WCO head sees Azerbaijan as regional leader in customs

By Azernews

By Nigar Abbasova

The World Customs Committee has named Azerbaijan a regional leader in terms of the customs services.  

Secretary General of WCO Kunio Mikuriya, who is on an official visit to Baku, said that the country provides the most advanced customs services in the region.

While addressing an “Economic security: aspects for trade facilitation and protection" conference in Baku, on January 27, he pointed to a regional training centre of WCO, as well as a regional cynological centre located in Baku.

Cynological Centre, which is situated on Mashtaga – Zabrat highway and occupies an area of 3 hectares, has a capacity of simultaneous housing of 100 service dogs, their medical treatment and trainings. The centre specializes in the following directions: drugs investigation; search of explosives, search of weapon and ammunition, guarding of facilities of all types, etc.

He went on saying that Azerbaijan has made a big contribution to ensure economic security and facilitate trade.

“As you know, yesterday [January 26] we celebrated International Customs Day and it makes me glad that it is related to Azerbaijan’s customs committee, as the institution has made a huge contribution to the provision of security and facilitation of trade operations,” he said.

The WCO, established in 1952 as the Customs Co-operation Council (CCC) is an independent intergovernmental body whose mission is to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of Customs administrations.

The WCO is working with its members to ensure growth by securing and promoting economic competitiveness.