Deputy Director General Shreekrishna Nepal is responsible for the management and strategic oversight of operations within the Nepal Department of Customs. In this role, DDG Nepal provides leadership and guidance to numerous departments across the breadth of the Customs organization. His remit includes responsibility for the sourcing and application of information technology to support the Department of Customs ongoing efforts to enhance service delivery and facilitate trade. DDG Nepal has extensively contributed to the Custom Reform and Modernization Strategies and Action Plan (CRMSAP) 2017- 2021. DDG Nepal has shown his commendable leadership in the implementation of web based customs clearance systems in Nepal Customs.

Prior to joining the Department of Customs DDG Nepal held positions within the Ministry of Health and Population as a Joint Secretary looking after the Human Resource and Financial resource management division and as Deputy Financial Comptroller General where he was again responsible for the strategic management of operational functions across the organization. During his time with the Financial Comptroller General office, DDG Nepal was a part of a program focused on Treasury Single Account (TSA) which delivered real time government treasury position, significant service improvements while reducing costs. DDG Nepal holds a Master's degree in Economics from Tribhuvan University Nepal and is a member of Institute of Chartered Accountants Nepal.

Mr. Craig Fedchock is currently the senior advisor to the International Plant Protection Convention Secretariat.  He previously had been the coordinator of the IPPC Secretariat and managed the activities of the Secretariat in fulfilling the mission of the organization to establish and implement international standards for trade in plants and plant products.  He previously held a number of positions with the US Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) Division, including Director of International Capacity Development, Associate Executive Director of Plant Health Programs, and Director of the Phytosanitary Issues Management staff. Before joining PPQ, Mr. Fedchock was the Director of Bilateral Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Affairs in the Executive Office of the President, Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR).  He was also the Chief of Staff for APHIS International Services, and the Director for Asia Trade Policy in APHIS International Services. While at USTR he was the lead negotiator for the United States on SPS issues in multiple Free Trade Agreement negotiations and World Trade Organization accession discussions with several countries. Mr. Fedchock also worked in the Codex Office of the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service, managing the activities of the National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods; the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration and as a consultant to the U.S. Department of Defense. He also served as a Russian linguist in the United States Army.

Samuel Laurinkari heads up eBay’s work on EU policies impacting eBay and its users, such as e-Commerce legislation, online platform policy, consumer policy, competition policy, and cross-border trade policy.

Prior to joining eBay, Samuel worked in government relations for LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton and as a consultant for FTI Consulting.

Samuel grew up in Finland and Germany and studied European law at Maastricht University in the Netherlands.

Biodata

Date of Birth: 1971

Place of Birth: Tehran

Nationality: Iranian

Education

Doing PhD on " Decision Making and Public Pulicy Management"/ 2015 – on going

MA, Management (MIS), Allame Tabatabae University, Tehran, 2009

BA, Accounting (Audit), Economic Affairs University, 1997

Professional Experience:

-Deputy of IRICA President in Planning and International Affairs / 2016-up to present

-Director General of ICT Dept / 2010-2015

-Program Manager of Modern Customs / 2011 – up to present

-National Project Director of ASYCUDA WORLD Project / 2010-2012

-Head of MIS Division in IRICA, 2009 – up to present

-Secretary of Central Committee of Risk Management in IRICA, 2008- up to present

-Deputy of ASYCUDA Implementation Directorate, 2000 - 2008

Doing PhD on " Decision Making and Public Pulicy Management"/ 2015 – on going

MA, Management (MIS), Allame Tabatabae University, Tehran, 2009

BA, Accounting (Audit), Economic Affairs University, 1997

Professional Experience:

-Deputy of IRICA President in Planning and International Affairs / 2016-up to present

-Director General of ICT Dept / 2010-2015

-Program Manager of Modern Customs / 2011 – up to present

-National Project Director of ASYCUDA WORLD Project / 2010-2012

-Head of MIS Division in IRICA, 2009 – up to present

-Secretary of Central Committee of Risk Management in IRICA, 2008- up to present

-Deputy of ASYCUDA Implementation Directorate, 2000 - 2008

Amar is an accomplished professional with over 20 years of experience in supply chain, consulting and technology industries.

He has been elected to represent the technology domain on the Board of Directors of “The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA)” headquartered in Miami, Florida. This association presents the voice of the global air cargo industry to the regulators. He is the youngest Board Member and the first from technology industry to be appointed on this prominent global industry association’s board. He also has the unique distinction of being the first and only Indian to receive the “CILT International Young Achiever Award – 2009” for his work in transportation technology. He is the Chairman of IT committee of “Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Agriculture (MACCIA)”. Amar’s passion is to bridge the technology gap between the developed and developing logistics industries globally and his talented and passionate team at Kale Logistics has developed disruptive new generation technology solutions for the logistics industry which are transforming the industry and raising the levels of technology adoption in the SME sector of logistics industry in India & Globally. Their work has received global accolades from several international forums as being the “Best Technology Provider to the Logistics Industry” for last 7 years. Amar also assists several governments on conceptualizing trade facilitation initiatives to usher in “Ease of Doing Business” using digital technology. He is an Electrical Engineering and an MBA in Supply Chain Management from India’s premiere institute- NITIE.

Andrew Farrelly is the co-founder of CT Strategies, a subsidiary of Command Consulting Group, which provides strategic services to clients seeking current and innovative insight into border management and supply chain challenges in the U.S. and around the world.

While in government, Mr. Farrelly has devoted the majority of his career to the strengthening of United States security interests through an accomplished career with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).  During his time with CBP, Mr. Farrelly significantly developed the operational standards and efficiency as a former Director of Targeting Programs for CBP’s National Targeting Center, as well as in his most recent role as the Chief of Staff for the Deputy Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

As Chief of Staff to the Deputy Commissioner, Andrew Farrelly coordinated interagency efforts related to immigration reform, global supply chain security, and intelligence matters.  He also served as the point of contact for all emergency situations to include potential terrorist attack threats and natural disaster responses.

While serving as the Director of Targeting Programs, Mr. Farrelly oversaw the development of innovative initiatives and operational solutions that enhanced CBP’s capabilities in detecting and identifying potential threats in situations involving the necessity to facilitate the transportation of people and cargo efficiently.  His efforts extended to facilitating negotiations with various foreign entities and private corporations to establish partnership programs for securing international transportation and commerce.  Mr. Farrelly also led the interagency effort to establish a Risk Characterization as part of the Implementation Plan for the White House Global Supply Chain Security Strategy.

In addition to the offices of the Deputy Commissioner’s Chief of Staff and as Director of Targeting Programs, Mr. Farrelly served CBP in several capacities including: Chief of Staff for the Office of Field Operations, Counselor in the Office of the Commissioner, Program Manager in the Secure Freight Initiative, and as a Liaison in the Office of Congressional Affairs. 

Prior to his time with the CBP, Mr. Farrelly served as a Law Clerk in the office of the Chief Justice for the Supreme Court of New Jersey and as the Executive and Legislative Assistant to Representative Don Sherwood.

Mr. Farrelly is a graduate of Seton Hall University Law School and holds a Bachelor of Arts in History and Public Communication from American University. 

In my current role as Director Information Management KLM Cargo and Martinair, I am responsible for implementing and supporting ICT innovations in a very broad landscape from handling to flying to engineering to compliancy. I have studied hotel management and information management and have more than 20 years of corporate ICT experience in Logistics, Airline and Hospitality of which the last 8 years at KLM and Martinair. I have a special interest in connecting business with IT, design, implement complex organizational changes, and drive innovation. 

Ben van Rijnsoever is a member of IBM’s Global Centre of Competence for Public Sector as a technical subject matter expert for Customs, Immigration and Border Management.

In his role as technical subject matter expert, he works worldwide with local IBM teams to bridge knowledge and expertise across those teams. He manages the portfolio of eCustoms Suite applications including a Customs Declaration Management System and Advanced Cargo Analytics for risk management. He was the lead architect of IBM’s Supply Chain Visibility Platform, which is the predecessor of the Global Trade Digitisation offering and is involved in EU Customs research activities.

Mr. Nguyen Cong Binh has 31 years of Customs experience with in-depth knowledges in the fields of information technologie and trade statistics in the field of Customs. He has served as a Director of Customs IT and Trade Statistics Department of GDVC for 12 years. Then, since September, 2012, he has served as a Deputy Director General of GDVC. While serving as a DDG, he is responsible for Customs IT and Trade Statistics (CIO), Customs Risk Management, Anti-Smuggling and Investigation Department, Inspectorate Department, Customs Research and Training.

