The Secretary General of the WCO, Kunio Mikuriya, is pleased to announce that 2014 will be dedicated to promoting communication under the slogan “Communication: sharing information for better cooperation.”

“Communicating Customs achievements and its willingness to do more in national, regional, and international fora and mediums raises awareness of the vital role Customs plays in international trade, revenue collection, border security, and economic competitiveness” said WCO Secretary General Kunio Mikuriya. “Good communication also has a profound impact on how we learn from each other.”

The Secretary General added that “together, Customs has made commendable progress in achieving better visibility with national governments, international organizations, businesses, donors, development banks, and other international trade stakeholders. We need, however, to continue boosting the Customs public profile and unique expertise.”

Good communication practices by WCO Members are abundant: Member websites, specialized magazines, media outreach, and social networks are trailblazing the way towards greater awareness of the contribution of Customs to a more productive and resilient trade environment.

The Year of Communication will be launched on the International Customs Day, celebrated annually by the global Customs community on 26 January in honour of the inaugural session of the Customs Co-operation Council (CCC) which took place on 26 January 1953.

The WCO invites the Customs community to mark 26 January 2014 in their diary.