The 2014 WCO IT Conference & Exhibition opened on Monday 5 May 2014 in Brisbane under the theme of "Information Technology as a Catalyst for Economic Competiveness". The Australian Customs and Border Protection Service (ACBPS) is the Co-Host of this year’s WCO IT Conference, which is being held for the 13th time.
The Conference was officially opened by Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash, Assistant Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, who welcomed the participants by stressing that in today’s economic environment, it is critical that traditional Customs practices be modified and enhanced in order to meet the rapidly changing nature of the global travel and trade industries.
The participants were also welcomed by the WCO Secretary General, Mr. Kunio Mikuriya, and the ACBPS Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Michael Pezzullo. Mr. Mikuriya underlined the important role of Customs and other governmental agencies in increasing border efficiency for facilitation of cross-border trade and travel, including tourism, while at the same time applying laws and regulations to safeguard government interests, protect the health and safety of citizens and ensure national security.
Mr. Pezzullo acknowledged the WCO IT Conference as an excellent opportunity for everyone in the global Customs and border protection community and for industry to come together and share knowledge, build relationships and support mutual growth. There is a need to ensure that Customs and border protection systems not only meet the future requirements of operations but also continue to meet the growing expectations of our clients.
During the next three days, more than 400 participants from 80 countries will have an opportunity to learn about innovative solutions powering facilitation of international trade and tourism from over 70 speakers from around the world.
More information on the 2014 WCO IT Conference can be found on the WCO Events website: https://www.etouches.com/ehome/index.php?eventid=78327&