WCO Technology Conference and Exhibition Successfully Organized

The World Customs Organization (WCO) Technology Conference and Exhibition 2023 is the largest and most prestigious event of its kind, and it marks the first time that the General Department of Vietnam Customs has been the host. Vietnam Customs has spared no effort to ensure the success of the conference.

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang ( R)  receives Dr. Kunio Mikuriya, Secretary General of the World Customs Organization (WCO)

Imprint of host country

Deputy General Director of the General Department of Customs Nguyen Van Tho said that Vietnam Customs actively coordinated with the World Customs Organization (WCO) and participated in the organization of this important event with many roles.

As the host, Vietnam Customs collaborated closely with the WCO in various aspects of the conference, such as designing the program, disseminating information, promoting the event, preparing the venue, securing the safety, and providing support staff.

As a speaker, Vietnam Customs contributed to the dialogue and knowledge sharing at the conference by participating in two plenary sessions: “The strategy behind technology: Leveraging innovative solutions to address global trade challenges” and “Applying technology to support trade facilitation in the digital era: Lessons for success”.

 As a delegate, Vietnam Customs sent its leaders, experts, officers, and civil servants from different units and local departments to the conference to learn from the best practices and experiences of other customs administrations and stakeholders in applying advanced technology in customs and trade operations.

As an exhibitor, Vietnam Customs displayed its history, achievements, and vision in reforming and modernizing its customs system and applying technology in its activities. Through the conference, Vietnam Customs also provided an opportunity for other government agencies and the business community to understand the trends and benefits of digital transformation and technology adoption in the customs field, and to support the customs authorities in their ongoing process of innovation and improvement.

Big integration step of Vietnam Customs

The World Customs Organization (WCO) Technology Conference, hosted by the General Department of Vietnam Customs, was a platform for Vietnam Customs to affirm its active role and responsibility within the framework of cooperation with the WCO. The event was also an opportunity for Vietnam Customs to strengthen cooperation with customs authorities of other countries, international organizations and leading technology enterprises. The conference provided valuable knowledge, experiences, ideas and solutions that will help Vietnam Customs in carrying out the customs modernization process to move towards Digital Customs, Smart Customs and Green Customs.

The conference was also beneficial for Vietnamese businesses, as they could understand more about customs operations, grasp trends and have technology solutions applied in the field of customs and international trade. This would enable businesses to actively cooperate with customs authorities in the process of customs modernization and trade facilitation. At the same time, businesses could also expand their network of companies providing technology solutions in the fields of customs and international trade, and seek cooperation opportunities with international partners globally.

General Director of the General Department of Customs Nguyen Van Can emphasized that, over the past 30 years since Vietnam Customs became a WCO member, Vietnam Customs has shifted from manual customs procedures to electronic customs procedures, ensuring the smooth circulation of goods, services and people. In 2022, Vietnam’s total import-export turnover reached US$732 billion, ranking 20th in the world.

In the coming time, Vietnam Customs plans to carry out a comprehensive digital transformation with the aim of building a standardized, modern and intelligent customs system on par with developed countries worldwide by 2030.

At the conference, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang highly appreciated the coordination of the WCO, the Ministry of Finance and relevant agencies in organizing this event. Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang thanked the WCO and the customs agencies of other countries for their valuable support to Vietnam’s customs sector, especially in the past 30 years since Vietnam Customs joined WCO. Vietnam wishes to continue to receive support and cooperation from the WCO and customs agencies of other countries to successfully implement Digital Customs, Smart Customs and Green Customs.

By Hien Phuc, Vietnam Business Forum