Imagine a customs training center with advanced teaching facilities and top-tier faculty, continuously supplying Europe with highly qualified customs professionals to promote regional trade facilitation and security. This vision has become reality after the Ukraine Customs Academy was designated as the World Customs Organization (WCO) Regional Training Center for Europe.
Strategic Partnership: WCO and Ukraine Customs Join Forces
From August 31 to September 2, 2010, at the invitation of Igor Kaletnik, Chairman of the State Customs Service of Ukraine, WCO Secretary General Kunio Mikuriya visited Ukraine to attend the inauguration ceremony of the WCO Regional Training Center for Europe in Dnipro. During the visit, Mikuriya also met with Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Serhiy Tihipko.
The Ukraine Customs Academy was designated as the regional training center location during the European Customs Heads Regional Meeting in Ohrid in March 2010. Subsequently, during the WCO Council session in June, Ukraine Customs and WCO formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding, establishing a solid foundation for cooperation. These developments marked a new phase in WCO's collaboration with Ukraine Customs in capacity building.
Inauguration Ceremony: A New Chapter in Customs Capacity Building
The center's inauguration on September 1 coincided with Ukraine's new academic year. Secretary General Mikuriya emphasized the importance of customs and the crucial role of training high-quality customs officials in realizing WCO's "Customs in the 21st Century" vision. He expressed expectations that the Ukraine Customs Academy would play a leading role in developing knowledge-based, service-oriented culture and professionalism among European customs officials.
In recognition of Mikuriya's contributions to customs development, the academy's senate awarded him an honorary doctorate during the ceremony. This honor acknowledged both Mikuriya's personal achievements and WCO's efforts in advancing global customs modernization and capacity building.
Strategic Direction: Ukraine's Steadfast Customs Reform
During discussions with Chairman Kaletnik, Mikuriya examined Ukraine Customs' strategic direction. Both parties exchanged views on enhancing efficiency, transparency, and modernization. Mikuriya confirmed WCO's continued technical support and capacity building assistance to help achieve reform objectives.
Mikuriya also met separately with Deputy Prime Minister Tihipko in Kyiv. Tihipko reaffirmed the government's strong political support for customs reform, noting that Ukraine's draft new Customs Code is based on the revised Kyoto Convention, aiming to modernize customs procedures. He emphasized the importance of regional cooperation in facilitating Ukraine's trade development and economic growth.
Regional Training Center: Europe's Customs Capacity Building Hub
The center will serve as Europe's premier hub for customs official training, offering high-quality programs and workshops covering all aspects of customs management, including:
- Trade Facilitation: Streamlining customs procedures to reduce trade costs and promote smooth cross-border commerce
- Security: Enhancing border security and combating smuggling and illicit trade
- Intellectual Property Protection: Fighting counterfeit goods to maintain market order and consumer rights
- Risk Management: Optimizing customs resource allocation through advanced risk assessment techniques
- Compliance Management: Promoting business compliance and fostering constructive customs-business partnerships
These programs will equip European customs officials with specialized skills to address increasingly complex international trade challenges.
Ukraine Customs Academy: Nurturing Future Customs Leaders
As the regional training center's host institution, the Ukraine Customs Academy will play a pivotal role. With experienced faculty and modern facilities, the academy provides exceptional training conditions.
The academy will collaborate with WCO and other international organizations to develop new curricula and training materials addressing evolving customs needs. It will also conduct customs research to inform policy development.
The institution is committed to cultivating future customs leaders who will contribute to European and global customs development.
Revised Kyoto Convention: Foundation for Customs Modernization
The revised Kyoto Convention, a key WCO instrument, simplifies and harmonizes customs procedures to facilitate international trade. It provides a modernization framework with specific requirements and recommendations.
Ukraine's new Customs Code, based on this convention, demonstrates the country's commitment to aligning with international standards. This alignment will enhance Ukraine's trade competitiveness and attract foreign investment.
Regional Cooperation: Addressing Challenges Through Collaboration
Regional cooperation remains essential for addressing transnational challenges. By strengthening partnerships, customs administrations can share expertise, exchange information, and jointly combat smuggling and illicit trade.
Ukraine actively participates in regional cooperation, maintaining strong partnerships with neighboring customs services. Such collaboration helps secure borders, facilitate trade, and contribute to regional prosperity.
Looking Ahead: Building Efficient, Secure Customs Systems
The WCO-Ukraine partnership and establishment of the regional training center mark a significant milestone in European customs capacity building. Through collaborative efforts, stakeholders can develop more efficient and secure customs systems that promote international trade and global economic stability.
Moving forward, the Ukraine Customs Academy is expected to enhance its training and research capabilities through the regional center, making greater contributions to European and global customs development. Meanwhile, WCO will continue leading global customs modernization and capacity building efforts to create a more prosperous and secure world.