Under the framework of the EU-WCO HS and RoO Africa Programmes, funded by the European Union, the World Customs Organization (WCO), in partnership with the German Alliance for Trade Facilitation, through GIZ, held a national training of trainers workshop on HS and rules of origin for Côte d’Ivoire Customs. The workshop was held in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, from 9 to 13 October 2023 with the objective to assist Côte d’Ivoire in enhancing its knowledge and application of the Harmonized System and preferential rules of origin in the light of the imminent implementation of a national advance rulings mechanism. The training of trainers workshop built on the skills and knowledge acquired by participants in the intermediate and advanced trainings conducted in earlier in 2023.
In their opening remarks, Ms Roseline Fischer, GIZ Director for the Côte d’Ivoire Advance Rulings Programme, and Colonel Germain Sere, Director of Training and Documentation representing the Director General of Customs, thanked the WCO and the EU for their high quality support in building capacity on HS and rules of origin. In line with the national training strategy and sustainable training approach, the new trainers will form part of the Administration’s pool of experts and will be used both for the day to day application of advance rulings as well as for training of Customs staff, including for new intakes, and private stakeholders.
The training of trainers workshop allowed experts to deepen their understanding on HS and rules of origin as well as develop and strengthen their skills to deliver training. The workshop offered the participants a unique opportunity to deliver a number of group and individual presentations in various HS and origin related topics while taking into account the facilitation and communication skills and tips learnt from the WCO experts.
In conclusion of the workshop, the WCO experts provided feedback to the participants with a focus on key areas that needed improvement as well as commending the areas where participants deployed the acquired skills in developing training materials and delivering a training session.
The EU-WCO HS and RoO Africa Programmes will continue their work with Côte d’Ivoire Customs to equip Customs officials and relevant stakeholders with extended knowledge for efficient implementation and application of HS and rules of origin.
For further information please contact EU-WCORoOAfrica.Program@wcoomd.org