At the invitation of the Director General of Senegal Customs, Mr. Elimane Saliou Gningue, Secretary General Kunio Mikuriya participated in the 19th Conference of Directors General of Customs of French-speaking countries held in Dakar, Senegal, on 27 and 28 October 2014 The Senegalese Minister of Finance, Mr. Amadou Ba, delivered the opening address at the Conference. In his opening speech, Secretary General Mikuriya reiterated the WCO's commitment to enhanced communication among French-speaking countries. 18 countries and four international/regional organizations gathered at the meeting to share experiences on trade facilitation, economic competitiveness and Customs cooperation in the fight against illicit trade. They adopted ten recommendations contained in the Dakar Declaration*. Discussions also focused on the introduction of a potential follow-up monitoring system with support from the WCO, if the need arises.

The delegations, accompanied by the Minister of Budget Mr. Birima Mangara, were received by the Prime Minister of Senegal, Mr. Mohammed Dionne, who expressed his appreciation and encouragement for Customs officers of French-speaking countries in their fulfillment of a broad and diverse mandate. All participants gratefully acknowledged the warm hospitality and gracious welcome extended by the host country, Senegal.