From 16-17 October 2023, the World Customs Organisation (WCO) hosted the 3rd session of the Working Group on Data and Statistics (WGDS) in a hybrid format at its Brussels headquarters. The event saw an impressive attendance of 56 in-person delegates, supplemented by 123 virtual participants.
Dr. Kunio Mikuriya, WCO's Secretary General, inaugurated the session, expressing his gratitude to the delegates for their significant contributions to data-focused initiatives. He emphasized key events, such as the recent WCO Technology Conference in Viet Nam and the imminent launch of the Data Innovation Hub. Dr. MIKURIYA stressed the importance of data harmonization in combatting illicit trade and made reference to the Customs Statistics Platform, aimed at guiding evidence-based policy formulation. Additionally, he outlined the WCO's ambitious projects, including the development of Customs standards, data-sharing protocols, cybersecurity measures, and a Common Lexicon for Data. He concluded with a call to action, highlighting the need for collaborative efforts towards a data-driven customs framework.
During the meeting, robust discussions centred on crucial topics, yielding fruitful results. Delegates were briefed on intersessional sub-working group activities, leading to the endorsement of standardized enforcement statistics. The session also introduced preliminary submissions on compendiums related to statistical standardization and data-sharing best practices. A cybersecurity use-case guide highlighted the critical importance of data protection and the necessity of seamless data exchange using cutting-edge, privacy-preserving technologies. In line with members' needs, the WCO showcased progress in establishing a unified terminology for data and statistics. Emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts within the WCO, the session emerged as a pivotal moment for collective action and knowledge sharing, nurturing the growth of Customs statistics and analytics. Dr. Taeil Kang, Director of Capacity Building, praised participants in his concluding remarks for their invaluable insights and unwavering commitment to the session's objectives.
The main decisions and findings from this session will be presented at the upcoming WCO Policy Commission Session in December 2023.
Stakeholders can anticipate the next WGDS session scheduled for May 2023 at the WCO headquarters, where further advancements in Customs data initiatives will be explored and shared.