President of Customs Attends Regional Workshop on Supply Chain Integrity.

Manama: Shaikh Ahmed bin Hamad Al Khalifa, President of Customs, attended the opening of a regional workshop focused on flexible international supply chains, an event that is part of the Supply Chain Integrity Project. This initiative has been adopted by the Australian Customs Authority and the World Customs Organisation (WCO), and the workshop was hosted by Bahrain Customs Affairs. According to Bahrain News Agency, the President of Customs welcomed participants from several countries, commending the Australian Customs Authority for launching the programme. He described the initiative as a crucial step towards enhancing the safety and resilience of supply chains managed by customs authorities. The President emphasised the programme's dedication to tackling the threats and risks confronting this sector. Over the span of three years, the initiative will develop specialised training curricula for supply chains and regional seminars aimed at raising awareness and improving operational coordination between countr ies. Shaikh Ahmed bin Hamad highlighted the aspiration of Bahrain Customs Affairs for fruitful cooperation to achieve the programme's objectives and enhance customs operations through the exchange of expertise and the adoption of shared solutions to challenges. He noted that customs authorities have historically evolved to balance security and trade facilitation, particularly in addressing new challenges such as the growth in import volumes and e-commerce. These developments necessitate faster, more efficient procedures to avoid disruptions in the transit movement. Hosting this workshop reflects Bahrain Customs Affairs' commitment to strengthening cooperation and coordination in supply chain management. The event aligns with the WCO's 2024 theme, "Customs Engaging Traditional and New Partners with Purpose". It forms part of the joint supply chain resilience programme between the WCO and the Australian Border Force, aiming to increase customs administrations' awareness of supply chain risks and the various s muggling methods employed by traffickers. The workshop, presented by WCO experts, includes contributions from the RILO Middle East office and representatives from the private sector, including air and sea freight companies. Participants from 12 countries across North Africa, the Near East, and the Middle East are in attendance.