Highlights of the WCO Global Forum on origin interconnectivity
BRUSSELS : The World Customs Organization (WCO) successfully convened the WCO Global Forum on Origin Interconnectivity at its Headquarters, on 3 – 4 February 2025. Supported by the Korea Customs service, and the European Union (EU), through the EU-WCO Programme for Rules of Origin in Africa, this event attracted around 300 in-person participants from 112 countries, and numerous online participants consolidating its prominence as a global forum for origin-related discourse.
Themed “Facilitating Trade with Origin Interconnectivity: From Framework to Implementation,” the forum featured 32 speakers across five panel sessions. These sessions served as a platform for sharing experiences and best practices on enhancing the interconnectivity of Certificates of Origin. Experts from Customs administrations, regional entities, the private sector, and international organizations offered valuable insights into current challenges and opportunities. Additionally, discussions covered digital practices related to the Declaration of Origin (DO) and their role in enhancing transparency and efficiency in trade processes.
A key highlight of the forum was the update on the Word Customs Organization’s ongoing work on digitalizing origin data exchanges, particularly through the Interconnectivity Framework for Certificates of Origin. The forum provided insights into the Feasibility Study’s findings and underscored the importance of digital solutions to facilitate seamless data exchange and interoperability.
Over the two days, the forum provided a dynamic platform for open discussions, where participants actively engaged, raised critical questions, and explored new areas for future dialogue. The forum’s inclusivity, bringing together both public and private sector stakeholders, was evident not only in the lively exchanges during the sessions but also in the valuable networking opportunities that fostered meaningful connections and insights. The event also underscored the need for strengthened collaboration among Customs administrations, businesses, and government entities to ensure the integrity of global trade processes.
The WCO Global Forum on Origin Interconnectivity served as a key platform for exploring practices, sharing perspectives, and advancing tools related to origin interconnectivity. As trade continues to evolve, the transition from interconnectivity frameworks to implementation through practical, technology-driven solutions remains essential for fostering efficiency, transparency, and deeper cooperation across the globe.