On February 3, 2025, the 2nd meeting of the Master Trainer Program (MTP) Working Group on Risk Management commenced in Astana, with the participation of representatives from Central Asia and the Caucasus countries (Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan). The event continued until February 7 of this year.

The main goal of the meeting was to continue efforts to strengthen the competencies of customs personnel, develop effective risk management skills, and improve mechanisms for monitoring and analyzing the release time of goods. The event brought together leading experts in the field of customs as well as experts from the World Customs Organization on risk management from various countries.

The welcoming remarks were made by: – on behalf of the State Revenue Committee by Ms. Botagoz Abilova, Head of the Training-Methodical Center of the State Revenue Committee of the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan; – Mr. Motohiro Fujimitsu - Head of the WCO/JICA Joint Program of the WCO Directorate for Capacity Building, – Mr. Satoshi Tsuji - Project Formulation Advisor of the JICA Kazakhstan Field Office.

Ms. Botagoz Abilova emphasized that the first meeting was an important step toward establishing an effective training system for risk management specialists, demonstrating a high level of mutual understanding. She expressed hope that the second meeting, focused on teaching methodologies and styles, would help develop the best approaches for the effective implementation of the program.

This trainer program, designed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), provides specialists with the necessary knowledge and skills for the effective implementation of modern risk management and analysis methods.

The assistance for operation of the event was provided by the Kazakhstan Agency of International Development (KazAID) under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan.

The second meeting covered a range of important topics, including the qualification system for training, principles of adult learning, as well as training needs analysis and the definition of educational program objectives.

Special attention was given to teaching methods aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of master trainer preparation and improving practical skills in risk management. The event served as an excellent platform for establishing mutually beneficial partnerships between different countries and strengthening international cooperation in customs technologies and processes.

More information: https://www.wcoomd.org/en/topics/capacity-building/activities-and-programmes/ cooperation-programmes/the-wco-jica-joint-project.aspx (WCO/JICA Joint Project web-site)