Imagine an elite multinational task force composed of customs experts from five different administrations, each specializing in their respective fields while collectively bearing the responsibility of enhancing customs capabilities across the Asia-Pacific region. This is precisely the role of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Asia Pacific Regional Office for Capacity Building (ROCB A/P), which recently welcomed two new members from Korean and Hong Kong Customs, injecting fresh energy into regional cooperation.
ROCB A/P: The Driving Force Behind Customs Capacity Building
The ROCB A/P serves as the WCO's specialized agency for capacity building in the Asia-Pacific region. Its core mission involves assisting member administrations in strengthening their operational capabilities to better fulfill their responsibilities amid increasingly complex international trade environments.
The organization's significance cannot be overstated. In today's globalized economy, customs authorities must not only collect tariffs but also combat smuggling, protect intellectual property rights, and maintain national security. As one of the world's fastest-growing economic regions, the Asia-Pacific faces particularly acute challenges, making the ROCB A/P's role as a capacity-building engine all the more vital.
New Members Bring Expanded Expertise
The recent addition of two specialists—Mr. Lee from Korean Customs and Mr. Wong from Hong Kong Customs—has enhanced the team's diversity and professional depth. The ROCB A/P now comprises eight full-time officers from five different customs administrations: China, Japan, Hong Kong (China), Korea, and Thailand. This multinational composition enables better understanding and response to the varied needs across the region.
These appointments represent more than numerical growth; they bring multiplied expertise. The new members contribute not only specialized knowledge but also distinct administrative philosophies and operational practices from their respective jurisdictions. Through mutual exchange and learning, the ROCB A/P can better integrate resources and refine its capacity-building programs to deliver more targeted and effective support.
Operational Philosophy: By Members, For Members
The ROCB A/P operates according to three guiding principles: serving members, relying on members, and working for members. This triad encapsulates the organization's core values and operational approach.
The office tailors capacity-building initiatives to address specific member needs, providing customized support through training programs, technical assistance, information exchange, and best practice sharing. All activities are developed in close consultation with member administrations to ensure relevance and practical application.
Thailand's Pivotal Support
The ROCB A/P's achievements owe much to the sustained support from Thai Customs. Since the office's establishment in Bangkok in 2004, Thailand has generously provided facilities and logistical support without compensation, setting a benchmark for regional cooperation and creating stable foundations for the organization's development.
Shifting Focus From Visibility to Impact
According to Mr. Yoshihiro Kosaka, Head of the ROCB A/P, the office is transitioning from high-visibility activities to outcome-oriented programs as it works toward realizing the regional vision of "World Class Customs to effectively achieve 21st Century Customs."
This strategic shift emphasizes practical results over ceremonial functions, with closer attention to solving operational challenges faced by member administrations. The refined approach includes:
- Conducting needs-specific capacity building through workshops, training sessions, and technical assistance programs directly applicable to daily operations
- Aligning activities with member priorities through continuous consultation
- Strengthening collaboration with WCO Regional Training Centers, donors, and partners to maximize resource efficiency
- Ensuring all programs adhere to WCO standards to promote operational harmonization
The ultimate objective remains enhancing both individual officers' competencies and institutional capabilities across Asia-Pacific customs administrations. Through these efforts, the ROCB A/P contributes to the region's economic development and security, with its expanding expertise promising greater impact in the years ahead.