The World Customs Organization (WCO) organized a Customs Risk Analysis and Profiling Workshop from 17 to 21 September 2018 in Astana, Kazakhstan, with financial support from the Customs Cooperation Fund of China (CCF/China).  The Workshop was attended by 24 Customs officials at headquarters and field level.

Mr. Talgat Mamaev, Director of the Department of Analysis, Statistics and Risk Management, and Mr. Serik Biyekenov, Deputy Head of the Training Methodological Center, attended the opening session together with the WCO facilitator.  During their opening remarks, they highlighted the importance of adopting a holistic approach to risk management implementation.  The relationship between risk-based selectivity and effective resource allocation, facilitation and control was also underlined.

Throughout the Workshop, several topics relating to organizational and operational aspects of risk management were covered, including risk-based cargo selectivity and targeting.  Most of the sessions were followed by practical exercises and case studies in groups.

Over the course of this five-day Workshop, participants discussed how to identify and address risks as well as how to develop an effective profile using the methodology described in the WCO Customs Risk Management Compendium.  Case studies and practical exercises also contributed to greater understanding of the various topics.  Additionally, participants considered ways of improving the State Revenue Committee’s existing profile development and review processes.