WCO Secretary General Mr. Kunio Mikuriya met Secretary Jeh Johnson at the Headquarters of the Department of Homeland Security on 25 February to discuss topics of mutual interest during their first meeting since Secretary Johnson’s appointment.
Topics discussed ranged from current issues on the international Customs agenda to the Executive Order recently signed by President Obama governing the establishment of a Single Window and Coordinated Border Management (CBM) import and export process environment in the U.S. The Secretary General elaborated on various WCO instruments, such as the Data Model, that would be beneficial in the development of the Single Window/CBM environment.
Referring to the recent developments in the WTO, both parties agreed that security and facilitation are fundamental, need to be optimized and that security of a high standard enables facilitation.
Programmes such as trusted trader (AEO), Global Shield and Cargo Targeting System combine these core elements and ensure optimum security and facilitation.
In concluding the meeting, Secretary Johnson reaffirmed strong US support for the WCO and the implementation of the Strategic Plan.
During his visit to the US, Secretary General Mikuriya met with representatives of government, trade and the donor community to ensure continued strong support for WCO policies. Discussion was concentrated on the implementation of the WTO Agreement on Trade Facilitation and the need for global consistency and the implementation of WCO standards. This was a common theme emphasized by government, trade and donor representatives.
Secretary General Mikuriya met with senior government representatives including; Mr. T. Winkowski Acting Commissioner, US Customs and Border Protection, Mr. D. Ragsdale, Acting Director, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Mr. G. Kerlikowske, Director, Office of National Drug Control Policy. He also met with representatives from the US Department of State (Economic and International Bureaus), Department of Treasury and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative.
Separate meetings were held with staff of the U.S. Senate Homeland Security Committee, U.S. Senate Finance Committee and U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Ways and Means on Capitol Hill.
The Secretary General also engaged in substantive discussions with trade representatives, and attended a Roundtable organized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. This event brought together a wide range of participants and stakeholders from diverse industries.
The Secretary General also held discussions with the Pharmaceutical Industry (PhRMA) on issues affecting the industry and in particular issues surrounding Intellectual Property Rights, and visited the premises of the GEA to meet industry representatives in an informal setting.
In addition, the Secretary General met with donor organizations including the Global Environment Facility, U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Millennium Challenge Corporation.
A common theme that emerged from the meetings was the evident need to implement global measures in a consistent manner particularly with regard to the implementation of the WTO Agreement on Trade Facilitation. Representatives agreed that the WCO has the instruments and know-how to ensure such consistency.
During his visit to the U.S. Secretary General Mikuriya addressed the prestigious Center for East Asian Studies and The Lauder Institute at the University of Pennsylvania on the topic of Customs Evolving in Ensuring Connectivity at Borders.