The World Trade Organisation (WCO) has announced the launch of its Research Section. According to the Secretary General, Kunio Mikuriya, when he became Secretary General in January 2009 there was an obvious need to add a research function to the WCO’s already impressive portfolio of instruments, tools, and programmes. He believes that there can be no doubt that the active pursuit of knowledge is vital in creating innovative instruments and research-based solutions. Gathering objective information through systematic inquiry greatly benefits decision-making, promotion of original solutions, and development of global standards. In April 2009 Mikuriya launched a Research and Strategies Unit within the Office of the Secretary General that would collect and analyse information, and produce high-quality research on Customs and international trade matters. In addition, he ensured that the entire organisation became mobilised in a culture of knowledge-based Customs. On the WCO Research Section page, you will find the WCO Research Paper Series, which is a collection of papers on essential Customs topics, including: • Revenue Collection; • Supply Chain Security • Trade Facilitation • Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programmes; • Integrity; and • The Environment. It is expected that the WCO series will expand over time to cover even more topics relevant to the global Customs community. You will also find at the Research page information on the WCO’s Club de la Réforme. It is open to all Customs officers (also academics, researchers, and businesses by invitation). The Club de la Réforme is an online community think tank where customs officials, academics, researchers, and the private sector can “meet” to share and exchange knowledge-based information on Customs and international trade subjects.
