27 September – 1 October 2021, Online Workshop hosted by ROCB A/P

The first WCO/JICA Joint Sub-Regional Working Group Activity for Master Trainer Programme (MTP) on Customs Valuation for the Pacific Islands was held online from 27 September to 1 October 2021. The Working Group Activity was organized by the WCO and JICA with the support of ROCB A/P. A total of 11 participants representing six WCO Members in the Pacific region, namely Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Vanuatu as well as the Acting Head of Oceania Customs Organization (OCO) Secretariat attended the Working Group Activity. Together with the experts on Customs Valuation from the WCO, Japan Customs and Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA), Mr. Noriakzu Kuramoto, Head, Ms. Yuko Mamiya, Program Manager, Ms. Jate-arpa Benjaphong, Program Coordinator, Ms. Vareemon Chairungsrilert, and Ms. Kanyawarat Sitthikunpanit, Program Coordinator of the ROCB A/P, also attended to assist in organizing the Working Group Activity.

With the aim to develop a pool of well-experienced trainers, training materials and programme to be used by these trainers, the experts shared their knowledge and experience on Customs Valuation with the participants who are expected to be quality trainers. Mr. Kuramoto delivered a presentation on capacity building activities in the AP region. In the course of the Working Group Activity, the participants actively shared and discussed their key issues and challenges that they are facing relating to Customs valuation as well as their experiences in ensuring uniform application of the WTO Valuation Agreement and delivering Customs Valuation training. At the end of this Working Group Activity, the participants developed their collective work plan to achieve the objectives of the MTP through the progressive follow-up activities.

Participants’ active contribution resulted in the successful Working Group Activity and this Activity strengthened the relationship between the WCO, JICA, experts, participants and ROCB A/P. The participants expressed their appreciation to the WCO, the JICA, Japan Customs, experts and the ROCB A/P.

For more information, please contact at rocb@rocbap.org.