| 9/03/2020 | |||||
 15:00 - 19:30 | Registration | ||||
| 19:00 - 21:00 | Welcome Reception | ||||
| 10/03/2020 | |||||
| 8:30 - 17:30 | Registration | ||||
| 9:30 - 10:30 | Opening Address | ||||
| 9:30 - 10:30 | Welcome Address | ||||
| 9:30 - 10:30 | Speeches | ||||
| 10:30 - 11:30 | Session 1-Panel Discussion: “Why AEO 2.0?” Almost 15 years ago the SAFE Framework of Standards (FoS) was published by the WCO, and the AEO Programme has become the centre of Pillar II, the Customs-to-Business partnership component providing a standardized method to assess diverse global supply chains and, through this understanding, enhance trade security and facilitation. The rapid increase in the number of AEO programmes and Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs), together with the creation of regional/plurilateral MRAs, demonstrates that AEO programmes have been experiencing a positive adoption rate together with much welcomed recognition both internationally and nationally. The global challenges for international trade are dictated by time, infrastructure and resources. The AEO Programme's objectives, although clear, demand futuristic visioning to best meet the challenges of the near future and beyond. Shaping tomorrow’s future today requires an agile and scalable approach to the AEO model. This Panel Discussion will provide an opportunity for high-level speakers from Customs administrations and representatives from the Private Sector to discuss and consolidate their collaborative input and help shape the future of the AEO Programme. | ||||
| 11:30 - 12:30 | VIP tour & Press Conference/Networking Break | ||||
| 12:30 - 12:45 | Keynote Speeches | ||||
| 12:45 - 13:00 | Keynote Speeches | ||||
| 13:00- 14:30 | Networking Lunch | ||||
| 14:30 - 15:30 | Session 2-Panel Discussion: “Importance of Inter-Governmental Organizations and other Border Agencies in AEO Programmes” Since the development of the SAFE FoS in 2005, the importance of cooperation between Customs and other government and inter-governmental agencies involved in international trade and supply chain security has increased. The WCO has recognized this and has introduced a number of key tools and instruments, particularly Coordinated Border Management (CBM), Single Window (SW) Compendiums and the SAFE FoS (Pillar 3), that impact on and guide cooperation between Customs and other government agencies and inter-governmental agencies. The main objective of this cooperation is to ensure that the government response to supply chain security challenges is both efficient and effective, by avoiding duplication of requirements and inspections, streamlining processes and, ultimately, working towards global standards that secure movements of goods in a manner that facilitates trade. This panel will provide speakers with an opportunity to share best practices and experience in order to bolster the role of inter-governmental agencies and other border agencies in AEO programmes. | ||||
| 15:30 - 16:30 | Session 3-Panel Discussion: “How are AEO programmes contributing to the increased competitiveness of economies?” Evidence shows that reduced costs to trade through freer and more efficient movement of goods both regionally and internationally could allow for increased economies of scale and encourage export-diversification enabling economic transformation. Increased (multinational) trade, provides access to imported inputs, and transfer of knowledge and technology, which could positively affect countries’ productivity and competitiveness. AEO programmes and MRAs have been the main security and trade facilitation initiatives aiming to enhance global trade security to foster business competitiveness in many countries. If AEO 2.0 were designed in a way that a true green lane concept were established, with a unified cargo processing scheme for Customs with other government agencies, it would unlock entirely new cross border efficiencies never seen before. This Panel Discussion will provide a platform for Customs and representatives from various stakeholders to share their views on how AEO 2.0 can contribute to increased competitiveness of economies. | ||||
| 16:30 - 17:00 | Networking break | ||||
| 17:00 - 18:00 | Session 4-Panel Discussion: “Extending the scope of AEO Programmes to E-commerce operators” The global challenges for international trade are dictated by time, infrastructure and resources. The cross-border E-Commerce supply chain is characterized by the involvement of a growing number of Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) and individual buyers and sellers. Additionally, some new actors have emerged and, at the same time, the roles and responsibilities of some traditional actors have undergone changes based on new business models. With the increase of E-Commerce in traditional channels such as Business-to-Business (B2B) and Business-to-Consumer (B2C), AEO programmes may be looked upon to shape the future requirements of these channels and Consumer-to-Consumer (C2C) supply chains in this challenging environment. This session will explore the possibilities of expanding the scope of AEO programmes’ E-Commerce stakeholders, including leveraging the role of intermediaries, to enable MSMEs and individuals to fully benefit from the opportunities of cross-border E-Commerce. | ||||
| 19:30 - 21:30 | Gala Dinner | ||||
| 11/03/2020 | |||||
| 8:00 - 18:00 | Registration | ||||
| Track A-Room:TBC | Track B-Room:TBC | Track C-Room:TBC | Track D-Room:TBC | Track E-Room:TBC |
