A-CPI Programme: Mali Customs focus on relations with the private sector

As partners in the WCO Anti-Corruption & Integrity Promotion (A-CIP) Programme since 2019, Mali Customs, with the support of WCO experts, held a workshop to update their plan for strengthening Customs-private sector relations. The main objective is to continue the deployment of a responsible partnership framework based on a shared vision that fosters the fight against corruption and the promotion of integrity.

Driven by the desire to maintain and develop mutual trust and cooperation between economic operators and Customs, Mali's Directorate General of Customs (DGD) aimed at taking stock and identifying new avenues for developing constructive dialogue between the various players in the Customs environment.

By actively considering the needs of the private sector, Mali Customs has implemented mechanisms to constantly improve the quality of the Customs service: bilateral and multilateral meetings annual programme, implementation of framework instructions on the Customs clearance procedure, participation of private sector representatives in International Customs Day, sharing of data following the Customs integrity perception survey held in the country.

During the workshop, Experts from the A-CPI Programme, with the support of Brazilian Customs (Receita Federal), focused on the importance of a sustainable integrity approach based on the ten key factors of the WCO Revised Arusha Declaration. In this context, three Customs systems developed in Brazil to strengthen relations with the private sector were discussed: the single window for foreign trade, the authorised economic operator programme and local trade facilitation committees.

At the end of the meeting, participants underlined the importance of continuing to make ambitious and realistic commitments with the organisations representing Mali's private sector. As the Head of Mali's Audit and Internal Control Office pointed out, "collective action is decisive, because no organisation can succeed alone in meeting the challenges of fighting corruption and promoting integrity".

The WCO A-CIP Programme provides technical assistance and capacity-building support to WCO Member administrations implementing integrity-related initiatives in line with the WCO Revised Arusha Declaration. For more information, please contact [email protected].