Dr. Charles Massey currently serves as a Nuclear Security Officer in the Division of Nuclear Security of the International Atomic Energy Agency.  He started his professional career working in the merchant marine sailing on all types of vessels and advancing his position to Chief Officer.  After his professional sailing days, Dr. Massey worked for several U.S. national laboratories where he held positions ranging from management of the safety and security analysis of nuclear weapons transportation to leading the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach “Operation Safe Commerce” projects.  Additionally, Dr. Massey was one of the key members responsible for the present day U.S. led “Second Line of Defense and Megaports” program that has installed over 4,000 radiation portal monitors and provided thousands of hand-held detectors around the world.  Dr. Massey currently leads the Science and Technology Team in the IAEA’s Section of Nuclear and other Radioactive Materials out of Regulatory Control.  His team strives to develop and advance radiation detection technology, systems, and measures for nuclear security by providing the right information at the right time to Front Line Officers and organizations.  Dr. Massey is also a retired U.S. Navy Captain and maintains his Skipper license to keep his “sea legs.”  Dr. Massey will discuss the current efforts of his team and the tools they are developing to turn big data into information that will assist front line officers in making efficient and effective decisions with confidence regarding radiation alarms.

As CEO of GeTS (a subsidiary of CrimsonLogic), Kok Keong is responsible for all business operations, including setting the direction and strategy of the company. He also double-hats as CrimsonLogic ACEO.

Kok Keong joined CrimsonLogic in 2006 as Vice President of the eGovernment Business Division, the unit that encompasses solutions & consulting, business development, business planning & international operations, and alliance management. During this tour of duty, the company experienced strong growth especially in overseas business, with major project wins such as eJudiciary project in the United Arab Emirates and Qatar Customs Clearance Single Window.

He then assumed the role of Senior Vice President, where he took charge of developing and implementing the company’s strategic plans. He was tasked to oversee the functions of Planning & Alliance, Corporate Communications and Corporate Legal and played the key role in managing the cross-functional structure of the organization. With the goal of establishing CrimsonLogic as the preferred eGovernment solutions company, he sharpened the company’s strategic position in partnering governments to develop and sustain viable solutions.

Prior to joining CrimsonLogic, Kok Keong held various key positions in Singapore Trade Development Board (TDB) and Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Between 1997 and 1999, he was TDB’s director for the Hanoi Centre in Vietnam. Concurrently, he was appointed as the First Secretary (Commercial) for the Singapore Embassy in Vietnam. In these two roles, he was responsible for strengthening Singapore-Vietnam’s economic relations and promoting business alliances between the two countries. During this period, Singapore was Vietnam’s top investor and trading partner.

In 1996, Kok Keong spearheaded a cross-departmental task force to develop Singapore's international marketing plan. One of the recommendations that were implemented successfully was to leverage on internet technologies to promote Singapore to the world.

Kok Keong holds a Bachelor degree in Social Sciences and an Honours degree in Psychology from the National University of Singapore. He was also awarded the Government scholarship in 1999 to further his studies in INSEAD (France) where he obtained his Masters degree in Business Administration.

Mr. Perry graduated with Distinction from the McIntire School of Commerce at the University of Virginia.

He has over 20 years of experience managing technology teams throughout all segments of the global supply chain.  Early in his career, Mr. Perry was the regional leader of Arthur Andersen’s Advanced Technology Group.  At Andersen, he led large scale technology projects for major industries such as Automotive, Electronics, Textiles, Petroleum, and Consumer Goods.

Mr. Perry recognized the need for an integrated global trade management platform, and as a result, he co-founded Integration Point to deliver this vision to the import and export community.  At Integration Point, he led a team of highly experienced technologists in the development and delivery of automated trade compliance solutions for Product Classification, Import Management, Export Management, Screening, Trade Agreements, Zone Management, Regulatory Content, Connectivity, and Global Trade Visibility Programs.

Today, Mr. Perry directs Integration Point’s market development operations around the world.

Daniel Kern works as a Manager, Trade Policy Affairs, in the IRU’s Permanent Delegation to the

EU. IRU is the global industry federation for road transport, that aims at making goods and people

move faster around the globe in a sustainable way. Daniel is an experienced trade policy

professional who has a particular focus on trade facilitation. Before joining IRU he was an Adviser

for EU Trade Policies and EU Business Law at VDMA – the German Engineering Association – in

Brussels and he worked in the European Commission’s department for External Relations were he

covered files on EU Public Procurement.

Mr. Dimitry KUMSISHVILI has been the First Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Finance of Georgia since November 27, 2016. As a Minister of Finance of Georgia, Mr. KUMSISHVILI has been in charge of state management process in financial planning, budget and tax areas while guaranteeing the compliance and the enforcement of budgetary and tax legislation on the territory of Georgia. Besides, within his competence, he has been supervising the proper directions stipulated by the Georgian legislation.

Since November, 2012 Dimitry KUMSISHVILI has held different high level positions in the Government of Georgia; namely: First Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia, Deputy Mayor of Tbilisi. From September 2015 till November he was the Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia and the First Deputy Prime Minister of Georgia.

Dimitry KUMSISHVILI has got the prominent experience in holding the different managerial positions in the private sector. During his successful career he worked in the leading banking and financial institutions and he was involved in auditing and stock exchange activities.

As the former private sector representative, Dimitry KUMSISHVILI pays a particular attention to the development of the business and investment climate.  He has been one of the authors of the governmental reforms concentrated on the investment increase in infrastructural projects, improvement of Georgia’s logistic and touristic capacity, conduction of the important tax policy in support of the trade facilitation, development of educational system strategically managing the human capital and establishment of effective management institute. 

While working in the public sector, Dimitry KUMSISHVILI was involved in the economically strategic negotiations for the country including negotiations on Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area with the European Union, Free Trade Agreements with EFTA, The People’s Republic of China and other countries.  The project considering in itself the establishment of the commercial attaché institute was initiated by Dimitry KUMSISHVILI.

Dimitry KUMSISHVILI has been involved in the dynamic dialogue with the business sector and has been actively cooperating with the relevant business associations. He is one of the authors of the program “Produce in Georgia” launched by the Government supporting the entrepreneurship activities. As a Deputy Prime Minister of Georgia, Dimitry KUMSISHVILI has been actively participating in the elaboration of the institutional and legislative framework of Public-Private Partnership (PPP).

Dimitry KUMSISHVILI holds an MSc in Accounting, Control and Audit from Tbilisi State University. Later he graduated from Cerma School of Management and he holds MBA in Finance, Marketing and Strategic Management.

Mr. Dinis Guarda, CEO, Humaniq

dinis.guarda@gmail.com ; dinis@humaniq.co

between Asia and Africa. He was involved in the business development, technology set up and legal international foundations working as founder COO and CMO.

With a Master in New Media, Dinis has been ranked in the top 10 and top 100 most influential person in the following lists:

•           Top 100 Fintech Insiders: From Marc Andreessen to Vitalik Buterin, a list of the Most Influential People in the Fintech - Blockchain Industry source http://richtopia.com/people/top-100-fintech powered by rise.global/top-fintech-people.

•           100 Blockchain influencers https://www.rise.global/blockchain-news

•           Fintech 2016: Top 100 Influencers and Brands http://www.onalytica.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Onalytica-Fintech-Top-100-Influencers-and-Brands.pdf

•           Blockchain: Top 100 #Influencers and #Brands http://www.onalytica.com/blog/posts/blockchain-top-100-influencers-brands/

•           He ranks in the Kear.com social media algorithm list as one of the top worldwide 2% social media influencers: klear.com/profile/dinisguarda

He writes regularly on websites such as fool.com, cityam.com, medium.com industry websites about the future of business, blockchain, AI, IOT special in the angle of the database of everything, tech infrastructure and big data and blockchain. He is very involved in banking, investing, trading, investing and how disruptive Innovation, big data, social media, and technology are disrupting and opening new opportunities for the education, business and financial - fintech world.

He was the founder of tradingfloor.com for Saxo Bank, socialmediacouncil.org with Jamie Burke. Dinis Guarda’s background experience is in international management, marketing / communications, web, publishing and content working in initiatives with UN, governments, financial companies, and banks.

During his career he has been working with UN, UNESCO, Greenpeace, Reuters, MasterCard, P&G, Philips, Bloomberg, Vodafone, Nike amongst many others.

During 2008 and 2011, he co-managed Saxo Bank’s web / online marketing global plan of action, its localization, video and tech related subjects. He created the social trading platform tradingfloor.com and defined & managed the social media strategy for the organisation. He also co-developed the business digital and content strategy, web platforms in 28 languages including the Chinese and Spanish / Latin America websites.

On a business, creative and entrepreneurial level, Dinis has worked / collaborated with people such as David Bowie, Patti Smith, Depeche Mode, Michel Gondry, Steen Jakobsen, Brian Solis and many others.

Elizabeth Titi Opare is an Assistants Commissioner with the Ghana Revenue Authority, and Head of the Electronic Records and Applications of the Information Technology Department

Her Core Career skills / Knowledge are in MIS (Management Information System / Management InformationServices); Human Resource Management, Project Management; Criminal Investigation and Stress Management

Elizabeth is a recognised leader in MIS with a verifiable record of accomplishment spanning over 20 years of her professional career. She is highly creative, results-oriented, target oriented and solution-focused individual and Interpersonal Skills

Her Career Objective it toaspire to be a leading ICT professional,gain further experience and acquire new and varied technical and managerial skills, to enable her  share  her expertise with stakeholders to make them more perceptive to ICT applications to enhance their efficiency.

