Santiago, Chile – A recent workshop on customs modernization and border management, held under the U.S. Department of Commerce’s "Pathways to Prosperity in the Americas" initiative, concluded successfully in Santiago. The event brought together government officials, private sector representatives, international organization experts, and academics from across Central America to discuss the critical role of public-private partnerships (PPPs) in advancing customs modernization and trade facilitation in the region.
Workshop Highlights: Success Stories from Costa Rica, El Salvador, and Honduras
The workshop showcased significant progress made by Costa Rica, El Salvador, and Honduras in customs modernization since 2011, with support from international institutions such as the World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank. Key achievements include:
- Costa Rica: A regional leader in customs modernization, Costa Rica has implemented electronic declaration systems, risk management mechanisms, and strengthened private sector collaboration, significantly reducing trade costs and improving efficiency.
- El Salvador: The country has streamlined customs procedures through a single-window system, enhancing transparency and reducing redundant paperwork for businesses.
- Honduras: Despite challenges, Honduras has improved infrastructure, staff training, and technology adoption, while exploring PPPs to inject dynamism into customs operations.
The Role of Public-Private Partnerships
Participants emphasized that strategic PPPs are pivotal to modernizing border management and ensuring supply chain security. Governments provide policy frameworks, while private entities contribute technology, funding, and operational expertise. Case studies from El Salvador, Costa Rica, Honduras, and Chile demonstrated how PPPs have:
- Enabled electronic data exchange platforms (El Salvador).
- Enhanced risk-based inspection systems (Costa Rica).
- Upgraded customs facilities (Honduras).
- Strengthened supply chain security (Chile).
Interagency Coordination and Best Practices
The workshop underscored the need for improved coordination among border agencies (customs, immigration, tax, etc.) and highlighted regional advances in single-window systems, which allow traders to submit documentation once for multiple agencies.
WCO Focus: Risk Management and AEO Programs
A World Customs Organization (WCO) session addressed the benefits of risk management and the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program under the SAFE Framework, which grants compliant businesses expedited clearance. Growing AEO adoption in Central America reflects optimism about future trade security.
Expanding Collaboration: New Participants Join
Uruguay, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Peru, and Nicaragua—newcomers to the initiative—expressed strong interest in replicating successful models to boost national competitiveness.
Regional Imperatives for Change
The event highlighted Central America’s urgent need for structural upgrades to address infrastructure gaps, trade barriers, and economic diversification. Trade facilitation and foreign investment are seen as catalysts for sustainable growth.
Future Directions
Key recommendations included:
- Harmonizing policies across borders.
- Deepening PPPs in customs projects.
- Improving data-sharing platforms.
- Strengthening international cooperation against cross-border crime.
WCO experts noted that customs modernization requires not just technological upgrades but also shifts in mindset toward service-oriented, collaborative governance.
The workshop concluded with consensus on leveraging PPPs, interagency coordination, and data transparency to build a more efficient, secure trade environment in Central America.