The World Customs Organization (WCO) recently conducted a successful pre-accreditation workshop on Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) programmes for Members of the Asia-Pacific region. Held from 17 to 21 March 2025, in Hong Kong, China, the workshop was made possible through the financial support of the WCO Customs Cooperation Fund of China (CCF-China).
The event brought together Customs officials from across the region, including representatives from Australia, China, Hong Kong - China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Mongolia, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka. The participants were selected for their proven AEO-related experience, with the aim of identifying WCO pre-accredited experts who can contribute to strengthening AEO implementation across WCO membership.
Throughout the workshop, participants had the opportunity to share their national AEO practices through insightful presentations. These covered a range of critical topics, including the implementation of the SAFE Framework of Standards, innovative approaches to risk management, the importance of inter-agency cooperation, and the establishment of Mutual Recognition Arrangements/Agreements (MRAs). The diversity of practices presented highlighted the dynamic and evolving nature of AEO programmes in the region and provided valuable lessons on how to address common challenges.
The workshop also featured interactive and practical sessions designed to assess candidates' ability to develop recommendations for Customs modernization and draft mission reports and web articles related to AEO topics. One of the key highlights was a role-playing exercise that tested participants' advisory skills, focusing on practical guidance for AEO validation and offering support to businesses engaged in cross-border trade.
At the end of the workshop, individual feedback sessions were held, allowing participants to reflect on their performance and receive targeted advice on enhancing their advisory capabilities.
By selecting a new cohort of WCO pre-accredited experts, the workshop has contributed significantly to the establishment of a robust network of professionals capable of guiding WCO Members in enhancing their AEO programmes. After completing the full accreditation, the experts will serve as a valuable resource in promoting secure and efficient trade environments worldwide, reinforcing the WCO’s commitment to fostering capacity building and enhancing global supply chain security.