At the invitation of Mr. Mustafa Azzam Elterejman, Director General of Libya Customs, WCO Secretary General Kunio Mikuriya visited Tripoli, Libya, on 11 December 2016, to support Libya Customs for its post-conflict modernization.

Libya Customs is one among a few administrations that unite all its regional structures under the national administration.  Efforts have been made to improve Customs officers' working and living conditions and strengthen the esprit de corps.

After receiving briefing from the management team and touring facilities, including a visit at the canine unit, Secretary General Mikuriya appreciated Libya Customs' performances on fighting against narcotics and other illicit trade, and its focus on human resource development. 

While border security is the current Customs' priority, he suggested that Customs be gradually be modernized towards a more risk-based border management, supported by information technology, and that its revenue function be enhanced as well as business environment improved.

He added that another sector for improvements would be international cooperation: the WCO is willing to assist in this regard, in addition to the technical areas.  During a press conference attended by the national television and newspapers, Secretary General Mikuriya emphasized that all these require a consistent and continuous government support for Customs.