2015 WCO IT Conference& Exhibition
Inclusiveness Through Information Technologies
- IT for
an Inclusive Approach in Connecting Customs and Other Stakeholders
in Inter- and Intra-Regional Trade -
Bahamas
6-8 May 2015
A three day conference exploring ways in which modern information and communications technology can lead to exciting possibilities for countries to connect to global and regional value chains
Moving to the Americas and Caribbean Region
The WCO IT Conference will be held for the first time in the Caribbean. The WCO is pleased to be working with the Customs and Excise Department, the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry for Grand Bahama of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas in organizing this event.
The Bahamas is one of the most beautiful island countries in the Caribbean. It is comprised of 700 islands sprinkled over 100,000 square miles of ocean. The archipelago is an ecological oasis featuring 2,000 breathtaking islands and cays and boasts the clearest water on the planet.
The beauty of the Bahamas extends far beyond its extraordinary natural wonders. It’s the smiles on the faces of the Bahamian people, the unique sounds of its rich culture and the warm hospitality of its heritage and colorful history.
The Role of Information Technologies in Connecting Stakeholders
In order to become more competitive in the regional and global marketplace and to boost intra- and inter-regional trade, countries seek associations with other countries and take steps to achieve regional economic integration. As efficient border management is pertinent for regional integration, Customs administrations and other border agencies play an important role in this process through enhanced cooperation and joint activities, often reflected in long-term regional strategies which focus on trade facilitation, including coordinated border management and single window arrangements, transit, exchange of information, mutual recognition of authorized economic operators and other priorities.
Effective and efficient border management requires connectivity amongst all relevant stakeholders on national, bilateral, regional and global levels. Customs administrations around the world have realized the benefits of enhanced cooperation with other governmental agencies and the trade, and are therefore striving towards collaboration in carrying out everyday operational tasks, as well as in strategic decision making and developing new processes and procedures.
The adoption of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) showcases the political willingness of governments worldwide to invest in trade facilitation and it has made the public aware of the benefits of trade facilitation in easing connections to regional and global value chains. Customs and other stakeholders collectively play a crucial role in bringing these benefits to fruition. The TFA envisages cooperation with other border agencies domestically and internationally, as well as with the private sector. It further encourages the use of international standards and IT support to improve performance at the border.
The 2015 WCO IT Conference will focus on the advantages of inclusiveness of all supply chain stakeholders and how this can help boost intra- and inter-regional trade, with particular emphasis on ways in which information technologies can serve this purpose and mitigate emerging threats.
The
Conference will provide a platform for bringing together key partners from
Customs administrations, relevant agencies and ministries, regional economic
communities, private sector, international organizations, development partners
and academia. It will allow sharing experiences and conducting strategic
discussions in a plethora of topics of relevance for facilitating and securing
the movement of information and goods across borders with the aim of increasing
economic competitiveness.
2015 Conference Objectives
- Identify opportunities to augment cross border connectivity for enhanced trade facilitation and regional economic integration.
- Explore areas of synergy amongst relevant stakeholders at different levels.
- Discover how IT models can support strategies for efficient border management.
- Share knowledge on best practices, latest IT solutions and experiences in dealing with emerging issues.
- Bring together decision-makers from more than 100 countries to discuss the implications of IT on parties involved in international trade.
The Exhibition
Held alongside the conference, the exhibition will offer quality networking and marketing opportunities for participants and vendors alike:
- Acquire firsthand information from suppliers and users on trends, technologies and solutions.
- Benefit from an environment providing great promotional and networking opportunities.
- See the latest IT solutions that have been designed specifically for the international Customs and trade market.
Delegates
- Explore “core business” and the many complex questions surrounding how IT solutions can advance the work of Customs and other stakeholders in border regulation.
- Identify opportunities and challenges for the management of IT in Customs.
- Gain insight into current and future IT developments in the Customs, other border agencies and business worlds.
- Participate in challenging debates designed to find the right IT solutions for Customs, business, and other border regulatory agencies in the 21st century.
Vendors
- Meet top level executives, entrepreneurs, researchers and delegates from Customs, other Government agencies, the IT industry and the world of international trade, transport and logistics.
- Market your projects, products and services directly to decision-makers.
- Maximize your exposure and visibility with the Customs and IT community.
- Expand your contact database for future networking and business possibilities.
- Gather inside knowledge on current and future IT user requirements.
Participant Profile
The 2015 WCO IT Conference and Exhibition will bring together Customs authorities, representatives from other border regulatory agencies, the IT sector, international organizations, development partners, regional economic communities, the broader business community including trade, transport and logistics bodies, lending institutions and other international trade stakeholders.
Venue
The Grand Lucayan
1 Sea Horse Lane
Lucaya, Freeport
Grand Bahama Island
Hotel Main Number: 242-373-1333
Local Reservations: 242-350-5466
International Calls: 1-242-350-5466
Conference Registration
This unsurpassed package comprises the three-day conference, refreshment breaks and lunches, dinners, and a delegate pack that includes access to all presentations. WCO Members, representatives of international organizations, and all prospective delegates should visit the official website for further information on registration fees and conditions.
...Be part of strategic discussions paving way to future of border management...