| 9:30 - 11:00 | Track A-Session 1 “Identification of emerging supply chain security threats” | Track B-Session 1 “Effective implementation of AEO Mutual Recognition and MRAs” | Track C-Session 1 ”AEOs vs AOs: how to promote the synergies?” | Track D-Session 1 “Regional/plurilateral AEOs and MRAs: a way forward to leverage the benefits for AEOs” | Track E-Session 1 “UFF - the key to interoperability of non-intrusive inspection systems” |
| 11:00 - 11:30 | Networking break | ||||
| 11:30 - 13:00 | Track A-Session 2 “Strengthening the AEO Standard through minimum criteria” | Track B-Session 2 “Recognition of other economic operators/service providers in MRAs” | Track C-Session 2 “AEO authorization management: best practices” | Track D-Session 2 “Account-based management: practices and challenges” | Track E-Session 2 “Leveraging emerging technologies for AEO and mutual recognition processes” |
| 13:00 - 14:00 | Networking Lunch | ||||
| 14:00 - 15:30 | Track A-Session 3 “Exploration of how to augment the benefits for AEOs” | Track B-Session 3 “Performance measurement for AEO programmes: TRS and other tools” | Track C-Session 3 “Risk Management: maximizing security and facilitation for global trade” | Track D-Session 3 “Coordinated border management AEO” | Track E-Session 3 “Application of Smart Security Devices for AEO programmes” |
| 15:30 - 16:00 | Networking break | ||||
| 16:00- 17:30 | Track A-Session 4 “Can SAFE/AEO/MRA implementation help to enhance agricultural or environmental security?” | Track B-Session 4 “AEO Validation and Post Clearance Audit: What are the linkages?” | Track C-Session 4 “Alignment of AEO & Regulated Agent and Known Consignor programmes” | Track D-Session 4 “Importance of Data quality for successful AEO and MRAs programmes” | Track E-Session 4 “Single Window and AEO programmes: Members’ best practices” |
| 19:30 - 21:30 | Dinner | ||||
| 12/03/2020 | |||||
| 9:00 - 9:40 | Session 5-Round table:“Enhancing integrity for the quality of global AEOs : national and regional practices” Enhancing integrity remains one of the WCO’s strategic agenda priorities for ensuring that Member administrations remain responsive to the demands of the global supply chains. The Customs community as whole understands that the challenges of ensuring integrity across the supply chain and realizes that it must be tackled in partnership with stakeholders. AEOs and the Private Sector community in general need to remain actively engaged in Customs administrations’ strategies to promote integrity. SAFE FoS Pillar II is an important vehicle for promoting this continued effort. Pillar II provides the platform for Customs administrations to foster an open, transparent and productive relationship with the private sector. Successful experiences, such as the establishment of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between Customs administrations and stakeholders or the development of codes of conduct for the Private Sector, are current results of an integrity focused strategy to combat risk. This session will provide an opportunity for national and regional perspectives on the importance of Integrity in the Supply Chain and will help highlight approaches to risk mitigation. | ||||
| 90:40 - 10:20 | Session 6-Round Table: “Building trust for genuine parnerships in AEO programmes and MRAs” Customs and the international trade community recognize the dual importance that security and trade facilitation have on cross border commerce. Inherent to the SAFE AEO concept is the notion of shared risk and reward. A successful Customs-to-Business partnership relies on several critical factors, accompanied by a mutual respect for each other’s roles and responsibilities in this regard. This Round Table explores various dimensions in order to discuss the concept of SAFE FoS Pillar II and ongoing dialogue that will continue to build trust for successful Customs-to-Business partnerships in AEO programmes and MRAs. | ||||
| 10:20 - 10:50 | Networking break | ||||
| 10:50 - 11:05 | Keynote Speeches | ||||
| 11:05 - 11:20 | Keynote Speeches | ||||
| 11:20 - 12:20 | Session 7-Round Table:“Technical assistance and capacity building: the key to harmonized implementation of AEO programmes and MRAs” Technical assistance and capacity building have always played a crucial role in supporting WCO Members’ implementation of the Organization’s standards and programmes in a harmonized and consistent manner. In the 15 years since publication of the SAFE FoS, the number of AEO programmes has increased rapidly. Currently, worldwide we have 84 operational AEO programmes and 19 AEO programmes under development; 30 operational Customs compliance programmes, and 5 Customs compliance programmes to be launched; and 74 bilateral and 4 plurilateral/regional MRAs concluded, and 65 MRAs under negotiation. This shows, on one hand, the success of the instrument and, on the other, raises concerns about monitoring implementation of these programmes.. The Round Table is dedicated to various stakeholders and is aimed at giving an overview of technical assistance and capability building activities from different perspectives, including Customs Members, academia, donors and the WCO Regional Offices for Capacity Building (ROCBs), in order to reflect ways of achieving the highest possible level of harmonization and sustained and enhanced implementation of AEO programmes and MRAs. | ||||
| 13:00 - 13:30 | Closing remarks | ||||
| 13:30 - 15:00 | Grab and Go Lunch - sponsored | ||||
| 15:00 - 19:00 | Conference Trip – details to be confirmed | ||||
