WCO organize a Customs Modernization Advisors accreditation workshop for the European region

March 2009

As part of its renewed effort to provide sustainable development assistance to member administrations, the World Customs Organization (WCO) has now fully launched its Customs Modernization Advisors accreditation process.

After the accreditation workshop delivered for Asia-Pacific region in India in February 2009, the WCO organized a similar accreditation event at the Secretariat in Brussels from March 16 to 20, 2009. This event was open to English-speaking experts from member administrations in the Europe region. Eleven participants from 9 different Customs administrations in the Europe region attended the workshop.

The objective of the workshop is to accredit individuals with comprehensive experience and skills in change management, strategic planning, and organizational development. As accredited Customs Modernization Advisors, these advisors are now in a position to provide support to WCO members in the planning and implementation of their respective Customs reform and modernization initiatives. They may also be called to facilitate dialogue with donors, and policy-makers on the importance of investing in Customs modernization.

The workshop also provided an opportunity for participants to become familiar with strategic planning methodologies, as well as with key WCO instruments and standards.

This type of activity demonstrates that the WCO remains committed to supporting its Member Customs administrations in facilitating and securing global trade for the socio-economic development of their country.

An accreditation event for French-speaking experts from the Europe region is scheduled to take place from May 11 to 15, 2009 at the WCO Secretariat in Brussels.