This event affirms Vietnam's increasingly important position and role in shaping global customs policies and operations, and recognizes Vietnam's positive and effective contributions during its past chairmanship.
PTC members presented flowers to Ms. Nguyen Thi Vinh Hoai, congratulating Vietnam on its first success during her term as PTC Chairwoman. Photo (illustrative): VNA
According to a TTXVN correspondent in Brussels, the meeting, held at the WCO headquarters in Brussels, attracted nearly 300 delegates, including leading customs experts from member agencies, international organizations such as the World Trade Organization (WTO), the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), the private sector, and research institutions worldwide.
Delegates engaged in extensive discussions aimed at developing solutions and strategies for the global customs sector to effectively respond to today's multifaceted challenges, including the impact of climate change, the ongoing digital transformation, and the dramatic increase in international trade volume, particularly the boom in e-commerce.
Vietnam's continued chairmanship of the PTC for the 2025-2026 term, led by Ms. Nguyen Thi Vinh Hoai - Counselor of the Vietnamese Embassy in Belgium and representative of Vietnamese Customs at the WCO - is a testament to the trust and high regard of the international customs community for Vietnam's leadership capacity and substantive contributions in promoting important WCO initiatives.
Over four days of intensive and productive work, delegates focused on discussions and achieved significant results in key areas. Regarding e-commerce – a strategic priority of the WCO – the session included in-depth discussions focusing on issues such as efficiently handling low-value goods, strengthening cooperation with relevant partners, and applying modern digital technologies to improve operational efficiency, while ensuring a balance between trade facilitation and compliance with legal regulations.
In the field of building and strengthening the global customs network, PTC discussed the global customs data exchange platform (CDEP), a potential tool to enhance international cooperation, reduce tax revenue losses, and improve risk control through automated real-time data exchange.
Regarding rules of origin, the meeting adopted the feasibility study on the Connectivity Framework for Certificates of Origin – a significant step in efforts to digitize and enhance customs cooperation. The PTC also noted updates to the WCO guidance on handling origin irregularities.
The Smart Customs project also received high praise, with specific results such as the development and updating of research reports on breakthrough technologies, the publication of in-depth research on implementation challenges, and the launch of the Smart Customs Community portal.
Regarding the implementation of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA), the contents of the Mercator program have been updated to support governments in effectively implementing trade facilitation measures.
In an effort to promote Green Customs, the PTC discussed and issued new guidelines for implementing the Green Customs Action Plan, emphasizing the role of customs in addressing environmental challenges.
The Commission also noted and issued new guidelines for implementing activities in the Action Plan for Vulnerable Borders, to maintain global supply chain security in the most challenging circumstances.
In addition, the session reviewed the progress of revising the SAFE Framework, discussed the inclusion of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program, practical guidelines on free zones, research results on cargo clearance times, the development of a customs performance assessment mechanism (PMM), and the promotion of information and communication technology (ICT) applications in customs management.
In her closing remarks, Ms. Nguyen Thi Vinh Hoai emphasized that in the context of the global customs sector facing numerous challenges and opportunities, strengthening international cooperation, promoting innovation and technology application, enhancing adaptability, and achieving sustainable development are crucial for facilitating trade and ensuring global supply chain security. Vietnam's continued chairmanship of the PTC presents an opportunity for Vietnam to contribute even more strongly to the development of the global customs sector in the coming period.
Huong Giang (VNA)
Source: https://baotintuc.vn/thoi-su/viet-nam-tai-dac-cu-chu-tich-uy-ban-ky-thuat-thuong-truc-to-chuc-hai-quan-the-gioi-20250514053148649.htm
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