WCO E-Learning Program

Text Box: Introduction The World Customs Organization (WCO), established in 1952, is an independent inter-governmental organization, one of whose missions is to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of customs administrations throughout the world. The WCO represents 174 customs administrations across the globe that collectively process approximately 98 percent of world trade. The WCO devises quality technical assistance and training programs aimed at improving member's administrations human resources management and development capacities. The WCO believes that skill and knowledge acquired through education and training is critical for the successful achievement of customs objectives. Besides, it is the contention of the WCO that dissemination of information and provision of training is indispensable to the uniform implementation of key customs-related international conventions, recommendations, best practices and other standards. To serve this purpose, WCO has designed distance learning program, known particularly as WCO E-learning. 1-Definition and Objective of the WCO E-learning Program In simple terms, WCO e-learning is a distance learning system that makes use of modern multimedia resources such as text, sounds, images, animation and even video. The program allows training of one or more individuals using their computers.

Text Box: Using different user name and password, several trainees can gain access to the program. In short WCO E- learning program is a new technology for information and trainings. The primary objective of the program is to develop and improve the quality of training offered to members. The WCO introduced the e-learning program as an essential element of its training strategy in 2003. After five years of development the WCO's e-learning program now provides more than 250 training hours on line and is accessible to more than 30,000 customs officers in 130 countries. The Ethiopian Revenues and Customs Authority (ERCA) is a member of the WCO since 1973. Considering the benefits of using WCO's e-learning program, the ERCA has asked the WCO's technical assistance in installing all packages of modules on its local server. The program could have been accessible via internet but because of the local constraints of the telecommunication services in Ethiopia, installing the program on a local server has become necessary for better efficiency. In response to the ERCA's request, the WCO entered agreement with ERCA on Feb 18, 2009 to adapt the program in a way that fit its demand. Based on the agreement, the WCO e-learning program will be rolled-out in ERCA from July 2009 for free and for an undetermined period of time. 2 Who is going to be trained? One of the WCO’s tasks is to maximize the potential

Text Box: of Customs staff through a dynamic and continuous training and technical assistance policy. As a means to achieve this policy, the WCO E-learning program will be made widely available among customs administrations. The program is aimed not only at the ERCA’s staff but also at private sectors including clearing agents, import export companies, carriers, freight forwarders and other parties involved in international trade. The WCO creates such an opportunity for the private sector with the objective of providing them the same appreciation of international customs rules and tools . 3-Content of the program The contents of the program are divided into several modules, which deal with several aspects of customs. Therefore, during the distance learning component, participants will be introduced to various courses including: Revised Kyoto convention/Istanbul conventions intellectual property rights Customs control and Risk Management Customs valuation Harmonized system The foregoing courses provide officers of the ERCA with a wealth of background information that can help them get a national and international perspective of their work. It also helps them gain the necessary skills to reach their full potential. This, in turn, enables the ERCA to achieve its aims and objectives in relation to trade and investment facilitation.