Upon request of Palestinian Customs, a WCO support mission was conducted from 20 to 24 November 2016 in the premises of the Regional Training Center Amman, Jordan to help the Administration draft its Strategic Plan taking due account of the WCO most essential instruments, as well as modern strategic planning methods. The Workshop was conducted with the support of the Government of the United Kingdom through Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

The Workshop provided an opportunity to familiarize participants with the methodologies and benefits of effective strategic planning and the development of appropriate Mission / Vision / Values and Strategic Goals / Objectives / Activities / Indicators. It offered also the occasion to provide advice and guidance on the development of a new long-term Strategic Plan that is aligned to core strategic priorities of the Government and the Customs administration.

Discussions focused on the need to create a new strategic perspective to satisfy the requirements of modern Customs in the 21st Century. Particular attention was paid to results-based management to deliver customs modernization projects more effectively. The mission also touched upon the need to discuss the importance of organizational design and structure.

The strong commitment to reform and modernization was underlined by the Director General of Customs, Excises and VAT during the opening ceremony who also expressed sincere gratitude to the WCO and HMRC for their continuing support.