LAHORE: International Customs Day will be observed on January 26 to recognize the role of customs officials and agencies in maintaining border security. It is observed every year, focusing on the working conditions and challenges that customs officials face in their jobs.
World Customs Organization (WCO) has dedicated 2014 to promote communication under the slogan “Communication: Sharing information for better cooperation.”
WCO Members will have the opportunity to enhance the communication and information sharing practices and mechanisms that they have implemented, within their administration, with ministries and other government agencies of the world, with the trader community and with the general public.
Customs agencies hold employee appreciation events where customs officials are recognized for their exemplary service. Workshops, conferences and talks that focus on the year’s theme and the challenges that agencies and officials face are also held.
Instituted by the World Customs Organization (WCO), International Customs Day is held on January 26, which commemorates the day in 1953 when the inaugural session of the Customs Cooperation Council (CCC) was held in Brussels, Belgium. Seventeen European countries attended the session. In 1994 CCC was renamed World Customs Organization (WCO). By now customs organizations from 179 countries are WCO members. Currently, Kunio Mikuriya is the Secretary General of WCO.
Federal Board of Revenue and Pakistan Customs will also hold seminars and conferences throughout the country to commemorate the customs officials contributions and efforts for revenue generation as well as prevention of illicit materials from entering into the country. Contraband goods will also be burnt to show customs determination to stop the smuggling and usage of these illicit drugs.