At her current position some of her responsibilities are to effectively and efficiently manage sub – units: Database Administration; Business Intelligence; Applications Development; Applications Maintenance. She is also responsible for the training of users in new products before they enter production environment; Update as necessary job description for Staff in the unit; Prepare annual / quarterly schedules & ensure targets are met; Undertake continuous review of GCMS( in full) to ensure that modules conform to Customs Laws, operational instructions and bilateral agreements and submit proposals for review; Supervise training of non- IT Personnel in GCMS and other IT- techniques, Develop modules for information exchange with user Agencies and ensure that the data is adequate, complete, relevant and authorized by Management. Also manages Information and Management of all application software (develop, deliver and maintain quality, reliable software products including an enterprise data warehouse)

Elizabeth also serves as liaison between GRA and Technology partners such as GCNet, Westblue Consulting etc. and member of the Technical Committee of the Ghana National Single Window.

Erich is a Senior Trade Facilitation Specialist at the World Bank Group.  In this capacity he provides advisory support on Bank TF, border coordination and Customs reform programs.  Erich has served as the Director for Capacity Building at the WCO from 2011 to 2015.  Before joining the WCO he was responsible for Customs legislation, policy and procedures at the South African Revenue Service. Erich holds a master’s degree in international economic law and his professional focus areas include organizational development, regional economic integration and coordinated border management.

Executive President Product and Brand Protection,

Head of Marketing for Government, SICPA SA.

Fabienne Le Tadic is Executive President Product and Brand Protection for SICPA Security Solutions, in charge of industries as well as the Head of Marketing for Government. She holds a Master’s degree in Economics - Political Science from the University of Paris I Panthéon Sorbone, Paris, France.

She built more than 20 years of experience in key international positions, in business management, marketing and sales, and major ERP implementation. Fabienne worked in BtoB, BtoC and BtoG in various sectors such as Food and Beverage, Healthcare Rx, Retail and Aerospace and for companies like Auchan, Nestlé, and Constellium (ex-Alcan). Her areas of expertise are business turnaround, innovation and implementation of major change in organization.

Frank is a senior executive, holding over 30 years of Customs experience, having an in-depth knowledge in the fields of customs legislation, international business and logistics. He is recognized for motivating people and creating enthusiasm and support. This has resulted into the collective developments and implementation of novel ideas and solutions with trade, governments and academia, as there are the University MSc program Customs & Supply Chain Compliance, the supply chain innovation concept The Pipeline Interface, the Innovation Platform within Dutch Customs and academic research in various areas of the customs domain.

Frederico.Fontes@rfb.gov.br

Degrees in Computer Science (1995) and Law (2006). Former Systems Analyst in the Brazilian Government´s IT Services company and in Brazil Central Bank. Entered Brazil Revenue and Customs in 1999, where acted as Local and Regional IT Departments Chief, Software Factory Manager, Chief of the Internal Software Development Department, National IT Infrastructure Coordinator, and Border Operations Manager. Finally, since 2015, acting as the Brazil Single Window Manager.

Mr. Geraint Dermody, Business Development Director, Symetrica Security Limited

g.dermody@symetrica.com  

Symetrica

Business Development Manager

Geraint’s responsibilities are the commercialization of radioactive threat adjudication systems; Handhelds RIIDs, Backpacks, Radiation Portal Monitors (RPMs), Mobile Detection Systems and Man Portable Detection Systems (MPDS).

Nikon Metrology - formerly Metris UK and X-Tek Systems

Industrial Sales Manager

Geraint spent 12 years specializing in the design, development and sales of micro-focus X-ray imaging and computed tomography systems for the UK X-ray equipment manufacturer X-Tek Systems (now Nikon metrology). As an X-ray specialist, Geraint was instrumental in the development, release and sales of new products to blue ribbon companies such as NASA, AWE and Rolls Royce.

The UK Defence Evaluation Research Agency (DERA, now DSTL)

Team leader

Geraint’s career started with The UK Defence Evaluation Research Agency DERA, (now DSTL) as a project leader in the transport security program, where he gained experience in explosive and other threat detection technologies. Whilst with DERA, Geraint managed a team evaluating large vehicle X-ray inspection equipment. Based on this work, the first mobile X-ray imaging systems were implemented by UK Customs and Excise for contraband detection at a number of UK ports.

Gerard Rodrigues is currently the Australian Border Force Counsellor attached to the Australian Embassy in Brussels with the key role of representing Australia’s national interests in a wide range of Border Management matters including Customs, Trade, Migration and National Security.

He has over 30 years Customs  experience in regulatory, operational and corporate environments with experience and expertise in organisational reform focusing on strategic planning, change management, human resource management and business improvement. His operational and policy development roles include Intelligence, Investigations, Compliance, Corporate Operations, Cargo Operations, Trade and Enforcement.

Gerard has undertaken numerous successful national and international consultancies on behalf of the Australian Government and various international organisations including the UN and WCO, with a key focus on Organisational Reform and Modernization.

Prior to his posting to Brussels, Gerard acted in various executive roles in Australia including as Regional Director and National Manager Cargo Operations and understands the key issues facing border agencies in the modern global trade environment and what is required to meet these challenges. This includes research and development of leading edge technologies and modern business practices to service the demands of an increasingly sophisticated global trade and travel environment.

He is an accredited WCO Customs Modernization Expert and has a particular interest in the fast developing world of e-Commerce.

Mr. Tabuashvili has been the First Deputy Minister of Finance of Georgia since January 2013 and the Director General of Georgia Revenue Service (GRS), Legal Entity of Public Law (LEPL) since December 2014. Before that, in 2009-2012 he worked as Chief Economist at the project of EU “Public Finance Management Reform Monitoring”– CARDNO EMERGING MARKETS Ltd and as Treasury Expert at the Project of World Bank “Public Finance Management Reform Support” - WYG International Ltd. From 2004 to 2007 he was Head of State Treasury-Ministry of Finance of Georgia. In 2004 he served as Deputy Minister of Finance. In 2002-2004 he worked as Fiscal Economist at local representation of International Monetary Fund in Georgia. Mr. Tabuashvili also held various senior positions in the private sector.

Mr. Tabuashvili holds Diploma in Law and Master’s Degree in Economics from Tbilisi State University. He holds Master of Science Degree in Public Finance and Economic Development from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and Master’s certificate in Project Management from The George Washington University.

H. Weyerich serves as the director of UPU’s Postal Technology Centre since April 2006.

Following his studies of Computer Science at the University of German Armed Forces he acquired expertise in the IT and organization areas for over thirty years.

During ten years he managed application development projects in the Defense area, followed by five years of international management consultancy with a focus on Business Process Reengineering and IT strategy in different industries, including the Postal sector. Prior to his current position in UPU he worked as a Technical Director responsible for Services, Support and Customer Relationship Management for two commercial software vendors with activities in the database application and B2B market.

The Postal Technology Center of the UPU serves Designated Postal Operators of UPU member countries and their partners (e.g. Customs, Airlines) in the postal supply chain. It runs an EDI Network linking postal operators and provides standard software for International Mail Management, Customs & Security management and Postal Money Order / eCommerce payment services used in over 180 countries.

L3 Technologies, headquartered in New York City, employs approximately 38,000 people worldwide and is a leading provider of a broad range of communication and electronic systems and products used on national security, military and commercial platforms.

Ian has over 20 years’ experience in the software industry and has worked on a wide variety of different software applications including security and detection, telecoms, and command and control systems.

The CV 2 system allows customs operators to analyze and adjudicate on images from different NII manufacturers across multiple sites. A current CV 2 development area includes research into innovative applications of machine learning techniques to enhance the ability of customs organizations to automatically detect and identify threats in x-ray images and to perform trend analysis of past data to make predictions for informing future custom and border security activities.

After obtaining my bachelor’s degree in 2008, I’ve worked as a web developer for several years. In 2012 went back to university, where I’ve obtained my Masters’ degree in Cognitive Artificial Intelligence in 2014. After this I’ve worked as a Business & System Integration consultant at a large IT consultancy firm and got some experience in the telecommunications world. But I wanted a more research oriented position, so in 2014 I switched to TNO (Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research) to the position of researcher on the field of connected business and data science. In this position I’ve conducted research on the fields of semantic web, linked (open) data, ontologies and in the past year I’ve mainly focused on blockchain technology. The main focus of this research was investigating the added value and limitations of the application of blockchain technology on several different use-cases. These were use-cases in the logistics, agrifood, and fintech domains.

Jerome Pichot is 48 years old and graduated from ESSEC business School in Paris and Mannheim university with an executive MBA.  He is today Head of Product Marketing at De La Rue for Authentication and Traceability, leading the strategy for the brand protection.

He started his career in the steel Industry and electrical components before evolving at several positions at arjowiggins becoming an expert in the luxury packaging and security products.

Globe trotter, he has experienced over 20 years of travels that International Brands need to be approachable and irreproachable. In Asia and in Latin America, consumers want to access top Brands in terms of ethical sourcing, quality and authenticity. He knows expectations are higher for best-in-class products, he is obsessed by offering unparalleled solutions for the Enterprise.

Finally, as he is convinced  H2H is replacing B2B or B2C relationships between companies, he is enthusiastic to engage any communication on your respective challenges.

