Digital Customs, the opportunities of the Information Age
“Digital Customs is the theme for the year ahead”, claims Mr. Kunio Mikuriya, Secretary General of the World Customs Organization.
The World Customs Organization is the voice of 179 Customs administrations which operate on all continents and represent all stages of economic development. Today, WCO Members are responsible for processing more than 98% of all international trade.
The 79th edition of the WCO News entitled “Going Digital” sets an overview of how Customs and the private sector are embracing digital technologies.
“Information and Communications Technology (ICT) is everywhere in today’s Customs workplace”, said Mr. Mikuriya.
He emphasizes: “From the use of ICT in office automation to the use of the Internet to publish and disseminate information, to the use of automated clearance systems to make declarations, perform risk management, undertake validation and processing, and eventually to issue approvals, ICT has transformed the way that Customs and governments operate.”
To reaffirm the importance of ICT for Customs administrations and in the work programme of the WCO, Mr. Mikuriya chose the concept of ‘Digital Customs’ as the theme for the year ahead.
He specifies: “Digital Customs means using digital systems to collect and safeguard Customs duties, to control the flow of goods, people, conveyances and money, and to secure the cross-border trade from crime, including international terrorism which continues to rear its head across the globe.”
In close collaboration with the WCO communication team, the quarterly magazine “WCO news” is designed and produced by the communication agency, Page in extremis.
The Belgian communication agency, Page in extremis is an official provider of the international organization.
Located in Brussels, the communication agency has extended experience in the translation of specific communication needs into effective communication media.
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