MENA customs officials mull WCO strategy

AMMAN, Nov 6 (KUNA) -- Representatives of the customs departments from North Africa and Middle East (MENA) gathered on Tuesday to debate the capacity building strategy of the World Customs Organization (WCO).
A delegation from Kuwait General Administration of Customs, led by its Director General Jamal Al-Jalawi, took part in the meeting, according to a KGAC statement.
Based on an extensive review of the global market, the comprehensive strategy for 2019-22 aims to develop the customs and border management services.
"Today's meeting, organized by the WCO Regional Training Centre for North Africa and Near and Middle East, debated proposals to upgrade the customs departments of the region and facilitate the world trade movement," said representative of WCO regional office Sheikh Mohammad Al-Khalifa said.
"The proposals aim to help the countries of the region coordinate the customs and border management through leveraging of the digital customs and e-trade systems," Sheikh Mohammad, also and President of Customs of Bahrain, added.
Meanwhile, Ricardo Trevino, the WCO Deputy Secretary General and Administrator General of Mexico Customs, said the organization worked out a range of measures to facilitate the flow of goods and ensure security of global trade.
The new strategy meets the demands of WCO member governments for the 21st century, he added. On his part, KGAC Director General Al-Jalawi said that Kuwait's customs plan and national laws are generally in keeping with the objectives of the WCO strategy. (end) mjb.gb