During the week of June 20, the WCO Anti-Corruption and Integrity Promotion (A-CIP) Programme conducted two separate workshops with the Honduras Customs Administration & the National Customs Service of Ecuador on the topic of consultation mechanisms with the private sector. These activities were a response to the Honduras & Ecuador Customs’ expressed needs to build on their capacity to reform and modernize their procedures, in accordance with the World Trade Organisation Trade Facilitation Agreement, and in cooperation with key stakeholders.

Over the course of the week, Customs officers involved in fostering change and strategic planning have had the opportunity to assess the administrations’ mechanisms of consultation and discuss improvements. Participants of both countries expressed their appreciation by the use of practical scenarios to reinforce theoretical knowledge. The results of the Customs Integrity Perception Survey, facilitated by the A-CIP Programme, and conducted in the countries in November-December 2021, were discussed in order to better understand and address gaps.

During closing remarks, the Deputy Director of Honduras Customs highlighted the vital importance of the WCO`s support in strengthening the capacities of Honduras officials on the field of integrity. In addition, she reaffirmed Honduras Customs commitment in promoting positive changes in this area.

The WCO A-CIP Programme currently supports more than 20 countries in five WCO regions, with funding from Norad and Canada. For more information, please, contact capacity.building@wcoomd.org.