The role will continue to be led by Nguyen Thi Vinh Hoai, counsellor at the Embassy of Vietnam in Belgium and Vietnam Customs representative to the WCO.

The reelection affirms Vietnam’s growing leadership and meaningful contributions to shaping global customs policies, especially in the context of increasing digital transformation, climate challenges, and surging international trade, particularly in e-commerce.

Meeting in Brussels from May 5-8, the sessions brought together nearly 300 delegates, including leading customs experts from WCO member administrations, international organisations such as the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), as well as representatives from the private sector and global research institutions.

According to the WCO’s website, on the first day, a dynamic roundtable discussion on the WCO theme for the year 2025 brought together high-level panelists from Kenya Revenue Authority, Thai Customs, the International Chamber of Commerce, and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. The discussion focused on how Customs can leverage technology to enhance operational efficiency, respond rapidly to crises, and foster economic growth. Panelists also shared strategies on how to better engage the media and the public to elevate Customs visibility and set a forward-looking tone for innovative partnerships.

Building on this momentum, delegates endorsed the 2025 edition of the SAFE Framework of Standards and the WCO-WTO-ICC Joint Draft Study Report on integrating MSMEs into AEO Programmes, further strengthening Customs-to-business collaboration. The Free Zones session featured an update on the progress with updating the Practical Guidance on Free Zones, and experience-sharing from India and South Africa on Customs controls and procedures in free zones.

On the second day, e-commerce took center stage, with break-out discussions reintroduced to address members’ requests for deeper analysis of e-commerce related issues. These sessions enabled focused dialogue on the fast-evolving e-commerce landscape and the role of technology in managing e-commerce transactions. They not only enhanced understanding of the multifaceted challenges but also showcased the PTC’s capacity to handle in-depth and effective deliberation of matters.

Among the key outcomes, the sixth edition of the Compendium of Case Studies on Cross-Border E-Commerce, featuring new Member case studies, was endorsed. As part of the WCO’s renewed approach to e-commerce matters, it was agreed to have a dedicated e-commerce day(s) in future meetings of the PTC.  

On the final day, the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) discussions highlighted the Mercator Programme’s progress in supporting global implementation of the TFA. The WCO Fragile Borders Action Plan was reviewed for activity allocations, integrating updates from the March 2025 Enforcement Committee.

The PTC tentatively endorsed the draft Work Programme for 2025-2028 that will shape the work of the Committee for the next three years.  

In her closing remarks, newly-reelected Chair of the PTC Nguyen Thi Vinh Hoai emphasised the importance of international cooperation, innovation, and technological adaptation for a sustainable and secure customs environment.

She also thanked the WCO members for support, saying Vietnam’s continued leadership of the PTC reflects global confidence in its capabilities and provides a platform for deeper engagement in shaping the future of global customs.

Vietnam steps up international customs cooperation

VOV.VN - Vietnam Customs will continue to pioneer applying information technology and building modern customs information systems as a way of creating a transparent, efficient, and sustainable global trade environment.