24-26 September 2024, RTC India at Palasamudram, India

The 22nd Meeting of the Heads of WCO Asia/Pacific Regional Training Centres (RTCs) was held from 24-26 September 2024 at NACIN Palasamudram, India (RTC India). The event was organized by the Asia/Pacific Regional Office for Capacity Building (ROCB A/P), co-chaired by RTC India, bringing together the Heads of RTCs from across the Asia-Pacific region, the WCO Secretariat, the Asia/Pacific Vice-Chair’s Office, and the Regional Intelligence Liaison Office for Asia and the Pacific (RILO A/P). The meeting adopted a hybrid format, enabling delegates from RTC China and the WCO Secretariat to participate online.

The meeting commenced with a welcoming address by Mr. Gaigongdin Panmei, Principal Director General of NACIN, followed by opening remarks from senior officials, including Mr. Alok Shukla, Member (Administration) of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), and Mr. Jun Tajima, Head of ROCB A/P. Remarks were also delivered by Mr. Ebenezer Gebding Tafili, Deputy Director of the WCO Capacity Building Directorate, and Mr. Kin-Kei Li, Vice Chair of the WCO Asia-Pacific. The opening remarks highlighted the critical role of RTCs in advancing customs modernization, promoting collaboration, and supporting regional capacity building.

During the meeting, RTC Heads shared updates on recent developments and discussed initiatives aimed at enhancing training effectiveness. Presentations were delivered by RTCs centering around the WCO theme 2024, "Customs Engaging Traditional and New Partners with Purpose," reflecting the strategic focus of the region in leveraging partnerships to address emerging challenges. The meeting also explored topics such as the use of new training methods and evaluation techniques, digital learning platforms, and the integration of advanced technologies, into customs operations.

During the breakout discussions, delegates exchanged views and good practices on their respective training management systems at RTCs, focusing on topics such as innovative training methods, evaluation techniques, and strategies to enhance overall training effectiveness.

The meeting concluded with a wrap-up session led by Ms. Aarti Saxena, Additional Director General of NACIN, who summarized the discussions and highlighted the key takeaways. The next RTC Heads Meeting is tentatively scheduled to be hosted by RTC Indonesia, with further details to be confirmed in the coming months.

In his closing remarks, Mr. Jun Tajima expressed his gratitude to all delegates for their contributions and active participation. He highlighted the enriching discussions on engaging new partners, innovative training methods, and evaluation techniques, noting that the ideas exchanged would contribute to regional training strategies. Mr. Tajima expressed optimism that the insights gained would be implemented across the region, enhancing overall capacity. He thanked RTC India and the organizing team for their support and concluded by encouraging continued collaboration to strengthen the Asia-Pacific customs community.

 For more information, please contact us at rocb@rocbap.org