Mr. Jianmin Li

General Manager of Production & Chief Information Officer

NUCTECH COMPANY LIMITED

Jianmin Li has been working for NUCTECH since the establishment of the company. He has over 20 years of science research, electronic technology, project management, and business experience. He is the designer of many products, including Gamma ray detector, neutron detector, X-ray imaging system, nuclear material detect system, high-energy Linear Accelerator system, and etc. Among the products he designed, the mobile X-ray inspection system, the high-energy industry CT system and the radiation imaging system have been awarded by China National Prize respectively. As the chief engineer of NUCTECH, he helps NUCTECH’s products widely used in more than 106 countries.

In addition, Jianmin Li is also the Director of System Control & Application Laboratory in Engineering Physics department of Tsinghua University, focusing on electronic science for fast DAQ and sensitive front-end circuit. 

Mr. Jong-Woo Lee

Director General of the Information and International Affairs Bureau

Korea Customs Service

Mr. Jong-Woo Lee is the Director General of the Information and International Affairs Bureau of the Korea Customs Service. He oversees data exchange, the e-clearance system, ODA projects, and various international affairs including cooperation with international organizations.

He began his public sector career in 1999. He worked at the Ministry of Finance with the focus on establishing Customs policies and amending relevant legislations. Then, throughout his tenure at the KCS, he gained wide-ranging experiences in various Customs-related tasks as he worked as a Head of the Customs valuation and Classification Institute and a director of Customs audit policy division, the FTA implementation planning division, and planning & finance division. Especially, he took charge of designing and establishing the FTA implementation bureau within the KCS, with a view to making adequate preparations for the Korea-EU FTA and the KORUS FTA.

Kenichiro Aoki is Senior Manager of Public Sector at NTT DATA Corporation, a global IT services and solution company. With his extensive experience as a sales manager in leading large-scale mission critical systems for central government and ministries/agencies in the public sector, he has especially built up a solid career by introducing Japanese customs system "NACCS" to Vietnam and Myanmar. Implementing this system to Vietnam was a first project that exports system infrastructure from Japan to other countries funded by government of Japan.

He was based in Hanoi from March 2013 to March 2014 as a sales manager and contributed to smooth development and implementation of the IT system for General Department of Vietnam Customs (VNACCS/VCIS) as scheduled. He also contributed to the implementation of the system for Myanmar Customs (MACCS/MCIS).VNACCS has started its operation in April 2014 and MACCS has started in November 2016 and both systems are working smoothly contributing significantly to the economic growth of both countries.

He also plays an indispensable role in key projects other than in Asia-Pacific. He is developing NTT DATA Group's business capability in this area to Central and Latin Americas, collaborating with our group company: everis. bmot_marketing@kits.nttdata.co.jp

Prior to joining the WCO, he worked for Japan's Ministry of Finance for 25 years. During his career with the Ministry, Kunio occupied a variety of senior posts, which have given him broad experience in Customs, trade development, budget, and financial policies.

He served as Director of International Negotiations, Director of Enforcement, and Director of Research and International Affairs, in the Tariff and Customs Bureau. He also served as Director of Salaries and Allowances and as the Controller in the Budget Bureau. In addition, he spent time as a Counsellor at the Japanese Mission to the WTO in Geneva and participated in the GATT Uruguay Round trade negotiations. This experience enabled him to acquire an excellent knowledge of trade-related issues.

Kunio Mikuriya has a BA degree in law from the University of Tokyo (Japan) and a Ph.D in international relations from the University of Kent (United Kingdom).

Ms. Louise Wiggett, Managing Director, eTradex Pty Ltd

Louise.Wiggett@etradex.co.za  

As the founder and driving force behind, eTradex, the consulting services and software Development Company which she founded in 1999, Louise and her team have been providing leading edge and innovative technology and services solutions to the international trade and supply chain environment over the past 18 years.

Louise, holds a B.Com from the University of Stellenbosch and a B.Compt (Hons) from the University of South Africa, as well as a number of diplomas in International Trade and Project Management. She has more than 26 years experience in the international trade and customs environment. Prior to founding eTradex in 1999, Louise worked at a major manufacturing company, as well as various export organisations in South Africa. She also performed extensive consulting and international trade enablement throughout the Southern Africa region.

eTradex is a well established, independent business with strong strategic partnerships and associations with the majority of role players in the international trade and supply chain environment. Louise and her team has developed and continues to develop strategic collaboration with the statutory role players, including the World Customs Organisation, various National and Regional Customs Authorities, Inspection Agencies and Port Authorities to enable the flow of information between all the role players in the international trade cycle.

In addition to her company activities, Louise currently serves as the Chair of the Technical Service Provider Association of South Africa. She is also an Associate Member of a number of Trade Organisations in the South African Region, including the South African Freight Forwarding Association and the Road Freight Association. Louise has been actively involved in Customs Modernisation activities within the Southern African region over the past 14 years, which includes working closely with the South African Revenue Services (SARS) and more recently, with the Swaziland Revenue Authority (SRA), Botswana Revenue Authority (BURS) as well as several other regional Authorities.

The objective of Louise and her experienced team at eTradex is to provide an end-to-end integrated solution to enable the streamlining of the international trading activities both from an import and export perspective. Linking all the different trade partners in the international supply chain and the various statutory organizations, which includes the important role played by the various Custom Authorities; to a single enabling platform is the long-term strategic vision of Louise and her team at eTradex.

Louise is passionate about the environment and wildlife and has travelled extensively throughout the world and on the African continent. Her passion is to preserve the abundance of wildlife and the unique wilderness areas and biodiversity that is still on offer in Africa.

eTradex launched the unique Customs and Trader Connect Solutions at the WCO Conference in 2015. The unique solutions will shortly be activated by the South African Revenue Authority  (SARS) and the Swaziland Revenue Authority (SRA). Louise and her team will be available to meet with interested parties during the WCO 2017 Conference.

For more information relating to Customs and Trader Connect and the Trade Portal service offering please contact Anton Eccles at Anton.Eccles@etradex.co.za  or Louise.Wiggett@etradex.co.za  or meet with Louise Wiggett and Magda Hugo at the 2017 WCO Conference.

Ms. Maka KHVEDELIDZE joint Georgia Revenue Service in 2011 as an adviser at the International Relations Department. In 2012 she took the position of the Deputy Head of International Relations Department at Georgia Revenue Service. Being the Deputy Head of International Relations Department her working portfolio includes the following: elaboration, management and implementation  of international projects; management and assessment of project writing team assignments; initiating and managing trade facilitation system  supporting tools and instruments, namely: Coordinated Border Management, Single Window, Time Release Study, etc; conducting the negotiations on the establishment of the mutual administrative assistance in customs matters

Maka KHVEDELIDZE has been the country affiliated representative to a number of programmes under aegis of the European Commission.  Maka was the country negotiator within the scope of EU-Georgia Association Agreement and its technical part on Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area and Association Agenda while elaborating and conducting the SWOT analysis in relation to the approximation process of the Georgian legislation to the EU one in customs matters; Maka was also the country negotiator on Visa Liberalization Action Plan between Georgia and the EU; She has been the Secretary of  Customs Sub-committee within the scope of EU-Georgia Association Agreement and its technical part on Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area; Maka KHVEDELIDZE has been representing the Georgian customs  to the World Customs Organization.   Maka KHVEDELIDZE has been in charge of WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement comparative analysis with the Georgian legislation, its ratifications process in Georgia and further steps of implementation.  

Ms. Maka KHVEDELIDZE completed her academic studies in Georgia, Romania and France having her Master Degrees in English Language; Euro-Regional Studies and Cross-border Relations in Trade; and in Community Integration and European Neighborhood Policy.

Michael Dill is an IT professional focusing on the facilitation of cross-border trade and governmental procedures. Michael is renowned for his rigorous defence and knowledge of international standards. His special interest is how to open smooth migration paths from legacy paper or traditional EDI(FACT) data exchanges as widely used in supply chains and government procedures worldwide to XML and data models in order to embrace the upcoming world of increasingly standardised and interoperable eBusiness services.

Michael has more than 25 years experience working on implementation projects in many business and government sectors including automotive, electronics, white goods, retail and dental industries, plus various eGov and Customs developments. As a consultant for the G7 Customs Group he developed the first global G7 Data Model. In 2005 Michael became Head of the German Delegation to ISO TC 154 responsible for standards for processes, data elements and documents in commerce, industry and administration.

In the recent past Michael's assignments have included support for the data modelling of the EU TAXUD UCC project, Canadian Border Services Agency, South African Revenue Service and Ministry of the Economy of Luxembourg based on the WCO Data Model, and delivery of data modelling and message structure development training courses in many locations including Bangkok, Luxembourg, South Africa and Berlin. Michael also supports the German eInvoice ZUGFeRD initiative which has developed a common eInvoice format for data exchanges between enterprises and governmental agencies based on the recently approved EN eInvoicing Norm.

