The Secretary General of the WCO, Kunio Mikuriya welcomed the Ambassador of Thailand to Belgium and Luxembourg and Mission to the European Union, H.E. Mr. Nopadol Gunavibool, on 17 December 2013. The Ambassador was accompanied by high-ranking officials from the Embassy, representing the Customs, agriculture, commercial affairs, science and technology and bilateral sections.  

In his welcoming remarks, Secretary General Mikuriya thanked the Ambassador for visiting the WCO to further acquaint himself with the work of the Organization. He explained the important role Customs plays in economic development, security and the protection of society, and outlined the WCO’s current major initiatives, including its emphasis on coordinated border management (CBM) to enhance the implementation of government policies at borders.  

The delegation attended a presentation on the history, membership, mission, structure and activities of the WCO during which a wide range of topics were discussed, including the WCO’s engagement with other international organizations, the kind of support it offers its Members especially in the fight against illicit trade, and the WCO’s existing tools and instruments which foster CBM. 

Ambassador Gunavibool appreciated the work being undertaken by the WCO Secretariat to assist Customs administrations and encouraged the WCO to strengthen its cooperation with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), including further engagement by the WCO in its activities, given the importance of regional integration. 

Secretary General Mikuriya reiterated his appreciation to the Ambassador and his senior officials for visiting the WCO, pointing out that there is a need for government to understand Customs, given its significance to the national economy and to regional integration, and that such meetings contribute to building understanding.