On April 29–30, 2025, the Conference of Heads of Customs Administrations of the European Region of the World Customs Organization (WCO) took place in Brussels. The event was attended by representatives of WCO member countries from the European Region, the WCO leadership, the European Commission, and international partner organizations. The Republic of Kazakhstan was represented by the State Revenue Committee of the Ministry of Finance.

        The conference served as a key platform for dialogue on pressing issues in the area of international customs cooperation. The outcomes of the discussions will form the basis for proposals to be submitted to the upcoming WCO Council Session scheduled for June 2025.

       The conference was officially opened by Øystein Børmer, WCO Vice-Chair for the European Region, who emphasized the progress achieved by member countries in implementing reforms and capacity-building initiatives. WCO Secretary General Ian Saunders presented a report on the implementation of the WCO Modernization Plan and the Strategic Plan for 2025–2028.

       Key topics addressed during the conference included the draft budget for 2025–2026, development of the network of regional training centers, promotion of the “Green Customs” initiative, implementation of the COP29 Baku Declaration, and proposals related to the institutional reform of the WCO.

      Particular attention was given to the issue of representation of the European Region in the WCO governing bodies. With Kazakhstan’s current term on the WCO Policy Commission (2023–2025) approaching completion, the regional members expressed support for Kazakhstan’s candidacy to the WCO Finance Committee for the 2025–2026 term.

      Kazakhstan’s participation in the conference reaffirmed its commitment to active engagement in advancing international customs cooperation, including in key areas such as digitalization, sustainability, and global trade security.

      In the margins of the conference, the Kazakh delegation also held a number of bilateral meetings with customs administrations of other countries to explore opportunities for enhanced cooperation.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kgd/press/news/details/989468?lang=kk