The 2017 edition of the Global Trade Development Week was organized in Dubai, from 30 October to 1 November 2017, under the patronage of the Ministry of Economy and in partnership with the Federal Customs Authority of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The event was attended by representatives from Customs administrations, ministries of trade, international organizations and the private sector from various regions of the globe.
The WCO Director of Capacity Building, Ernani Checcucci, delivered a keynote speech at the opening of the Customs and Trade Compliance Summit, and moderated a panel comprising H.E. Ahmed A. Alhakbani, Director General of Saudi Customs, Ricardo Tevino Chapa, Director General of Mexican Customs, Suoud Salem AlAgroobi, Director of International Relations at the UAE Federal Customs Authority and Darlan F. Marti, Trade Policy Specialist in the Market Access Division at the World Trade Organization (WTO). The panellists and participants took this opportunity to discuss the implications of the entry into force of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement for the future of Customs and cross-border regulatory agencies.
The WCO Director reaffirmed the international Customs community’s commitment towards the implementation of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement, using the WCO Mercator Programme as a vehicle, as well as related WCO tools and instruments. The participants also explored the future implications for Customs, resulting from the rise in e-commerce and the developments in disruptive technologies.
Mr. Checcucci expressed the WCO’s appreciation to the UAE and, in particular, the Federal Customs Authority for organizing the event, which provided a platform for dialogue and cooperation on Customs matters.
03/11/2017