Palau joins the World Customs Organization as the 186th Member

BRUSSELS : The international Customs community rejoices as it receives an official communication from the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs notifying of the deposit by the Republic of Palau of its instrument of accession to the Convention Establishing a Customs Co-operation Council on 2 February 2024. This pivotal step ushers Palau into the World Customs Organization (WCO) as its 186th Member, signalling a new era of international cooperation for this Pacific island nation.

Nestled in the southwest corner of Micronesia, Palau is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and strategic location in the western Pacific. By joining the WCO, Palau not only reinforces its commitment to enhancing its Customs administration but also positions itself as a key player in the Asia/Pacific region, joining ongoing efforts to secure and facilitate international trade. 

The WCO, with its mission to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of Customs administrations worldwide, welcomes Palau’s membership as a testament to the Organization’s growing influence and reach. It is a step towards fostering better cooperation in the region, enhancing economic security, and promoting sustainable development through improved Customs practices. 

This membership opens the door to numerous opportunities for Palau to engage in knowledge sharing and benefit from capacity-building support, and international cooperation, enabling it to be a more active participant in global efforts to facilitate trade and ensure supply chain security through effective and efficient Customs administration. 

“We are thrilled to welcome Palau into the international Customs family,” said Ian Saunders, Secretary General of the WCO. “Palau’s unique geographic and cultural characteristics bring a valuable and diverse perspective to our Organization. In line with the theme of this year, this new partnership will infuse our efforts with fresh insights and push us to seek for innovative solutions to better serve Members. We look forward to working closely together in the years to come.”