From 10 to 14 July 2023, the World Customs Organization (WCO) organized, in close cooperation with the General Administration of China Customs, the first Pre-Accreditation Workshop for Technical and Operational Advisors in Customs Enforcement Network (CEN) applications.

The event was held at the WCO Regional Training Centre (RTC) in Xiamen, China, with the financial support of the China Customs Cooperation Fund (CCF/China), in response to the needs expressed by WCO Members on CEN applications and in line with the WCO’s strategic approach to expanding the WCO pool of experts.

In his opening address, Mr. Deng, Deputy Director General of Xiamen Customs District of the People’s Republic of China, warmly welcomed all the participants, underscored the importance of international cooperation and confirmed the RTC’s full commitment to supporting capacity-building initiatives.

The Workshop brought together 12 participants from the Customs Administrations of Cameroon, China, India, Japan, Maldives, Mauritius, Namibia, Poland, Russian Federation, Senegal and Thailand.

They were selected from around the globe on the basis of their relevant technical knowledge; applications; presentations; facilitation, communications and advisory skills; overall knowledge of the WCO’s main tools and instruments; and their ability to work as part of a team.

Throughout this intensive five-day Workshop, the participants had to demonstrate knowledge, skills, techniques and, most importantly, enthusiasm for contributing to the WCO’s future capacity-building activities.

The successful participants will be invited to the next stage of the WCO expert accreditation process, namely a field mission. It is anticipated that those participants who successfully complete the accreditation process will be added to the pool of experts and work together with the Organization for the benefit of Members requesting WCO technical assistance in the area of CEN applications.