The World Customs Organisation (WCO) has accredited the Customs Training Centre of the Qatar General Authority of Customs (GAC) as regional training centre, according to an official statement.
The GAC and the WCO signed a memorandum of understanding through a video conference, accrediting the centre as working with the latest internationally approved training specifications.
In his speech on this occasion, GAC chairman Ahmed bin Abdullah al-Jamal said this is an exceptional event in view of the importance that the authority attaches to the role of training in preparing and developing the cadres.
“The accreditation also comes in recognition of the importance of strengthening the building of human resources, capabilities and raising the efficiency of customs administrations in the countries of the region to carry out their tasks and responsibilities effectively, especially in light of the increase in the volume of global trade and the change in its patterns, and the need for more facilitation procedures, which requires enhanced international and regional co-operation and to build capacity in accordance with best practices and international standards,” he explained.
Al-Jamal said that the accreditation of the training centre as a regional training centre is the result of the continuous achievements it has made since its establishment in 2007.
“It has a rich balance of experience in organising high-level regional workshops,” he noted. “The capacity of the customs cadres in Qatar will be a qualitative addition and a distinctive contribution to building and strengthening the capabilities of customs personnel in the countries of the region.”
WCO secretary-general Dr Kunio Mikuriya lauded the Qatar Customs Training Centre's achievement, and the efforts and co-operation of the GAC during the past 10 years, especially in the field of online training courses.
"The WCO has great expectations that this centre will be a leader and pioneer in the region and a distinguished role model for customs administrations across the world,” he said.
Director of the Customs Training Centre and regional co-ordinator of the Capacity Building Programme, Mubarak Ibrahim al-Buainain, said that the project to establish a regional centre was a specific goal for the GAC, with the authority having taken steps to implement the requirements of the WCO in light of the increasing challenges facing customs authorities and administrations.
He explained the importance of this regional centre in enhancing and upgrading the requirements of the capacity building programme.
The centre will have an important role in co-ordinating and co-operating with relevant regional and international organisations and institutions, and building bridges based on securing specialised programmes to create a generation of qualified workers in various customs specialties.
Al-Buainain thanked the GAC chairman and other officials for their support of the Customs Training Centre.
He also thanked all the centre’s employees for their continuous efforts.
 
 
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