Op-ed: Insights from the Seminar on Trade Facilitation for Customs in Belt And Road Countries

The following is an op-ed written by Aminath Agila, Senior Superintendent, Maldives Customs Service.

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 I had the honor from the Maldives Customs Service to partake in a seminar on Trade Facilitation for Customs Officers from Belt and Road Countries, held in Shanghai, China. The event gathered customs officials, policymakers, and trade experts from various nations participating in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), all sharing the common goal of improving trade facilitation and strengthening cooperation among member countries.

The BRI is a visionary project targeted at developing a modern Silk Road, fostering trade between China and the rest of the world. China’s intent is to help participating countries become economically interdependent, sharing their knowledge and expertise to build stronger economies.

Our first day included an overview of China’s politics, economy, society, culture, and achievements since the reform and opening. We learned that China is home to the world’s largest population, comprising 56 ethnic groups. The country is rich in cultural heritage, boasting 55 World Heritage sites, including the Giant Panda as its national treasure. We also learned about China’s ancient customs system, originally established as “border forts” on inland transportation routes.

In the overview of China’s national conditions, several key points were emphasized. China, with its rich historical background and rapidly evolving present, has experienced profound changes since the introduction of its Reform and Opening Up policy in 1978. This policy has been instrumental in transforming China from a primarily agrarian society into one of the world's largest and most dynamic economies.

Politically, the Communist Party of China (CPC) has been pivotal in guiding the nation’s development. Economically, China has achieved extraordinary growth, becoming the second-largest economy globally. The country’s economic landscape is characterized by a mix of state-owned enterprises and private companies, with significant investments in infrastructure, technology, and manufacturing. Socially, China’s population has experienced a significant rise in living standards, with poverty levels drastically reduced and access to education and healthcare improved. Culturally, China has maintained its rich traditions while embracing modernization, resulting in a unique blend of ancient heritage and contemporary culture.

During my visit, I gained valuable insights into how China Customs is playing a key role in the BRI. The BRI is a global development strategy initiated by China to enhance connectivity and cooperation between Asia, Europe, and Africa. China Customs has introduced several measures to facilitate trade and improve the business environment along the Belt and Road routes. These measures include simplifying customs procedures, reducing clearance times, and enhancing the efficiency of cross-border trade.

This seminar was not only an opportunity to learn about trade facilitation but also an enriching cultural experience. The knowledge shared and the connections made will undoubtedly contribute to the future of trade among Belt and Road countries.

In one of the sessions, we gained insight into how China Customs maintains its import and export statistics. The session detailed the country’s trade statistics system, highlighting its long-term and rapid growth in imports and exports. Notably, China experienced accelerated foreign trade development after joining the WTO in 2001, eventually becoming the world’s largest exporter of goods. China adapted by leveraging technology, industry advancements, and governance changes—such as digitalization, intelligence, and greening—to create new opportunities.

We had the opportunity to present country reports from all the participating nations, which allowed us to showcase our cultures and values. This experience not only gave us a platform to share our heritage but also helped us gain a deeper understanding of and familiarity with one another and building professional relationships.

A key highlight of the seminar was the field visit to Shanghai Customs College's Lingang International Campus, where we were given an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at the customs procedures and advanced technologies in operation. It was a truly eye-opening experience, as we witnessed cutting-edge technologies. The practical insights from this visit complemented the theoretical knowledge shared during the seminar, sparking ideas on how similar practices could be adapted and implemented in our own countries.

As a key gateway for China’s international trade, Shanghai has implemented numerous strategies to enhance trade facilitation and regional integration. The Shanghai PFTZ is a unique economic zone in China established to drive institutional innovation. Its primary objectives include accelerating government function transformation, exploring new institutional mechanisms, and promoting investment and trade facilitation. The zone acts as a pilot for advancing reforms and expanding openness, with models that can be replicated and scaled. Shanghai Customs has played a pivotal role in supporting the growth of China’s international trade, making it a model for other customs administrations worldwide. The success of Shanghai Customs demonstrates the effectiveness of China’s approach to customs modernization and its commitment to fostering global trade.

We visited Yiwu City for two days. One of the highlights was our visit to Lizu Village, a prime example of rural revitalization in China, where we enjoyed the beautiful scenery and observed the development of the village. We also visited Yiwu Customs, the Yiwu Mold Mall and other places. We returned to Shanghai with a wealth of experience and beautiful memories from our time in Yiwu City. We formed close bonds with the participants and China Customs Officials, making it bittersweet to say our goodbyes as we returned to our home countries.

In conclusion, attending the seminar on Trade Facilitation for Customs Officers from Belt and Road Countries was an invaluable experience. We gained crucial insights into the pivotal role customs play in global trade, particularly through the innovative practices of China Customs. The knowledge shared by experts, along with the connections we made, will significantly enhance our customs operations. We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to learn, exchange ideas, and experience China’s rich culture and hospitality. This experience has not only enriched our professional understanding but also strengthened the ties between our nations, contributing to the ongoing success of the BRI.