Imagine an efficient, secure, and intelligent border management system that dramatically reduces cargo clearance times, effectively combats smuggling, and delivers unprecedented trade facilitation. This is not a distant future vision but an accelerating reality in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. A recent World Customs Organization (WCO) regional workshop on "SMART Borders" in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, served as a powerful catalyst for this transformation.
Held from October 22-26, 2023, the workshop was hosted by the Customs Training Center of Saudi Arabia's Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) with financial support from the Saudi government. Twenty customs officials from across the MENA region gathered to explore how cutting-edge technologies can reshape customs procedures and enhance border management efficiency.
Why SMART Borders Matter
Against the backdrop of increasingly complex global trade and growing security challenges, traditional border management models struggle to meet modern demands. The SMART Borders concept emphasizes intelligent, automated, and collaborative border management through advanced technologies to improve efficiency, reduce costs, enhance security, and facilitate trade.
Key benefits of SMART Borders include:
- Enhanced efficiency: Automated processes, data analytics, and risk management significantly reduce cargo clearance times and lower business operational costs.
- Improved security: Artificial intelligence and IoT technologies help identify and intercept smuggling, terrorism, and other illegal activities to maintain national security.
- Trade facilitation: Simplified customs procedures and reduced trade barriers promote regional economic development and global commerce.
- Optimized resource allocation: Data-driven decision-making allows for better allocation of customs resources and improved management efficiency.
WCO's Leadership and Best Practices
The WCO plays a pivotal role in advancing SMART Borders implementation. During the workshop, WCO Secretariat representatives presented the latest best practices and achievements, including:
- Machine learning for risk management: Using ML models to analyze import transaction data for precise identification of high-risk shipments.
- Remote-controlled devices in customs surveillance: Deploying drones for border patrols and cargo inspections to expand monitoring coverage while reducing personnel risks.
- E-commerce facilitation pilot projects: Streamlining cross-border e-commerce processes through technological solutions.
ZATCA's Practical Expertise
As workshop hosts, ZATCA's data and analytics specialists co-led sessions and shared Saudi Arabia's latest advancements in analytical technologies. Hands-on training helped participants deepen their understanding of data analysis tools and improve their technical capabilities.
ZATCA's contributions focused on:
- In-house machine learning models: Showcasing domestically developed ML models for identifying high-risk import transactions.
- Open-source intelligence (OSINT) tools: Demonstrating how OSINT applications combat illicit trade and maintain market integrity.
Collaborative Knowledge Sharing
The workshop's success stemmed from active participation and substantive exchanges among MENA customs officials, who shared digital transformation experiences and challenges. Discussions covered:
- Development and implementation of machine learning models
- Practical applications of OSINT tools
- Solutions to technical implementation challenges including data quality, skilled personnel, funding, and regulatory frameworks
The Future of SMART Borders
The workshop marked significant progress in MENA's SMART Borders development. Emerging trends include:
- Greater intelligence: Expanded use of AI and ML for risk identification, inspections, and decision-making.
- Increased automation: Wider adoption of automated gates, inspection equipment, and warehouse systems.
- Enhanced collaboration: Strengthened international cooperation in information sharing and joint operations.
- Advanced security: Broader implementation of biometrics, video surveillance, and cybersecurity technologies.
WCO representatives concluded by thanking participants and ZATCA for hosting the seamless and successful event, which provided both a learning platform and new momentum for SMART Borders development in the region.