Having an economics degree as a background, Michael had his first contact with the eBusiness world in 1987, when he read an article about the approval of the EDIFACT Syntax by ISO TC 154. Since 1990, Michael has been running a successful and profitable independent EDI software and consultancy company. Today, GEFEG offers the design time software suite GEFEG.FX with comprehensive data exchange modelling, implementation guide development, validation and publishing functions as well as training, workshop and consultancy services. Specific GEFEG.FX software solutions include WCO Data Model implementation packages, the GEFEG.Portal and in-built collaboration support tools.

Today he is responsible for Sales of TRUSTCONCEPT Products at Co. LEONHARD KURZ Stiftung & Co. KG, Fuerth, Germany.

KURZ is a world-renowned supplier of optical security solutions. The company offers comprehensive concepts for brand protection, brand decoration and brand communication. The TRUSTSEAL® range of difficult to copy holographic authenticity features visually enhance the brand, build consumer confidence, and provide a high level of counterfeit protection. These optical security features can be combined with the web-based TRUSTCODE® authentication system. The TRUSTCODE® system connects the real world to the virtual one: security features, detailed product information or other online services can be accessed by customs officials, brand owners, retailers and buyers using different smartphone scanning processes.  

With over 25 years in the international logistics and trade compliance, Ms. Lloyd has led global projects involving software development, product management and process management in both an operational and commercial capacity. As Vice President of EMEA, she is responsible for the operations within the EMEA region of Integration Point, the business development within the European market and also for ensuring development, implementation, and support of solutions used by global corporations are maintained in compliance with European regulations.

Mr. MAZEN ABU ALGHANAM holds the position of Business Development Manager for Webb Fontaine Group, based in Dubai, UAE and responsible for promoting the development of countries and integration in the Single Window for Foreign Trade and other development projects in addition to undertaking technical & functional analysis of to identify new markets, managing local consultants and assist in the setting up of new projects.

Prior to joining Webb Fontaine Group, his wide experience in Customs procedures and trade regulations landed him the leading role in United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Jordan, where his main scope included managing reforms for facilitating trade and customs administration with the government. Mr. Mazen was involved in many impactful projects which improved Jordan’s rank in the World Bank Doing Business, Trade Across Borders Indicator from 77 in 2011 to 50 in 2017 report. In addition to supporting Jordan Customs in the WCO accreditation of the Jordan Customs Training Center as WCO Regional Training Center in MENA Region.

As the Global Marketing Director for S2 Global, Melissa Odegaard leads the management of the company’s global marketing initiatives. Her experience is in positioning, brand management and product communications as well as leveraging tactical skills in the development of marketing programs. After 4 years with Rapiscan’s parent company OSI Systems, where she developed the corporate and subsidiaries’ branding, she was brought to Rapiscan then S2 Global to exclusively promote our business across all channels and in all regions. As director, she works with cross-functional teams to understand S2 Global’s business applications and produce high quality communication programs for our markets. She participates in market trade shows, conferences and acts as the company’s spokesperson for targeted audiences.

Prior to joining OSI Systems, Mrs. Odegaard managed business marketing programs for small to mid-size businesses throughout the globe. Melissa earned her Bachelor’s degree with honors from Pratt Institute in New York, NY.

Katie is a Senior Manager in the Global Border Services Industry segment of Accenture. She has worked on and led Customs projects across the globe and is passionate about helping Customs agencies to transform and provide better services to the trade community. From process improvement to large scale system implementations, she has worked together with her clients to modernise and become high performing organisations. Katie is focused on ensuring that Customs agencies embrace the power of digital and to help clients rotate to the NEW.

Her responsibilities cover work related to the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA), including managing the WCO Working Group on the WTO TFA (TFAWG) and cooperation with Annex D+ organizations. She also manages the Permanent Technical Committee and is involved in the development of trade facilitation instruments and tools. She is also responsible for the WCO IT Conference agenda.

Before joining the WCO Secretariat in May 2012, Ms. Budimirović served as Brussels-based Customs Attaché of the Republic of Serbia for three years, during which she worked closely with the European Commission and the WCO covering all areas of Customs business. In 2011 she was accredited WCO Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Technical and Operational Advisor.

Prior to moving to Brussels, she served for ten years in the Customs Administration of Serbia. Her first six years in service she spent working as Customs Inspector at different border posts, after which she moved to the International Affairs Department in the Headquarters. She managed the WCO SAFE Implementation Project and was involved in many modernization projects with the WCO and the European Union (EU).

Valentina Mintah, CEO West Blue Consulting, is an internationally recognized expert in trade facilitation, customs modernization and private sector   development, with a strong focus on processes and automation. She has delivered quality outcomes in challenging   circumstances in Europe, Central Asia and Africa. She has experience of running successful programmes in both the public and private sectors, having worked with organizations including IBM and Crown Agents.

She has delivered several training workshops and presentations around the world and is very passionate about Capacity Building and its role in the development agenda for Africa.

She has a solid network in the industry and is an accomplished people manager, with the ability to rapidly build credible relationships at all levels in diverse environments, inspiring confidence.

Valentina Mintah is currently working towards a PhD in trade facilitation; she holds an MSc in Business Systems Analysis and Design from City University and is a chartered marketer.

Sue Probert,

sue.probert@dial.pipex.com  

UN/CEFACT Vice-Chair responsible for Transport & Logistics domain and UNECE Recommendation Code Lists

Following many years, designing, developing and marketing cross-border documentation solutions, in March 2003 Sue formed an independent consultancy company trading as SEPIAeb Ltd.

Sue has more than 40 years experience working in the computer industry as programmer, systems analyst, software designer, trainer, training course designer, presenter, consultant and technical author.

For the past twenty years Sue has focused on the area of paper and electronic documentation production requirements particularly in the international trade and transport arena. Sue is a keen advocate of Trade Facilitation and she believes fervently that, in the future, modern communications methods will play an increasingly significant role in simplifying cross-border trade and governmental procedures.

She has in-depth knowledge of the formats and uses of standard international trade, transport, financial and customs UN Aligned paper documents and a profound knowledge of the UN/EDIFACT and ANSI.X12 standards, messages and processes as well as the use of XML for business data exchange via the Internet. For many years Sue has contributed actively to eBusiness standardisation work at UK, European and International level. She has been a regular contributor to the work of the World Customs Organisation Data modelling project team and is an approved WCO data model private sector trainer. She is currently the Lead Editor responsible for leading the development of the UN/CEFACT Core Component Library and the Lead Editor of the UN/CEFACT MultiModal Transport data modelling project. She is a co-chair of the UNTDED Joint Maintenance Agency as the UK HoD to the ISO Technical Committee 154 responsible for data element naming and defining for cross-border trade.

 Recent assignments have included provision of technical and semantic support for the data modelling of the EU TAXUD UCC and EU Single Window project, Canadian Border Services Agency, Ghana and Brazilian Customs based on the WCO Data Model, EU Cross Industry Invoice Reference Model; provision of the CITES e-Permitting Toolkit to UNEP and mapping XML schema to the UN/CEFACT CCL and the WCO data model; development of e-forms and XML subset messages for UNECE including Phyto-Sanitary and Veterinary certificates and delivery of data modelling and message structure development training courses in many locations including Brussels, Bangkok, Luxembourg Brazil, South Africa and Berlin.

Murray Young joined the New Zealand Customs Service in April 2014 having previously held a number

of CIO and other management roles in the telecommunications and government sectors, including

Vodafone New Zealand, Accident Compensation Corporation and Telecom New Zealand.

As Chief Information Officer, Murray leads a team who deliver information and technology, which enables effective border management.  The role oversees major technology initiatives ensuring they integrate in to the business and enhance the experience of legitimate travelers and traders, while appropriately protecting our borders.

His role includes border sector responsibility for the delivery of the Joint Border Management Systems including the Trade Single Window, which provides traders with a single portal to government.

As a member of the executive team, Murray is also the Director of our strategic change programme, responsible for the development and implementation of NZ Custom’s wider business strategy.

Nick is a strategy and technology consultant with more than 20 years of business and information technology consulting experience, providing both public and private sector organizations with innovative solutions to their complex business challenges. He has an extensive background in defining and delivering initiatives that support clients in transforming their operations by capitalizing on innovative business models supported by proven technologies.

Nick has managed numerous e-Government projects – from strategic consulting assignments to large-scale systems integration programs. Across Europe, Africa and Asia he works with government clients focusing on the rapid introduction of business and technology solutions that dramatically improve provision of service to both citizens and the business community. Most recently, with SGS, Nick has managed a team providing quality assurance and advisory services to the Nepal Department of Customs and the Nepal Trade and Export Promotion Centre. As both organizations pursue the implementation of new technologies to support trade facilitation, Nick and his team have provided both strategic and technical support focused on defining appropriate and sustainable solutions to address service objectives.

Norbert Kouwenhoven is a member of IBM´s Global Trade Digitisation Team as Customs Leader and Solutions Leader for IBM EU in the areas of Customs, Immigration and Border Management. 

In his current role, Norbert is focused on the implementation of Global Trade Digitisation for customs organisations and customs projects in the European Union.

Currently, with UCC and MASP being important drivers of change for the European Union, Norbert is leading the creation of a UCC compliant solution set which IBM uses in present implementations in NL, UK and Belgium. 

