There is no alternative other than co-operation between all those involved in international trade - WCO Secy Genl Kunio Mikuriya
Legal Corner Icon — the image was hosted by the publisher and was not captured.IN a message on the occasion of the International Customs Day (which is being celebrated in India today), the WCO Chief Kunio Mikuriya said, "In these early years of the 21st Century, there is no alternative other than co-operation between all those involved in international trade, which is the key to development and the engine which drives the global economy forward, and we must stand together as we look to the future.”
He added,
The international Customs community is unanimous: it is time to sweep away the non-essentials and the artificial synergies and engage in dialogue, innovating together and acting in concert to work out a course of action with optimism and determination in the face of the challenges to be confronted. The futures of all those involved in the supply chain are closely related, and depend on their ability to work together.
Customs cannot continue to act independently, without taking into account the interests of its partners; it must decompartmentalize its relations with international trade operators, develop consultation, dialogue, the exchange of expertise and know-how, promote information exchange and co-operation, and reduce the barriers that impede the smooth flow of trade by remedying shortcomings, doing away with duplications and organizing interactions. Customs must review its fundamentals, as must its partners who need to gain a better understanding of Customs, its missions and its challenges. In order for this partnership approach to be a balanced one, the private sector must take on board the two facets of the Customs role, which entails both collecting revenue and protecting society, whilst facilitating legitimate trade by means of the benefits granted to operators who commit to a process of transparency built on trust.
It is essential to make the point that in its day-to-day operations Customs must work closely with business in a shared endeavour to enhance performance.
Let us make the decision to take action and pool our talents, remembering that every journey must begin with a single step.