Manama: Shaikh Ahmed bin Hamad Al Khalifa, President of Customs, participated in the Regional Meeting of Directors General of Customs for the North of Africa, Near and Middle East (MENA) region. The meeting focused on enhancing coordination and cooperation between regional countries and the World Customs Organisation (WCO), discussing updates on customs developments in the region, and reviewing the work of the WCO Policy Commission along with its recommendations for member states.
According to Bahrain News Agency, participants examined the feasibility of appointing a technical attach© for member states within the WCO, assessing its potential impact on regional customs operations. A WCO representative provided an overview of the organization's strategic plan for 2025 - 2028, outlining its vision and objectives. Discussions also included reports on customs operations, the exchange of information among Middle Eastern and North African countries, and the outcomes of joint operations.
Additionally, the Regional Office for Capacity Building (ROCB) presented its annual report and highlighted key achievements. Shaikh Ahmed bin Hamad Al Khalifa emphasized the importance of international customs cooperation in developing global standards, enhancing collaboration, and building capacities to facilitate legitimate trade.