Kunio Mikuriya on the World Customs Organization

About the Speaker:

Before taking up his position as Secretary General of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) on 1 January 2009, Kunio Mikuriya spent seven years as the Organisations Deputy Secretary General. In this position he led efforts to coordinate the work of the WCO Secretariat with other international organisations such as the WTO, the World Bank, and the IMF, and with the private sector. Prior to joining the WCO, he worked for Japan's Ministry of Finance for 25 years. During his career with the Ministry, Kunio occupied a variety of senior posts, which have given him broad experience in Customs, trade development, budget, and financial policies. He served as Director of International Negotiations, Director of Enforcement, and Director of Research and International Affairs, in the Tariff and Customs Bureau. He also served as Director of Salaries and Allowances and as the Controller in the Budget Bureau. In addition, he spent time as a Counsellor at the Japanese Mission to the WTO in Geneva and participated in the GATT Uruguay Round trade negotiations. This experience enabled him to acquire an excellent knowledge of trade-related issues.

About the Speech:
The Secretary General will provide a brief introduction to the World Customs Organisation and in his speech discuss Trade Facilitation, instruments of the World Customs Organisation and World Trade Organisation negotiations; the impact of the Financial Crisis on issues such as protectionism and the movement of goods; Security (USA 100% scanning and SAFE); and Intellectual Property Rights including the World Customs Organisation's efforts to fight against infringements.
This event is part of the Justice Group's ongoing research programme on Justice and Home Affairs Policy