Data has become the "new oil" of 21st century customs operations. Recognizing this, Oman Customs is actively exploring how to extract value from vast data resources to drive its modernization efforts.
At the request of Saeed bin Khamis Al Ghaithi, Director General of Oman Customs, the World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a specialized workshop on data analytics and mirror analysis from May 30 to June 3, 2022 in Muscat. The event, financially supported by the Korean Customs Cooperation Fund (CCF), marked a significant step in Oman's journey toward data-driven customs operations.
Building Analytical Capabilities
The WCO mission focused on two primary objectives: developing a data mobilization strategy to unlock Oman Customs' internal data potential, and cultivating a cohort of high-potential data analysts. WCO experts designed comprehensive training programs covering essential technologies like R programming and mirror analysis, while emphasizing the importance of holistic approaches to maximize data utilization.
The workshop balanced technical skill development with strategic planning, aiming to establish sustainable analytical capabilities within Oman's customs administration.
Strategic Roadmap for Data Transformation
WCO experts provided strategic recommendations for Oman Customs to implement data analytics through phased, sustainable approaches:
- Data Governance Framework: Establish clear policies covering data ownership, quality standards, and security protocols throughout the data lifecycle.
- Internal Capacity Building: Develop specialized analytics teams through continuous training programs that combine technical skills with business acumen.
- Stakeholder Collaboration: Forge partnerships with government agencies, research institutions, and industry groups to share data resources and analytical expertise.
- Data Culture Development: Foster organizational appreciation for data-driven decision making through awareness campaigns and success stories.
- Incremental Implementation: Begin with manageable pilot projects in areas like risk assessment and revenue collection before expanding to other operational domains.
Applications in Customs Operations
Data analytics offers transformative potential across multiple customs functions:
- Risk Management: Enhanced targeting of high-risk shipments, businesses, and trade routes to combat smuggling.
- Revenue Protection: Detection of tax evasion patterns through trade and financial data analysis.
- Trade Facilitation: Process optimization to reduce clearance times and lower compliance costs.
- IP Protection: Identification of counterfeit goods through product and transaction analysis.
- Intelligence Operations: Pattern recognition to support investigations of transnational crime.
The WCO's support for Oman Customs represents a model of international cooperation in customs modernization. Through this strategic capacity-building initiative, Oman is positioned to make significant progress in data-driven customs administration, contributing to both economic development and national security.