2023 WCO Technology and Exhibition officially opened

2023 WCO Technology Conference and Exhibition on 10th October 2023 in Hanoi, Vietnam. Photo: Quang Hung

Under the theme of 2023 "Embracing the Digital Age: Leveraging Technology, Fostering Innovation, and Nurturing the Next Generation of Customs Professionals", the conference is aimed at exploring how innovation and technology can support Customs in performing its functions of trade facilitation, protection of society and revenue collection while placing people at the heart of the digital transformation process. The conference is chaired by WCO Secretary General Dr. Kunio Mikuriya.

Attending the opening ceremony were His Excellency Deputy Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Tran Luu Quang; delegates from central and local ministries, and agencies; delegates from foreign embassies and international organizations in Vietnam; customs authorities of other countries around the world, technology providers, research institutes, broader business associations, international organizations and development partners.

In addition, speakers such as leaders, experts of international organizations, customs authorities, and technology companies will deliver keynote speeches at the conference.

The conference has two parts: Conference and Exhibition. The conference includes 10 panel sessions, 9 thematic sessions, and tech talks. The exhibition showcases 48 booths, providing an opportunity for the participants to receive detailed information about the latest technological solutions available on the market.

The panel sessions will discuss technology-related topics including data analytics, machine learning, artificial intelligence, blockchain, cutting-edge detection technology; internet of things; blockchain, and distributed ledger technology to enhance trust and data quality;

Leveraging innovative solutions to address global trade challenges such as information exchange through a Single Window, developing safe and sustainable e-commerce; business continuity planning in the digital age to cope with natural disasters and incidents; impacts of technology environment on customs operations; cooperation to research, develop and levering innovative solutions to address global trade challenges.

The thematic sessions include topics as below: Maximizing digital training in customs: tackling training challenges in the customs profession; federated learning; Green Customs for a sustainable future; Breaking barriers: achieving gender equality in customs through technology and innovation; Technology in support of integrity in Customs; Using smart security devices and non-intrusive technology (NII); drones and robotic technologies; Optimizing the efficiency of using the WCO data model.

At the exhibition area, booths display and introduce technologies and innovative solutions to serve customs management and trade facilitation requirements, specifically:

Regarding customs management: booths introducing screening equipment (S2 Global, Rapiscan, Smiths Detection); electronic sealing sensor positioning technology (Ascent Solutions Pte); AI technology in advanced analysis of goods (Publican); AI technology to prevent counterfeit goods (Counter Check); Security and inspection solutions (NucTech); solutions for security, anti-smuggling and trade fraud (Leidos); solutions for risk management and compliance enhancement (Cargoes, GTS); data science application (Nexyte); software application to improve service quality of customs authorities (Microsoft).

Regarding trade facilitation, booths introduce blockchain solutions in transport, trade, and services (Cargo X); applying technology in supply services (Crimson Logic, Geodis); Single Window mechanism (GUUD International); AI application in commercial development (Webb Fontaine).

WCO Secretary General Dr. Kunio Mikuriya delivers an opening remark. Photo: Quang Hung

The WCO Technology Conference and Exhibition is a big international event of the WCO and the largest international event ever for Vietnam Customs. The conference was held at a very meaningful time for Vietnam because the opening day of the conference was held on Vietnam's Digital Transformation Day (October 10), thereby conveying a message to the world about the National digital transformation program and Vietnam's determination in digital transformation. Through the conference, Government agencies and the business community have the opportunity to grasp trends and achievements in digital transformation and technology application in the field of customs and trade facilitation to build knowledge, share, and accompany the Customs agency in the digital transformation and customs modernization process.

In particular, the conference offers ample opportunities for management agencies and the business community to exchange, share, and learn from world experiences on digital transformation and the application of new technology as well as ways to address challenges in management, technology application, and commercial activities.

Besides, the conference is also an opportunity to introduce to the world the culture, cuisine, and landscapes of Vietnam.

Emphasizing at the conference, Director General of the General Department of Vietnam Customs Nguyen Van Can said that hosting the event affirms the active role and responsibility of Vietnam Customs within the framework of cooperation with the WCO. The conference is also an opportunity for Vietnam Customs to strengthen cooperation with Customs agencies of other countries, international organizations, and leading technology enterprises. The knowledge, experience, ideas, and solutions shared at the conference will help Vietnam Customs have appropriate directions in the customs modernization process towards Digital Customs, Smart Customs, and Green Customs.

Moreover, the conference is an opportunity for businesses to understand more about customs operations, and grasp technology trends and solutions applied in the fields of customs and international trade. Thereby, businesses actively cooperate with and accompany the Customs agency in customs modernization and trade facilitation. Also, businesses can expand their connection network with technology solution providers and seek cooperation opportunities with international partners.