WCO and HUFS Launch Second Small Island Economies (SIEs) Scholarship Programme

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and Hankuk University of Foreign Studies (HUFS) proudly announce the launch of the second Small Island Economies (SIEs) Scholarship Programme following the success of the inaugural initiative in 2023. This programme, generously funded by the Korea Customs Cooperation Fund (CCF-Korea), aims to bolster the expertise of young and promising Customs officers from SIEs.

Building on the strong foundation laid by the first programme, the second edition will benefit another cohort of ten Customs officers from SIEs. The programme will span a comprehensive twelve-week period. Participants will immerse themselves in theoretical studies and cross-cultural learning experiences, enhancing their professional capabilities.

The opening ceremony witnessed a warm welcome from distinguished guests, including Dr. Taeil KANG, Director of the Capacity Building Directorate at the WCO, Dr. Minjeong Kim, Vice President of HUFS, and Ms. Hyun-Jung Choi, Head of the International Cooperation Division of the Korea Customs Service. All speakers emphasized the importance of active engagement in discussions and debates, encouraging participants to maximize the learning opportunities provided. Their full support for the scholarship programme was evident, underlining the commitment to fostering skilled Customs officers.

The curriculum remains robust, offering a comprehensive range of courses covering both practical information and theoretical frameworks. Core courses will be delivered by experienced academic faculty, while practical courses will be facilitated by the Korean Customs Service through lectures and workshops. Additionally, sessions conducted by WCO experts will focus on WCO tools and instruments tailored for SIEs. Renowned domain experts, professors, and WCO staff will provide in-depth insights into these topics, ensuring a high-quality learning experience.

The WCO's comprehensive guide, "Guidance for Customs Administrations in Small Island Economies," continues to serve as the foundation for this programme. Approved during the 137th Session of the WCO Council, this guide addresses the unique challenges SIEs face and aims to harness their trade potential. It outlines measures to enhance risk management, trade facilitation, security, and revenue collection, providing a strategic framework for the scholarship programme.

The following countries are participating in the second SIEs scholarship programme: Antigua and Barbuda, Belize, Comoros, Guinea-Bissau, Maldives, Mauritius, Papua New Guinea, Saint Lucia, and Samoa.

The WCO remains committed to supporting officials from SIE Member administrations through this ongoing initiative.

For more information, please contact [email protected].