Taking opportunities from digital transformation to bring Customs to new level, WCO Secretary General

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WCO Secretary General Dr. Kunio Mikuriya delivers an opening remark. Photo: Quang Hung

Dr. Kunio Mikuriya thanked Vietnam and Vietnam Customs for their warm welcome to the delegates attending the event. In particular, Vietnam and Vietnam Customs have ensured safety and security for this important event.

“First of all, I thank Vietnam Customs for organizing a unique art performance, demonstrating Vietnam's dynamic culture and economy. Arts and culture also demonstrate that Vietnam Customs has ensured connectivity in global trade. That's a great message. I appreciate the artistic performance by Vietnam Customs using technological effects. This clearly shows that Vietnam Customs attaches great importance to technology," said Dr. Kunio Mikuriya.

In recent years, the world has been greatly affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. We have seen changes, especially in the importance of Customs in the cross-border trade supply chain. In addition, digital transformation and technology have created major changes in the world.

According to the WCO Secretary General, artificial intelligence (AI) is considered a modern technology, the digital era that the world is moving towards. Under the theme of 2023 "Embracing the Digital Age: Leveraging Technology, Fostering Innovation, and Nurturing the Next Generation of Customs Professionals", firming that, we can exploit and apply technologies effectively in global trade.

The conference provides a platform that brings together key partners from customs authorities, other border agencies, technology providers, international organizations, and others involved in the international trade arena to share technology. Accordingly, Customs agencies can consider their need to apply scientific achievements to practical activities. The employment of advanced technology plays an important role in protecting society. At the same time, the Customs agencies also play a significant role in supporting customs clearance in the global supply chain through the application of technology. Technology providers understand the requirements of customs to develop solutions to support customs operations to achieve maximum efficiency.

Dr. Kunio Mikuriya said: "The 2023 Technology Conference and Exhibition with the presence of Customs agencies, stakeholders, and businesses will attract the young generation to technology development. I hope that the future generation will embrace technologies by researching, absorbing, and learning, improving knowledge through continuous learning and training. WCO also invited to this conference many startups in the field of technology to share experiences with young talents who are determined in their love and professionalism for the Customs profession."

Dr. Kunio Mikuriya hopes that the Customs agencies in general and Vietnam Customs in particular will seize opportunities for further development, and jointly perform their role in the global supply chain.

Dr. Kunio Mikuriya asks delegates to share their experiences and knowledge to open up more development opportunities for the Customs agencies, creating for the next generation of customs professionals pride in the customs profession. WCO hopes that we will embrace the digital era, bringing the Customs to a new level.