The exhibition space of Vietnam Customs at the WCO Conference and Technology Exhibition 2023. Photo: Ngoc Linh

The WCO Conference and Technology Exhibition 2023 was the first global event of the WCO hosted by Vietnam Customs (from October 10 to 12, 2023), with the participation of over 1,000 delegates from 95 countries, including WCO leaders, Customs leaders from various countries, and top technology companies attending the exhibition.

This is a major international event, an annual highlight of the WCO. The fact that Vietnam Customs took the lead in organizing this event has contributed to affirming Vietnam Customs' role within the framework of the WCO and its position in the international customs cooperation forum.

According to Nguyen Van Can, Director General of Vietnam Customs, the organization of this event was carried out in line with the objectives and purposes set by Vietnam Customs and presented to the Government and the Ministry of Finance. Successfully hosting this event has brought about significant effectiveness, further emphasizing the position of Vietnam Customs in the WCO, the region, and the global customs community. From the results of this conference, Vietnam Customs wishes to convey a message about reform goals, technology application, and placing people at the center of the innovation process.

Evaluating the success of the event, Ludovic Thanay, Senior Expert in charge of Communication and Events at WCO, emphasized that the WCO Conference and Technology Exhibition 2023 was the largest annual event of the WCO and has received deep attention from WCO member customs agencies. The event received positive support from the Vietnamese Government, especially Vietnam Customs in terms of preparation, planning, and execution of the conference. 'We have collaborated and exchanged information from the initial stages of implementation until the event was organized. We could not have successfully organized the conference without the close coordination from Vietnam Customs," said Ludovic Thanay.

In the role of the host country, Vietnam Customs has left a deep impression on international delegates through the exhibition space that created a strong impact. From the long history of Vietnam Customs' development over nearly 80 years of striving and maturing to modernization efforts and the application of technology, Vietnam Customs not only facilitates maximum international trade activities but also complies with and adheres to legal regulations, customs control, ensuring national economic security.

According to the WCO, Vietnam Customs performed exceptionally well and professionally in organizing this conference. Delegates felt the hospitality and readiness for support from their Vietnamese Customs counterparts. The organizational efforts of Vietnam Customs also helped international delegates better understand the rich cultural traditions as well as the culinary culture of Vietnam.

Especially, from the perspective of promoting the national image, with over 1,000 delegates from 95 countries, the conference was an opportunity to introduce and promote Hanoi City's tourist attractions and Vietnam in general to international friends worldwide.

From the success of the event, the Ministry of Finance has proposed to the government to continue assigning the Ministry of Finance (Vietnam Customs) to lead and host international activities and events in the field of customs in the coming time to enhance the position and image of Vietnam Customs in particular and Vietnam in general in the region and the world.

Larry Liza, Director of the Regional Human Resource Development Office for East and Southern Africa at WCO: Impressed by the beauty of Vietnam

"I am truly moved to participate in this conference. I was born and raised in Kenya in the late 80s and early 90s. We often watched movies starring Chuck Norris, and most of them took ideas from Vietnam and the ongoing war here. And that's what we thought when it came to Vietnam. But when I came here, I was genuinely surprised and impressed by the development of Vietnam, the beauty of the country, the people, and the organization of this conference is the best I've ever had the opportunity to attend. This is a country with many beautiful, famous landscapes, a peaceful living environment, and a rich, diverse culinary culture. But what impressed me most is the beauty of the people here. Everyone is friendly, open, and hospitable. I hope I have the opportunity to return to Vietnam for more experiences."

Huyen Trang (recorded)

Dr. KC Chang, Director of the Customs and Trade Department for the Asia Pacific and Middle East regions of Geodeis: Appreciates hospitality

"The Conference and Technology Exhibition 2023 of the WCO is one of the best events I have ever attended within the framework of the WCO. I appreciate the hospitality and support from Vietnam Customs. I visited the technology exhibition booths. All were arranged very neatly, providing a lot of information about technology products and services.

Each agency, organization has its requirements and faces different challenges. The important thing is to leverage technology to address those challenges. Technology will help us improve operational processes. Moreover, technology helps us improve compliance with customs laws. This is a very important conference that we have attended and contributed to its success."

Huyen Trang (recorded)

Andrew Farrelly, CEO and Co-founder of CT Strategies, USA: Vietnam is like my second home

"The organization of the WCO Conference and Technology Exhibition 2023 in Vietnam is excellent. I am truly impressed by the performances at the opening ceremony and the reception by Vietnam Customs. I highly appreciate the organization and reception of Vietnam Customs and feel very comfortable and happy to be here. Our company is based in Vietnam, so I often come to Vietnam for work. Vietnam is like my second home. I love this country very much."

Huyen Trang (recorded)

Ash Bell, Director-General of the Australian Border Protection Agency: Opportunity to meet with Customs colleagues from many countries

Participating in the WCO Conference and Technology Exhibition 2023 in Hanoi, the city for peace, is a truly valuable opportunity for me to meet, exchange, and work with Customs colleagues from many different countries, scholars, and leading technology providers. I consider this an effective working period for the Australian Border Protection Agency in Vietnam. I appreciate the efforts of Vietnam Customs in organizing this grand event. I hope for increasingly close cooperation between Vietnam Customs and the Australian Border Protection Agency in applying modern technologies such as AI, IoT, and Blockchain in customs inspection and supervision activities to enhance effectiveness in mission execution. I am very impressed with the performances at the opening ceremony as well as the successful organization of this event by Vietnam Customs; this is truly a meaningful demonstration full of national identity."

Hoang Loan (recorded)

Phil Hamilton - CEO, Co-founder of Countercheck Company (Germany): Connecting and sharing information

The WCO Conference and Technology Exhibition 2023 is an opportunity for our company to connect and share information. Through this event, our company can introduce its products to those interested in technological solutions, especially related to customs management.

The scale of the WCO event's organization, with the effective participation and coordination of Vietnam Customs, has left a deep impression on me. I highly appreciate the organizational methods of Vietnam Customs and hope for an opportunity to collaborate with Vietnam Customs in the future.

Hoang Loan (recorded)

Pan Xiao, Deputy General Manager in charge of the Asia and Africa regions of NUCTECH Co., Ltd (China): Opening up new cooperation opportunities

"We had the opportunity to discuss, exchange information, and introduce our company's technological solutions to relevant parties at the WCO Conference and Technology Exhibition 2023. Our company participates in most annual events organized by the WCO, and this is also one of the major events we attend. I am very impressed with the performances at the conference's opening session, especially the Customs officials' performance, followed by the Gala dinner, which was also very successfully organized by Vietnam Customs. This is an opportunity for us to understand the culture and people of Vietnam."