WCO chairperson and SARS commissioner, Pravin Gordhan, says that technology has become key to helping customs administrations cope with increasing import and export volumes, rapid expansion and growth in international trade.

"It will also improve the management of increasingly complex international and regional trade rules," says Gordhan. "Then there is the impact of globalisation on trade matters, which has specifically forced developing countries to reform and modernise their administrations accordingly over the past two years."

The conference will debate and aim to find solutions to issues relating to the contribution and development of technology capacity in countries requiring this. The event has attracted top international government representatives, with business leaders, customs managers and industry experts attending.

To date, 17 heads of customs administration and 54 customs administrations will be attending. Of these, 34 are from Africa, nine from Europe, three from the Middle East, six from Asia-Pacific and two from the Americas. In response to the growing realisation of the importance of sound customs administration to the economic and social prospects of developing countries, the WCO has embarked on a number of initiatives to reposition the organisation and its members over the past two years.

Gordhan adds that global events such as 9/11 have reinforced the need to reassess and align stricter customs procedures.

Gordhan says the WCO council has adopted a new assertiveness in its dealings with various international organisations such as the World Trade Organisation and the World Bank to lobby, engage and address critical development issues across the globe. Says Gordhan: "Technology has been identified as a critical enabler in trade terms, and in the building of emerging economy capacity and capabilities."

The WCO is an international trade body comprising 162 customs administrations, and is the key influencer in the development of international trade particularly in Africa. Gordhan says the council aims to create a system of integrity for customs administrations worldwide, and is responsible for developing instruments aimed at the facilitation of trade, administration of trade policies and controlling the movement of dangerous goods. "The WCO, as the global centre of customs expertise, strives to play a central role in streamlining and improving customs procedures," adds Gordhan.

"Our vision is that customs administrations should exchange information electronically in advance of the arrival of goods, which will enhance supply chain security and trade facilitation." Professionals wishing to addend the conference can register online at www.wcoomd.org or on the day of the conference.