On 2 and 3 May 2022, the Americas and the Caribbean region held the XXIV Regional Conference of Customs Directors General in a virtual format, hosted by Honduras in co-ordination with the Regional Vice-Chair. The event brought together Heads and delegates from more than 20 Customs administrations, and representatives of development partners in the region.
The agenda of the event was dedicated to "Smart Customs connecting to a safer world" and different Directors General shared the experience and best practices of their Customs administrations on the use of information and technology in Customs-to-Customs cooperation, and for decision-making in the new digital age.
The WCO Secretary General, Dr. Kunio Mikuriya, spoke to the region about the Organization’s emerging priorities identified to address the growing needs and expectations from its Members and the society as a whole: Data Strategy, green Customs and fragile borders , two of which are also included as focus areas in the new WCO Strategic Plan. He thanked the region for the support given to the WCO despite the challenges or organizing and attending online meetings and reiterated the Secretariat's commitment to continue providing assistance to the region.
The region also discussed the draft WCO Strategic Plan 2022-2025, which was updated to reflect the input received during the 85th Session of the Policy Commission held in December 2021, and provided further input to enhance the plan.
Furthermore, the Chairperson of the Regional Group of the Private Sector, Mr. Alfonso Rojas, presented a proposal for a Letter of Intent to promote joint efforts between Customs administrations and the private sector of the region, for the promotion of integrity and the fight against corruption.
The second Joint Forum of Customs and the Regional Group of the Private Sector also took place on 4 May, under the theme "Customs and Private Sector, same objectives for safer trade". The meeting served as a platform for both sectors to share experiences and best practices in the conduct of Time Release Studies, implementation of integrity and anti-corruption initiatives, and enhancement of Authorized Economic Operator programmes and Single Windows.