23-24 February 2026, Brussels, Belgium

Following the 21st Global Meeting of the Regional Entities (GMRE), the ROCB A/P met with Director Isolde Murphy of the Implementation and Capacity Development Directorate at the WCO Headquarters in Brussels on 24 February 2026.

The meeting focused on the implementation of Capacity Building under the WCO Capacity-Building Paradigm, including needs assessment, coordination between the WCO Secretariat and Regional Entities, impact assessment, and future cooperation.

ROCB A/P shared its approach to needs assessment and screening, as well as recent practices such as pre-workshop online meetings that help identify Members’ needs and support better preparation by experts. Discussion also highlighted challenges related to impact assessment and the importance of flexible and regional approaches.

Other topics included the role of Regional Training Centres (RTCs) in regional capacity development, the visibility of WCO projects in the region, and the need for timely policy and technical updates. Director Murphy encouraged the sharing of good practices across regions and closer cooperation among ROCBs.

ROCB A/P will continue to work closely with the WCO Secretariat to support effective implementation of the new Capacity-Building Paradigm in the Asia/Pacific region.

For further information, please contact us at rocb@rocbap.org.