ROCB A/P and ADB for assisting the SASEC (South Asia Sub-regional Economic Cooperation) countries, namely Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. WCO, ROCB A/P and ADB are going to continue this collaborative effort for assisting customs administrations in the region for contributing to the regional development and integration.