In April 2015 a WCO Capacity Building support mission was undertaken to Nicaragua. The mission was the latest 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 Nicaragua Customs (DGA) has focused on capacity building on Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) programs and Time Release Studies (TRS).

Meetings were held with the Deputy-Director Customs, Project Coordinator and AEO Implementation Team to review progress with the project and to consider next steps. The focus of the discussions was on supporting DGA to develop the skills required to enable them to successfully implement an AEO Pilot Program and to conduct a Time Release Study. A WCO accredited AEO Technical Expert also supported the DGA AEO Implementation Team at a meeting to discuss the benefits of the AEO Program with a business representative.

The final four days of the mission focused on the delivery of training on Stakeholder Consultations. The training was delivered to a group of twelve officers from a variety of policy and operational units. The training is designed to enable officers to develop the skills required for successful stakeholder consultations. The course is highly interactive and excellent feedback was provided from all participants. The project will continue to support DGA to apply their new skills and to build capacity within the organisation so that it can engage with those businesses who wish to participate in the AEO Program.

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