Norbert Kouwenhoven is co-author of the whitepaper ´Balancing and optimizing trade facilitation and border integrity` on the topic of borders and security.  He has also co-authored the papers: ´Identity Management in the 21st Century´, ´Smarter Planet for Customs (2012)´, ´Beyond the Single Window´ (2013), ´Cybersecurity in Ports´ (2014&2016), and this year’s ‘Cognitive in Customs’ (WCO magazine, Feb 2017).

Oluimo Joined the World Customs Organization (WCO) since 2011. He started working for the Organization as the Representative of the Portuguese-Speaking Countries Community (CPLP) Customs Administration for more than 2 years under the WCO Career Development programme.

After serving the Community in the WCO, Oluimo was invited to join the WCO as Technical Attached at the Compliance and Facilitation Directorate, where he has been working from 2014 in different areas related to facilitation such as the Time Release Study, the Revised Kyoto Convention, the WCO Data Model, the WCO policies in Regional Integration and others.

In the area of Time Release Study (TRS), He has been providing Technical Assistance to several WCO Members in Africa, Asia, America and Europe, and he monitors the implementation of several TRS all over the World. However, his expertise involves business process modelling, ICT implementation and data analyses performance management.

Prior joining the WCO, Oluimo worked in Angola and other African countries such as South Africa and Botswana, at University of Johannesburg (year 2005) and Southern Africa Development Community - SADC (year 2010), respectively. In Angola, apart from Working for the national Customs Administration, where he is still attached since 2007, with a rank of senior Customs officer, Oluimo Worked for other African Regional Initiative called Commission of Golf of Guine.

Oluimo holds a University degree from the University of South in Economics and Transport Management, and he has two post-graduate Degree in Economic field such as in Monetary and Financial Economics and in Regional and local Government Economics, from the University of Johannesburg (located in South Africa) and University of Evora (located in Portugal).

Oren Elimelech

Cyber Security Expert, Researcher and Consultant with specialization in Governance, Regulation, Compliance, Audit, Forensics, Communication & Cloud Computing with over 20 years of experience.

Today, Oren Serves as the CISO & head of the Cyber and Information Security Regulatory Manager at the Ministry of Transport and Road Safety in Israel.  Leading the sectorial regulative Cyber policy and governance to subordinated offices.

Oren, is a fellow research member at the International Institute for Counter-Terrorism (ICT) in the interdisciplinary Center at Herzliya (IDC), also leading an International Working Group at the European Union (EU) on Cyber in Mass Transportation.

Oren advises and consults on Cyber Security and Information Security for several financial institutions, governmental & security institutes in Israel and multiple Fortune 500 enterprises.

Oren is a member in several professional organizations, including the Israel Internet association, ISACA and many others participating in various professional forums and presenting at international Cyber conferences in Israel and worldwide.

Lead lecturer in a variety of technical, operational & managerial certifications.  Holds multiple certifications: CISO, CISSP, CISM, CRISC, CISA, CEH, PCIP, EnCE and many others and leading course instructor in various information security & cyber colleges, the Technion (Israel Institute of Technology), Israeli police, IDF and governmental and private corporations.

Dr. Rana Farag is the CEO and Co-founder of SoukCom.com the rising Industrial E-commerce Platform for the Arab-African region. A startup that empowers manufacturers from MEA to promote their businesses, services and products, in addition to providing them with an e-commerce gateway to sell their products regionally and globally. She is also the CEO of TecSabio for software solutions, an Egyptian based top notch software services provider for clients in Egypt, Spain and UAE.

She has eight years of university-level teaching experience in Computer Sciences and Industrial Engineering, in both Spanish and Egyptian universities. Where she has published papers in different Artificial Intelligence research fields. She has also conducted graduate level seminars and spoke in multiple International and European technical conferences in Spain, Italy and Hungary.

Since she founded Soukcom.com, she has been a speaker in many Arabic, African and Global conferences to speak about how going online can increase the regional inter-trade and encourage export for manufacturers and SMEs who come from the Arab-African region. Currently she is a member of the UNDP-SIDA working group on Trade and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Arab region.

Dr. Rana holds a B.Sc. in Computer Science and Engineering from the German University in Cairo, a M.Sc. in Machines and Transportation Engineering where she was granted the “Award of Extraordinary Achievements” and a Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering from the University of Carlos III of Madrid, Spain.

Raphaël Hirt

Position : Head of eTIR

Company: IRU, Geneva

Raphaël Hirt is leading the eTIR project at Geneva IRU Headquarters.

eTIR project aims at computerising the procedures related to the TIR

Convention in close cooperation with all the stakeholders that are

benefitting this successful trade facilitation tool. In this connection,

Raphaël is working closely with National TIR Associations, Customs

authorities and UNECE to develop the most efficient means of facilitating

the exchange of TIR information amongst them.

Before taking this position, Raphaël was heading the department in

charge of managing paper TIR carnets at IRU.

From 1991 to 1997 Ray served as Customs Attaché to the European Community during which time he was responsible for the customs aspects of the 1996 Irish Presidency of the European Union. During this period he also represented Ireland in the negotiation of the Common Customs Code which is applicable throughout the European Community. His brief also extended to WCO matters and he attended meetings on a range of issues including the development of the revised International Convention on the Simplification and Harmonization of Customs Procedures (revised Kyoto Convention). His brief later included the development of Customs policy with particular reference to e-commerce, trade facilitation and inter-agency co-operation. He was also the Irish Customs representative on WTO matters.

As Head of Administration and Personnel at the WCO, Ray is responsible for a wide range of issues including overseeing preparations for the Council, Policy Commission, Finance Committee and Audit Committee. He is also engaged in overall Policy issues and developing the relationship with Members and external bodies.

Born in August 1953, Ray is married to Gretta, they have two adult daughters, Lisa, a research chemist working in Australia and Carol a travel consultant working in London.

Ricardo Treviño has a Bachelor degree in Financial Administration/Business from the Tecnológico de Monterrey, a Master’s degree in Global Banking and Finance from the University of Birmingham, UK, and studies in Strategic Management in Public Administration at ITAM.

In his career in the public service, Mr. Treviño has held various strategic positions. Before being appointed by the President of Mexico and approved by the Mexican Senate as General Administrator for Customs (Director General), he was General Administrator of Evaluation in the Tax Administration Service; also Director General for Revenue Collection and Director General of the Social Security Institute, both in the State of Mexico, and Director of Assets Management in the Institute for Protection of Bank Savings.

Richard spent his early career working in European road, sea and air freight operations and then brought that experience to bear in a series of international projects related to  supply chain cooperation and development.

In 2011 Richard was appointed as Secretary General of the European Port Community Systems Association.   The Association provides a voice for electronic data interchange operators within the complete logistics sphere including air, sea and land.   On 1st September 2014, EPCSA became International, IPCSA, who’s global membership now operates in over 100 sea and air ports handling in excess of 200 million TEUs and 6 billion tonnes of cargo and tens of billions of electronic messages on an annual basis.

In his role as Secretary General Richard works to support international organisations including the UN, WCO, WTO, the European Commission, and the IMO.  He is also an expert for  UNCEFACT and on the APEC Expert Council on eCommerce and is currently leading the UNCEFACT “Core principles of Single Window Operations” project.

Robert.Lake@mfat.govt.nz  

After 10 years as Deputy Comptroller of NZ Customs in NZ, Robert has taken up the role of Customs Counsellor based at the NZ Embassy in Brussels. The predominant focus is engagement with the World Customs Organisation plus establishing or expanding operational contacts and information sharing arrangements with states and key organisations within the Europe region.

In January 2013, Robert commenced his role as Deputy Comptroller Technology & Business Transition and responsible for the delivery of the new Joint Border Management System being developed for Customs and the Ministry for Primary Industries.

Previously, Robert was Head of Operations (2005 – 2012) with responsibility for Trade and Marine, Investigations and Response, Airports and Intelligence Planning and Co-ordination functions.

During his time as Head of Operations, Robert implemented Project Guardian, an initiative aimed at taking a whole of Customs approach to border security, revenue collection, passenger and marine facilitation and risk response. This included establishment of a state of the art 'Integrated Targeting Operations Centre' combining risk assessment and profiling of people, goods and craft.

Robert has represented New Zealand Customs on the National Maritime Coordination Centre High Level Steering Group and the inter-agency Major Events Border Steering Group.

Mr. Samson URIDIA has been the Head of International Relations Department of Georgia Revenue Service (Tax and Customs Administration-SPS Border Control Agency) since April 2010. As the Head of the Department, Mr. URIDIA has been in charge of management process of external relations of Georgia Revenue Service.

During October 2005 – April 2010 Samson URIDIA held different positions at Georgia Revenue Service; namely: Head of Division for Customs Procedures and Technological Schemes, Methodology Department, Deputy Head of Main Division for Customs Control Organization,  Customs Department , Deputy head of Customs Control Department. Mr. URIDIA has got the relevant experience in holding the different managerial positions in other governmental institutions.

While working in the public sector, Samson URIDIA was involved in the economically strategic negotiations for the country including negotiations on Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area with the European Union, Free Trade Agreements with EFTA, The People’s Republic of China. 

