The Secretary-General of D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation, His Excellency Ambassador Dato’ Ku Jaafar Ku Shaari called on the Secretary-General of World Customs Organization (WCO), Mr. Kunio Mikuriya at WCO Headquarters located in Brussels, Belgium on 2 July, 2019. During the visit, two interlocutors had the opportunity to discuss a multitude of issues pertaining to the deepening of cooperation among two Organizations, for the collective benefit of D-8 Member States, all of which are Members of the WCO as well.

Ambassador Ku Jaafar presented the project proposals of the Member States namely the Republic of Indonesia, Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Republic of Turkey, and requested further action in these areas. In this regard, he emphasized the importance of new technological advancements in the field of customs management and pointed to the necessity to synergize Member States’ efforts in order to ensure smooth functioning of the D-8 Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA). He further informed Mr. Mikuriya on the private sector initiatives of the Organization and stated that trade cooperation has already exceeded the PTA, with Members States working together to establish the D-8 Industrial Zone. Especially regarding this endeavor, Ambassador Ku Jaafar sought the expertise of WCO on training and capacity building.

Mr. Mikuriya appreciated Member States’ project proposals and congratulated Ambassador Ku Jaafar on the recent achievements of D-8. He emphasized that WCO is already very active in D-8 Member States and there are on-going efforts to scale-up and harmonize customs management across these countries. He said that WCO has the experience of working with intergovernmental organization on niche areas and opined that two organizations can collaborate on D-8 specific issues. Both sides agreed to take necessary steps at the earliest and designated Ms. Michelle Medina (WCO) and Ms. Damla Haciibrahimoglu (D-8) as the focal points.

Established in 1952, the World Customs Organization develops international standards, fosters cooperation and builds capacity to facilitate legitimate trade, to secure a fair revenue collection and to protect society. It also  provides leadership, guidance and support to Customs administrations.
Mr. Kunio Mikuriya has been Secretary General of the World Customs Organization (WCO) since 1 January 2009. He provides leadership and executive management for the global Customs community’s priorities, including developing global Customs instruments, standards, and tools; securing and facilitating global trade; realizing revenues; building Customs-business partnerships; and delivering capacity building in support of Customs reform and modernization.