In 2022, the World Customs Organization (WCO) celebrates the 70th anniversary of its establishment. During the pivotal commemorative year, the WCO “Tech CON” conference was hosted by The Netherlands Custom (Douane) in Maastricht. Intended U.S. candidate Mr. Ian Saunders was there to partake in the event.
During the conference, he spoke on a panel regarding the changing landscape of global trade and highlighted CBP’s 21st Century Customs Framework. “The outcomes we would expect are a clear understanding of increasingly complex supply chains and an ability to continue to make decisions on customs intervention in a way that facilitates legitimate trade and takes appropriate action against violators,” Saunders said. He shared the stage with other distinguished guests Gerassimos Thomas, Director General for Taxation and Customs Union, European Commission, Ms. Manon Van Beek, Representative of the Netherlands in the EU Wise Persons Group, and Mr. John Bescec, Director for Customs and Trade Affairs, Microsoft.
On the margins of the event, he took the opportunity to meet with Customs leaders from all regions to learn about their operating environment and understand their priorities for the WCO. Hosting such listening sessions is a key part of his approach to understand and learn from WCO members.
Over the next few months, he looks forward to continuing to meet with Customs and trade stakeholders.