WCO Secretary General: Placing people at the heart of the development

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Dr. Kunio Mikuriya, Secretary General of the World Customs Organization

Could you please share the development trend of customs technology in the world and the WCO's orientations in the coming time?

Technology is a very important part, especially in the current context of global trade development. For customs authorities, we apply technology to assist in the task performance and facilitate trade, while ensuring trade security. WCO will continue to work with customs authorities to develop standards to harmonize customs procedures everywhere in the world with technology support, and people at the heart of development.

The digital transformation process in the customs is taking place strongly. In your opinion, how should the Customs agencies develop a plan to make the customs profession attractive, thereby attracting the next generation of Customs officers?

We know that today's young generation has a passion for technology, and the same goes for the young generation of customs officers but we also need to share with them knowledge about the customs industry, so that they know how to use technology based on specialized customs knowledge, thereby attracting more young talents to the customs industry. And, they will become an important resource for economic development in the current context of world trade development.

The human factor plays an important role in the process of applying technology, what are your views on the issue of training innovation, and sharing knowledge and experience in Customs agencies?

In the customs industry, people are the most valuable resource. Today's young customs officers are the future of customs agencies. That is why the theme of the WCO 2023 Conference is "Embracing the Digital Age: Leveraging Technology, Fostering Innovation, and Nurturing the Next Generation of Customs Professionals", encouraging a culture of sharing and enhancing customs industry pride. Love for the profession and professionalism of the profession is something that current customs officers need to pass on to the next generation.

What is the WCO's assessment of Vietnam Customs on current results and what goals should Vietnam Customs focus on in the coming time?

Vietnam Customs has made great efforts and proactively changed according to WCO's recommendations and standards in harmonizing and simplifying customs procedures. Regarding technology, Vietnam needs to focus on training and developing human resources, coupled with technology and placing people at the center of development. I believe that Vietnam Customs, with the current generation of talented young people, can develop even stronger.

Could you give some notes to Vietnam Customs in building a technology model to meet the requirements of supporting Customs officers when implementing the goals of trade facilitation, customs clearance, and inspection and control of goods across borders?

The Conference is an opportunity for the parties to introduce technology application experiences being implemented in their countries, as well as products available on the market in the field of customs. I am sure that Vietnam Customs will have many opportunities to learn about what other customs agencies around the world are doing, to be able to self-assess and apply possible solutions to improve the quality of human resource training. And vice versa, Vietnam Customs can also share about its good experiences.

What issues should Vietnam Customs focus on to build and nurture the next generation of customs professionals?

Vietnam, in the eyes of businessmen, is an extremely potential destination. When I asked some colleagues on the Private Sector Advisory Board where they wanted to invest and do business, they answered: Vietnam! Vietnam's economic development is highly expected. The younger generation needs to know that and should be inspired by the pride in them to develop their careers. The WCO is always ready to provide support, and this conference is a testament to that. Flexibility to adapt to today's constantly changing social context is also extremely important. Digital transformation orientation in the Government's strategy needs to be applied in the customs. Customs leaders need to be steadfast in their goals, as well as inspire future customs generations while promoting existing traditions, which is very important.

Thank you!