Source: WCO
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WCO Global Online Free Zone Conference The first Global Free Zone Online Conference will be held on 14 December 2020 (12:00 to 15:00 CET time). The Conference – themed “Meeting the SDGs - Ensuring Customs involvement for FreeZones’ competitiveness, safety and sustainability” – will focus on understanding the current situation of free zones (FZs) and their contribution to national economies, reconfirming the growing need to apply adequate Customs procedures and controls in FZs. Today, arguing for relaxed Customs procedures and controls in FZs under the guise of promoting economic development seems rather outdated. Benefits can be provided without sacrificing the safety and security of trade. Controlling illegal trade in FZs contributes to improving the business environment and competitiveness of FZs, to meeting the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and to enhancing the social responsibility of companies and governments. The recent WCO research paper on FZs, and the draft “WCO Practical Guidance on Free Zones identify some key elements for adequate Customs procedures in FZs for their sustainable development. Such key elements will be discussed in the conference, which could include: Use of IT and data to monitor cargoes, Authorized Economic Operator concept, periodical and ex officio onsite checks, strengthening cooperation with relevant stakeholders and awareness raising. Registration is free of charge for all participants, including those from Customs administrations, academia, the private sector and international organizations. |
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To register, please click here. |
Contact WCO at [email protected]