Samson URIDIA has been involved in the dynamic process of modernization activities of Georgian Customs Administration, particularly, drafting customs code, relevant bylaws, implementing customs-business partnership, risk based customs control, drafting agreement/protocols on joint use of border crossing points with the Republic of Turkey and has been actively cooperating with the relevant business associations.

Samson URIDIA holds Diplomas of Excellence in Economic Relations and in Law   from Georgian Agribusiness Institute and Tbilisi State Institute of Economic Relations.

satya sahu satya.sahu@icegate.gov.in

Present position Commissioner (Single Window),  Central Board of Excise & Customs, Ministry of Finance, India

Mr. Sahu presently holds two areas of work. His primary responsibility is to coordinate all activities in connection with the Single Window implementation in India. As part of executive and policy support to the Central Board of Excise & Customs, he works on the major strategic initiatives of Customs in India. He also works as the head of the team implementing CBEC’s programme on Advance Passenger Information.

Previously, Mr. Sahu served with the World Customs Organization as acting Deputy Director and Senior Technical Officer in the Area of Facilitation & Compliance. He is a lead resource on several WCO instruments such as the WCO Data Model, the Compendium on “How to Build a Single Window Environment”, the Unique Consignment Reference (UCR), Guidelines on Information and Communications Technology for the Revised Kyoto Convention and Advance Passenger Information(API) and Passenger Name Record(PNR) data transmission to governments. He has worked for several national and international initiatives concerning trade facilitation and Customs automation and has advised governments on issues concerning Single Window, Coordinated Border Management and information management issues. He speaks and writes frequently on these matters at various national and international events.

Earlier in his carrier in Customs, he has served in Customs clearance operations and enforcement positions in Mumbai, India. Thereafter, for nearly 8 years, he served in government for projects on Customs automaton, EDI and Risk Management System with Indian Customs. He has received separate master’s degrees in Computer Sciences and Business Administration.

Shane Sela is a Canadian on loan to the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) Secretariat from his home organization, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).  The CFIA is the national plant protection organization (NPPO) for Canada and is responsible authority for regulating the import, export and domestic movement of plants and plant products. Shane has 30 years’ experience with the CFIA’ Plant Protection Division in various policy setting roles. In his current position with the IPPC Secretariat, he is responsible for the management of the IPPC’s ePhyto Project which intends to advance the use of an internationally harmonized approach for electronic phytosanitary certification. This Solution involves the establishment of a hub to facilitate the exchange of electronic phytosanitary data between NPPOs and the development of a  web-based system open to developing countries which allows to the produce, send and receive the data should they not have their own systems.

shimegic@nttdata.co.jp  

sugimototi@nttdata.co.jp

Mr.Naruse, as a general manager, is responsible for managing “Management Strategy Planning Department”. Since May 2016, he has organized this department and lead not only domestic new business project team members but also overseas one such as MACCS project in Myanmar. Before System-MACCS was successfully launched in November 2016, his project team has supported Myanmar customs as a consultant and technical experts in order to introduce NACCS type trade-related system into their country.

His diversified knowledge such as new business establishment, international transport and financial matter has improved project team members' skill and mind, so we’ve created new IT-related service smoothly. In collaboration with NTT DATA, the new analysis service of customers' trade transactions produced by his team, which was permitted by authorities in March 2017, has gotten a new customer. He has also organized the R&D team, implementing research and development of the latest IT technology, within his department for our company to meet the constantly changing demand of customers.

In addition to exploring new business and R&D, he is also responsible for supervising other section dealing with company status analysis affected by world economic trade situation and for contributing to international activities such PAA (Pan-Asian e-Commerce Alliance) as one of the members. global-naccs@naccs.jp

Shota Chachkhunashvili was appointed as Deputy Chairman of the National Agency of Public Registry (NAPR) in July 2014. He is in charge of the institutional development. In parallel, he manages IT Department of NAPR.

In 2004–2006 Mr. Chachkhunashvili worked as a head of IT Service of “Aldagi” Insurance Company. In 2003 he administered the Internet Unit at IREX/IATP IT Training Centre. In 2001 he served as a programmer at a dominant mobile communication provider “Geocell” Ltd.

In 2000, Shota Chachkhunashvili graduated Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, Faculty of Physics and got his Bachelor’s Degree in Physics and Informatics with a qualification of Physics, Mathematics and Informatics Teacher.

In 2002 Mr. Chachkhunashvili majored in Physics at Physics Faculty in Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University.

In 2008 Shota Chachkhunashvili graduated ESM Business School and got his Master’s degree in Business Administration.

In 2010 Shota Chachkhunashvili studied at Project Management Academy of a Business School at George Washington University and majored in Project Management.

Simon Cocking is Senior Editor at Irish Tech News and also freelances for Sunday Business Post, Irish Times, The Southern Star, Dublin Globe and other publications. He is an accomplished public speaker at events including TEDx, Web Summit, Dublin Tech Summit, and overseas in Singapore, Moscow, Tel Aviv, Madrid, Tbilisi, Riga and Helsinki over the last 12 months.

He is also a business mentor, with over 98,000 followers on Twitter and 4500 LinkedIn connections, and has been named on 6 global Twitter influencer lists in the last 6 months. He has been based in Ireland for over 22 years and has founded three companies, and introduced one national sport to the country.

Ms. Siranuysh Sargsyan holds the position of Project Manager/Business Analyst at Webb Fontaine Armenia. She is in charge of managing different teams to ensure the implementation of various system components/modules required by key stakeholders.

She has begun her professional career in the field of Information Technologies and has been involved in the delivery of various projects, both mobile and desktop applications. Her role was to ensure that the final products meet the desired quality and specifications, and best serve their purpose.

Siranuysh is an energetic and enthusiastic personality who believes that good teamwork and collaboration could lead us to achieve greatness in every endeavor we undertake in life!

Steve Hill is the Principal Industry Consultant for CHAMP Cargosystems. A dedicated air transport industry professional with over 42 years of experience, he is responsible for Industry Affairs and Business Architecture aligned to CHAMP’s e-Cargo strategy supporting air cargo/mail business propositions and innovation throughout an extensive IT portfolio.

Steve engages with the industry at all levels and supports various groups including: Cargo iQ, IATA’s e-Cargo Strategic Partnership, MOP Advisory Group, Cargo-XML, e-Customs, e-Security, e-AWB/e-freight, IATA Cargo Handling Council, Piece Level Task Force, TIACA and UN/CEFACT.

His aim is to see the transformation of air logistics through the modernization of business processes and standards, greater collaboration between all stakeholders and the full realisation of e-Business for the industry enabled by the innovative use of technology.

Previously Steve has worked for Lufthansa, Saudi Arabian Airlines, SITA, Syntegra and British Telecom.

Residing in the UK, Steve is married, has two adult children, is interested in aviation, antiques and enjoys following Southampton Football Club.

Stewart is IBM’s worldwide Customs expert and works in IBM’s Global Government Centre of Competence. He is recognised as an expert in using technology to enable transformational change within the government agencies responsible for controlling international trade.  Stewart is on a mission to help Customs Agencies outthink tomorrow, facilitating trade, protecting their countries and collecting revenue in smarter ways.

He is the author of various whitepapers, most recently co-authoring ‘Cognitive computing for Customs Agencies’ (WCO News, Feb 2017). Stewart has worked with many of the world’s leading Customs Agencies; with a particular focus on using advanced technologies to improve customs risk management and compliance processes.

Susanne Aigner

2014 European Commission, Head of Unit Customs Legislation, DG TAXUD (in charge of Union Customs Code and customs legislation)

2010-2014 Deputy Director Compliance and Facilitation at World Customs Organisation, WCO (in charge of WTO TFA, AEO, SAFE, Revised Kyoto Convention, Data Model, IT matters, Single Window and Coordinated Border Management)

2002-2010 European Commission, DG TAXUD, in various posts, in charge of EU-US agreements, US CSI and C-TPAT, EU AEO, supply chain security and risk management

Initially from Austrian Ministry of Finance, working for the EU Institutions since 1995

Education: Doctorate in Law, Austria

Mr. Tahir Syed, Manager Cargo Technology, IATA

syedt@iata.org

Tahir has 17 years of experience in airline industry mainly in Cargo Automation, IT systems and Technology domain.  Tahir joined IATA Cargo team in 2011 as Manager Cargo Technology. He is responsible for developing global messaging & digital data connectivity standards for air cargo industry. Tahir is the IATA technical specialist and liaison with international organizations such as WCO, UPU and UNCTAD where he ensures technical alignment of the global e-initiatives and compatibility between the electronic data standards.

Prior to joining IATA, Tahir was with Etihad Airways (EY) based in Abu Dhabi for 5 years, where he managed the implementation of the cargo system focusing on the cargo business processes and the IT service providers ensuring compliance to industry standards.  Before joining Etihad, Tahir worked at Qatar Airways (QR) and Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) after getting his Master degree in computer science.

