Exclusive interview
WCO
Secretary General Mr.Michel Danet
to
Customs Control Committee of the Ministry Finance of the
Republic of Kazakhstan
Dear Secretary General, how do you estimate the
results of the 2nd Conference of the WCO European Region Heads of
Customs recently held in Almaty city.
What is the role the Conference for the European region and for the World
Customs Organization in general?
The World Customs
Organization’s 164 Members are divided into six regions, the largest region
being Europe (49 Members). Each region holds
an annual conference and the Customs Control Committee of the Ministry of
Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan has very
generously offered to host this year’s Europe
region conference.
This conference provides an
opportunity for the region’s members to discuss Customs issues of topical
interest and to share and benefit from each other’s experience. As the
conference is taking place shortly after the WCO’s
Policy Commission session, it means that delegates have an opportunity to
debate the key issues now facing the Customs community as identified by the WCO’s policy-developing body. These issues include security
and facilitation of the trade supply chain, capacity building and the part to
be played by Customs in the trade negotiations initiated at the World Trade
Organization.
For the World Customs
Organization in general, the regional conference provides valuable feedback on Europe’s views regarding the key issues currently being
dealt with by the Organization.
What are the perspectives
of interaction between the Republic
of Kazakhstan and WCO
European region countries?
The Republic of Kazakhstan is a valued and active member of the WCO’s Europe region. The
fact of hosting the current regional conference clearly demonstrates Kazakhstan’s
commitment to the Organization and its wish to promote dialogue with and
amongst its European partners.
What
are the positive results of the Meeting of the Heads of Customs Administrations
on the issues of drug trafficking along the Silk Road
(September 2004). What are the plans of the WCO for holding similar Meeting
regarding combating narcotraffic in the Central-Asian
region in the nearest future?
The Meeting of the Heads of Customs Administrations on the issue of drug
trafficking along the Silk Road brought together, in Kazakhstan, the Customs Heads
of Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan,
the People’s Republic of China,
the Russian Federation, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan. It was a considerable
success. The Almaty Declaration was adopted,
highlighting the implementation of appropriate technical co-operation and
assistance in combating drug trafficking. The meeting recognized that national
measures alone will have only limited impact in the fight against drug trafficking and money laundering. Regular consultations
about achievements with regard to co-operation between Customs administrations
of the region’s countries were recommended. The participants advocated
co-operation and technical assistance at the national, regional and
international levels. Countries in the
region will make use of the WCO Customs Enforcement Network (CEN), the Regional
Intelligence Liaison Offices (RILOs) and the WCO
Balkan Silk Route Information System (BASIS) to facilitate the exchange of
information, intelligence and documents.
Within the framework of the WCO approach to combating the traffic in
drugs from Central Asia by setting up a “chain” of border posts between
Afghanistan and Europe, the WCO is planning an intelligence-led two-week
operation. In preparation for this operation, multiple meetings at regional,
national and international level will be held in/with participating countries.
What
is personal impression of the WCO Secretary General of Kazakhstan and of the customs service of the Republic of Kazakhstan?
With the wholehearted support of the President of the Republic,
Kazakhstan Customs has embarked upon a lengthy process of adapting the
standards established by the international community. Its young and highly qualified professional
staff and the eagerness to provide Kazakhstan with a modern and
efficient Customs administration are the key to success.
The fact that international meetings are being held on Kazakhstan soil
is proof, if proof were actually needed, of the success of the fundamental
changes made.
I will continue
to pay particular attention to the outcome of this process and to any requests
for capacity building, which is essential in order to meet the expectations and
needs of the citizens of the Republic
of Kazakhstan.
I was deeply impressed by the
hospitality of Kazakh people, by rich traditions and valuable cultural legacy.
This was the
second time of my visit to Almaty city which
sincerely impressed me by imposing views of the mountains. I also admire the
speed of development and flourishing of the new capital of Kazakhstan –
Astana city.
I will be more than happy to visit Kazakhstan not
as the Secretary General but as the tourist.
Brussels
5 February2005
