21-23 May 2023, Male, Maldives

At the invitation from the United Nation Environment Program (UNEP), Ms. YE Zhengqing, the representatives from the ROCB A/P to attend the Green Customs Initiatives (GCI) Capacity Building Workshop for Customs Officers of the South Asia Region.

During the workshop, Ms. YE Zhengqing introduced the ROCB A/P’ activity and WCO environment programme as well as discussed the possibilities to work together with UNEP GCI on capacity building for customs officials, with a view to promoting innovation and enhancing the efficiency of customs procedures, while also protecting the environment. The workshop provided a unique platform for customs officials to share experiences, exchange best practices, and learn about the latest tools and technologies that could help them to improve compliance with environmental regulations while facilitating trade.

This workshop was a highly informative event that brought together various stakeholders from the customs, environment and trade sectors to examine strategies for enhancing environmental protection and fostering economic development. This workshop offered an opportunity to exchange ideas, explore innovative approaches, and highlight best practices that could be adopted by different countries for effective environmental stewardship and sustainable development.

In addition, this workshop targeted to promote partnerships and cooperation between different agencies. It invited customs authorities, environmental agencies, and trade organizations to work collaboratively to address cross-border environmental challenges in an effective and lasting manner. It emphasized that the effective environmental management required integrated approaches that cut across geographical boundaries and sectors.

With no doubt, this WS was an essential platform for advancing green customs initiatives, promoting sustainable development, and enhancing environmental and economic outcomes. Through this workshop, stakeholders could build a shared understanding of the role of customs in environmental management and ensured that customs policies and procedures align with environmental sustainability goals. Ultimately, this will contribute to more robust environmental protection, a better trading environment, and sustainable economic growth for communities worldwide.

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