The World Customs Organization (WCO) recently conducted a BACUDA Data Analytics workshop for the Maldives Customs Service with 41 participants from the 30th of January to the 1st of February in Male, Maldives. The mission was financed by the Customs Cooperation Fund of Korea (CCF-Korea) and took place under the WCO's BACUDA initiative, the WCO capacity building project on Data Analytics. WCO experts and two BACUDA Scholarship graduates led the workshop. They delivered various sessions to equip the customs officials with the latest data analytics tools and techniques.

One of the key highlights of the workshop was a hands-on session where the participants learned how to use Python language to work with the AI HS algorithm developed through the BACUDA project. The hands-on session was an excellent opportunity for the participants to apply the concepts they had learned and see the results in real-time. The session was interactive and allowed the participants to ask questions and receive immediate feedback from the experts. This practical experience will be invaluable for the participants as they continue improving their Python skills and integrating them into their day-to-day operations.

It is noteworthy that the Maldives Customs Service has already demonstrated its proactiveness and eagerness to enhance its operations through the implementation of the AI HS Recommendation algorithm on its own data. This was based on the officials’ training in the BACUDA Click online course for three months, and the customs officials even created a module to simplify its usage. This proactive approach was evident in the workshop as the participants had already prepared poignant questions according to their current needs.

Presentations on Data Quality and the use of Data Analytics for Risk management were also part of the workshop, including best practices of Data Warehousing from the Korea Customs Service, Indian Customs and Cambodian Customs. BACUDA scholars contributed to these sessions immensely and provided participants with a comprehensive understanding of data quality, its importance, and how it can be improved through effective data warehousing. The participants were also introduced to the best practices of data warehousing and shared insights on how Customs leverages data analytics to effectively manage the risks of cargo targeting and improve trade facilitation.

Similarly, the BACUDA initiative also delivered a workshop for Mongolian Customs on the implementation of data analytics tools and techniques. The workshop was well-received by the Mongolian Customs officials, who appreciated the opportunity to learn about the latest trends in data analytics and how they can be applied to improve their operations. The hands-on sessions were particularly popular, and the participants were able to see the results of their efforts in real-time.

Both workshops are a testament to the BACUDA initiative’s commitment to continue providing its member countries with the latest tools and practical techniques to enhance their customs operations.

For more information, contact capacity.building@wcoomd.org.