On 23-25 September, 2013, the WCO participated in the APEC Pathfinder Project with ASEAN and Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Partners on Combating Corruption and Illicit Trade across the Asia-Pacific Region, in Bangkok, Thailand. This initiative is a follow-up action taken after the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) drew the attention of APEC to the problems of illicit trade in its recommendations to the APEC Economic Leaders in 2009. The representatives of approximately 45 countries, economies and international organisations held a productive three days conference, hosted by the National Anti-Corruption Commission of Thailand (NACC). Conference participants covered a wide range of topics, including the impact of illegal economy on development and regional security, money laundering and corruption, environmental crimes, wildlife trafficking and trafficking in persons, as well as particular responses to these challenges. A representative of the WCO gave a presentation on the role of Customs in fighting against cross-border crimes and introduced a number of instruments the WCO provides Customs Administrations with in order to withstand these challenges. He also informed the participants about the results of the recent operations led by the WCO in the area of wildlife crime.