7 May 2026, Bangkok, Thailand

On Thursday, 7 May 2026, the WCO Asia/Pacific Regional Office for Capacity Building (ROCB A/P), welcomed a delegation from Lao Customs (Lao PDR) for a visit and discussion.

The programme began with arrival and opening remarks, followed by an in-depth Technical Discussion Session. ROCB A/P and the Lao Customs delegation engaged in productive exchanges on several key areas, including the Capacity Building New Paradigm, Lao Customs’ specific capacity building needs, and strategies for the development of their own experts.

Discussions covered The “New Paradigm” approach in capacity building and the planning and coordination of upcoming activities, Mission Terms of Reference (TORs) for Post Clearance Audit (PCA) and Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) programs and support for the implementation of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) for the fiscal year 2026/27.

Discussion on Sustainability and Training of Trainers (ToT) was also covered, with Lao Customs seeking advice on identifying and developing high-potential national officers into trainers, as well as best practices for establishing an internal knowledge hub to promote long-term self-reliance. ROCB A/P provided Lao Customs with the examples taken from the Compendium of Training Management in Asia Pacific, which was an initiative of the ROCB A/P, as well as WCO Tools for their reference. 

The visit provided a valuable platform to align future capacity building initiatives with Lao Customs’ priorities and to enhance regional cooperation under the WCO framework.

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