Strengthening customs cooperation of BRICS countries: Improving people-oriented capacity building strategies to achieve mutual recognition of Accredited Operator programs

Abstract

The five BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) are key emerging economies in driving global trade for stable economic recovery and key players in the effort to reduce world poverty. In order to facilitate global trade through adoption of business-friendly schemes, the five countries are implementing various models of Accredited Operator (AO) programs. Although these AO programs have demonstrated their effectiveness in strengthening supply chain management and economic competitiveness, this paper contends that an uphill struggle remains for the key objective: to reach a mutual recognition arrangement among customs authorities. The main objective of this comparative study is to achieve future mutual recognition arrangements of AO programs operational in BRICS countries and identify actionable approaches to people-oriented capacity building. It suggests exploring a standardised people development strategy and developing vocational training programs in a bid to facilitate mutual recognition of AO or Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programs of the five countries. The paper also highlights capacity building instruments advocated by international organisations and seeks to motivate the development of customs professionals involved in AO programs.