Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan received Secretary General Kunio Mikuriya at his office on 30 May 2013. The Prime Minister reaffirmed his strong support for the WCO and its continued leadership role in providing orientation and assistance to Member Customs administrations world-wide by helping them discharge their responsibilities in improving economic competitiveness and protection of society. He also expressed his appreciation for the contribution of Customs to African development, pointing out that he would be chairing the Tokyo International Conference on African Development the following week.
The Secretary General also met with Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Taro Aso who expressed his ongoing full support for WCO activities.