At the invitation of Mr. Vladimir Bulajić, Director General of the Revenue and Customs Administration of Montenegro, Dr. Kunio Mikuriya, WCO Secretary General, visited Podgorica, Montenegro on 19 and 20 October 2023. During his visit, he engaged in constructive meetings with the President, the Prime Minister and the Minister of Finance, discussing the ongoing Customs modernization initiatives in Montenegro.
Montenegro Customs celebrated its 225th anniversary on 18 October and is currently undergoing it’s a modernization process. Following the merger with the Revenue Administration in April 2021, Montenegro introduced and started implementing a new Customs Code in February 2023. This code presents a comprehensive framework for Customs procedures, aligning with transparency and international standards.
The unification of Customs and tax operations has optimized processes, enhancing revenue collection and trade facilitation. There has been notable progress in digital transformation, including the implementation of the Customs Information System and the New Computerized Transit System, which will connect to EU market. Additionally, the Country is eager to engage more deeply with the Western Balkan market.
Prime Minister H.E. Dritan Abazović and Minister of Finance H.E. Aleksandar Damjanović visited the headquarters of the Revenue and Customs Administration and met with Dr. Mikuriya to gather insights and explore further collaboration with the WCO. Both leaders concurred that leveraging technology and effective human resource management is pivotal for Customs to efficiently achieve its multifaceted objectives. They recognized the necessity for sustained political support for Customs.
Dr. Mikuriya underscored the critical roles Customs plays in facilitating international trade, ensuring security and generating revenue for the government. He commended Montenegro’s progress in Customs modernization and reiterated the WCO’s support in its endeavours.
The Secretary General visited the Dobrakovo border crossing point adjoining Serbia to observe Customs operations firsthand. He also had a meeting with the members of the Chamber of Economy, hearing out the business community and emphasizing the significance of a trust-based Customs-business partnership.
In his meeting with President H.E. Jakov Milatović, Dr. Mikuriya presented insights on refining Customs-tax cooperation, especially concerning data sharing. He highlighted the need for consistent and stable management of the Revenue and Customs Administration. Addressing the President’s inquiries, he also provided recommendations on the disposal of seized counterfeit goods, suggesting a departure from the current practice of storing them in a free trade zone. The President, previously the Minister of Economic Development, expressed gratitude for WCO’s guidance and affirmed his government’s intention to consolidate ties with the WCO.
Concluding his visit, Dr. Mikuriya addressed the Economics Faculty at the University of Montenegro, delivering a lecture on Customs, Trade and the work of the WCO. He found the engagement with students, the next generation of the country, particularly rewarding.