WCO, WTO LEADERS AGREE ON CLOSER COOPERATION

WCO, WTO LEADERS AGREE ON CLOSER COOPERATION    Heads of the World Customs Organization and World Trade Organization vowed to enhance cooperation between the intergovernmental groups.
   WCO Secretary General Michel Danet met with Dr. Supachai Panitchpakdi, director general of the WTO, in Geneva on Dec. 3. It was the first meeting of the two leaders since Supachai took office on Sept. 1.
   Danet and Supachai agreed to work together to develop mechanisms for “capacity building” in developing countries under the Doha Development Agenda. “Based on his experience in the trade environment, Supachai stressed the importance of the role customs plays in promoting international trade and economic development,” the WCO said.
   Danet and Supachai also agreed to promote customs modernization as part of the infrastructure to improve international trade. In addition, the leaders’ meeting provided an opportunity to discuss concerns about international supply chain security against terrorist attacks.