In October 2014 a WCO Capacity Building support mission was undertaken to Timor-Leste. The mission was the fourth in a series of inputs as part of the Project for Customs Capacity Building for WCO members 2012-15 which is funded by the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD). The aim of the project is to deliver technical assistance to seven countries in specific areas of Customs operations. As one of the countries participating in the project the assistance provided to Timor-Leste has been designed to strengthen their revenue collection capacity through implementation of improved working practices and procedures in the areas of Customs Valuation and Tariff Classification.

Timor-Leste: Batugade Integrated Border Post

The mission provided the opportunity for the WCO Project Manager to meet with Mr. Jose Antonio F. Abilio, the newly appointed Director-General of Customs, to review progress and to agree the Project Work Plan for the next phase of the project. Discussions were also held with advisors supporting the Ministry of Finance and Timor-Leste Customs Service along with representatives from the World Bank to ensure that the technical assistance provided by the project is coordinated with other agencies and donors.

For more information on the project for Customs Capacity Building for WCO Members 2012-15 please contact the Project Manager, Mr. Philip Wood Philip.Wood@wcoomd.org