Mr. Tim S. Norton, Global Market Director, Ports & Borders, Smiths Detection

tim.norton@smithsdetection.com

Timothy S. Norton has over 30 years of experience in Product Management, Product & Market Development as well as Innovation Intelligence, with a unique blend of business acumen and technical savvy.  Throughout his career, he has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to enhancing the customer experience and implementing continuous improvements in cost, efficiencies and processes to maximize key measurements.  His passion for delivering increased business value and driving operational excellence hasn’t gone unnoticed, as evidenced by his momentous career progression based on his capacity to accomplish large-scale tasks.

As Global Market Director for the Ports & Borders market, he directs worldwide market strategy development for Smiths Ports & Boarders vertical market.  He provides leadership and direction with focus on a global market, with a dedication specifically focused on the customer’s journey for both inspection devices as well as the growing digital transformation and operational efficiencies.  Tim’s previous role was Head of Product & Technology for High Energy devices and currently leads the development for one of the largest digital solutions projects within Smiths Detection.  Tim has developed a very robust and comprehensive view on customs facilitation, security operations as overall CONOPS for both high volume port terminal operations as well as secure land boarder crossings.

Umberto de Pretto took up office as Secretary General of IRU in June 2013. He joined IRU in 1995 as Head of Economic Affairs. He then became Policy Coordinator and Head of Strategy, and was appointed Deputy Secretary General in 2002. His vision looking forward to 2020 is that IRU will lead the road transport industry in embracing innovation and ensuring that the industry is ready for the challenges and opportunities ahead.

After graduating from Ottawa’s Carleton University in Political Science, Economics and International Relations, he worked as a Legislative Assistant for Ministers and Members of the Canadian Parliament and then moved to Paris in 1992 to take on the position of Head of the Transport Division, to be shortly afterwards named Deputy Director of the International Chamber of Commerce, responsible for International Commercial Practices and Techniques.

Born in Ottawa in 1961, Mr de Pretto is a Canadian and Italian citizen, is happily married and is a proud father of two boys.

Valentina Mintah, CEO West Blue Consulting, is an internationally recognized expert in trade facilitation, customs modernization and private sector   development, with a strong focus on processes and automation. She has delivered quality outcomes in challenging   circumstances in Europe, Central Asia and Africa. She has experience of running successful programmes in both the public and private sectors, having worked with organizations including IBM and Crown Agents.

She has delivered several training workshops and presentations around the world and is very passionate about Capacity Building and its role in the development agenda for Africa.

She has a solid network in the industry and is an accomplished people manager, with the ability to rapidly build credible relationships at all levels in diverse environments, inspiring confidence.

Valentina Mintah is currently working towards a PhD in trade facilitation; she holds an MSc in Business Systems Analysis and Design from City University and is a chartered marketer.

Varsha Singh, a senior manager with the South African Revenue Service (SARS), has a wealth of experience spanning Customs and Excise, International Trade, and Tax, International Relations and Capacity Building.  She is a Fellow and an accredited Diagnostician and Mercator Programme Advisor of the World Customs Organization and holds a Master of Business Administration degree from the Management College of Southern Africa, and a Masters in International Customs Law and Administration from the University of Canberra. 

In her current portfolio Varsha is the Senior Manager for SARS:  Business Relations responsible for production, support and maintenance of all Customs and Excise systems.  Varsha is responsible for, amongst others, the continuous improvement of legacy systems and the implementation of modern innovative business solutions for SARS Customs and Excise.  Her responsibilities extends to providing support to internal SARS users as well as related support to the business community, which includes trade intermediaries and ICT service providers who provide Customs business software solutions. 

Vineet is an accomplished strategist and techno-functional leader having extensive experience in various business functions across diverse Industries. In his long spanning career with Kale Logistics, Vineet is known to be a Domain Independent expert, who gets a quick handle on any given subject. His strength lies in simplifying what appear to be complex business ideas.

Vineet spearheads Kale’s strategic forays and new industry initiatives across its areas of focus including-Airports, Forwarding, Transportation, Customs, Chambers of Commerce and other Trade Associations. He is also the member of Confederation of India Industry- CII WR Logistics Task Force 2016-17. He has effectively led his team to increase ‘Technology Awareness’ in the Global Logistics Industry and driven focused groups to build the IT adoption levels across supply chains worldwide. Many of Kale’s next Generation Community Platform solutions have set new Industry benchmarks under his able guidance, Industry Acumen and Research.

With over 25 years of experience working across verticals like-Manufacturing, Energy and Textiles, his self-driven and simple communication approach allows him to quickly set the ball rolling for all small and large engagements involving diverse sets of people, organisations and business communities.

Vladimir Zubkov, Secretary General of TIACA (The International Air Cargo Association).

Graduated from the Civil Aviation Academy in St-Petersburg.

Secretary General of TIACA (The International Air Cargo Association) from 1 January 2017.

Between 2008 and 2016 was Commercial Director of AirBridgeCargo Airlines and later Vice President of Volga-Dnepr Group of Companies, responsible for relations with international organizations and governments. In this role maintained relations with ICAO, IATA, ACI, WCO, TIACA and UN, and led a multi-disciplinary team in the introduction of paperless environment for cargo transportation (e-freight and e-AWB) in Russia and on development of e-commerce in the transportation sector, aviation security regime and training requirements.

He started his career at Sheremetyevo International Airport as ground handling manager, later working for Aeroflot as General Manager for Denmark and Sweden, later General Manager for the UK and Ireland; before moving to its HQ as Deputy Commercial Director and Director of International Finance and Accounting. He then spent 22 years working for ICAO as Director of the Air Transport Bureau and Director, Planning and Global Coordination.

In 2011, he was included in the list of the Top 1,000 Russian managers and was ranked in the top 5 in Russia in the category “Government and Industry Relations” (Transport sector).

Mr. Weidong Wang

Vice President of Global Sales and Business Development

NUCTECH COMPANY LIMITED

Mr. Weidong Wang has been responsible for the global sales and business development since 2009. With 20 years of experiences in security industry, Mr. Wang has led a highly skilled team to partner with global customers in 140 contries, and developed an in-depth knowledge of the customs operations and an understanding of the concerns of their daily operations. Dedicated to delivering values to customs authorities, Mr. Wang and his team successfully delivered a series of security solutions to clients around the world, transforming the dynamics of the security screening and threat detection delivery.

Prior to joining NUCTECH in 1999, Mr. Wang served in the construction of nuclear power plants and industry environment. He holds a Master’s degree in Engineering from Tsinghua University.

Mr. Xiang Wang, Deputy CIO, China CusLink Co. Ltd.

“Customs IT services, standards and technologies: Innovation-Driven and Win-Win Solutions”

wangxiang@mail.customs.gov.cn

XIANG WANG

PH.D

Architect Expert of National Information Center, General Administration of China, PRC

Deputy CIO, China CusLink Co. Ltd.

Outstanding example of ‘Core Socialist Values’, China(2014-2015)

May 4th Medal of Central Government, China(2014)

National Excellent Youth Expert, China(2014)

No.1 Winner of Excellent Database Expert, China(2009)

Developer Hero of Microsoft China (2008)

Dr. Yann ALIX is Head of strategy and marketing of SOGET since 2016. He joined the company as Business Development Manager in 2011. Dr. Yann Alix is acting as well as the General Delegate of SEFACIL Foundation, a unique international think-tank of excellence around strategic & prospective analysis on themes related to the future of Maritime Transport, Ports & Logistics. Dr. Yann ALIX has founded a collection of books, Les Océanides, with the following releases: Transportation Corridors (2012), Bulk & Logistics (2013), Port-City Governance (2014) and Circular Economy & Port Ecosystem (2015). The forthcoming fifth volume is Shipping & Port Strategies.

After receiving his PhD from Concordia University and his Doctorate in Transport Geography from Caen University, Prof. Alix started a career as consultant for Maritime Innovation in Canada. Back to France, he has been the Director of the Port Training Institute (IPER) from 2007 to 2010. Dr. Yann Alix has published many reports and papers like SOGET White Paper The future belongs to fluidity (2014), The New Age of the Wood (2015) and Histoires courtes maritimes et portuaires. D’Afrique et d’ailleurs (2016).

Prof. Yao-Hua Tan, Delft University of Technology, the Netherlands

y.tan@tudelft.nl

YAO-HUA TAN (y.tan@tudelft.nl), is professor of Information and Communication Technology at the Technology, Policy and Management of the Delft University of Technology. He is programme director of the part-time executive master Customs and Supply Chain Compliance of the Rotterdam School of Management of the Erasmus University Rotterdam. He was Reynolds visiting professor at the Wharton Business School of the University of Pennsylvania.

His research interests are IT innovation to make international trade more secure and safe; compliance management for international supply chains; multi-agent modelling to develop automation of business procedures in international trade, ICT-enabled electronic negotiation and contracting. He published five books and over 220 conference papers and journal articles.

He was (scientific) coordinator of various research projects on IT innovation to facilitate international trade; including the EU funded projects ITAIDE (2006-2010), CASSANDRA (2010-2014) and CORE (2014-2018).

He was vice-chair of the Committee on Trade of the Trade Division of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe in Geneva. He also regularly acts as an expert for the Dutch government's Top Sector Logistics and the Dutch Logistics Information Platform (NLIP), and the European Commission.