Feb 19 – University Of Gibraltar To Become Home Of UNCTAD Centre Of Excellence
The University of Gibraltar is set to become the home of a United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Centre of Excellence following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between HM Customs Gibraltar and UNCTAD.
The Centre of Excellence is expected to be operational before the summer of this year and will be run be four members of staff; it is fully funded by the United Nations.
UNCTAD is the focal point within the United Nations for the integrated treatment of trade and development, and the interrelated issues in the areas of finance, technology, investment and sustainable development. In addition to its analytical research work, it provides expertise in specific areas such as international trade and customs efficiency, technology and logistics.
HM Customs Gibraltar has a long established relationship with UNCTAD which dates back over 30 years through its ASYCUDA programme which assists Customs Departments in almost 100 countries to automate and streamline their Customs clearance procedures in line with international standards.
The Gibraltar Centre of Excellence will provide specialist training programmes for high level international governmental and private sector officials on Customs related matters. It will also organise international events related to the following:
- E-Government and M-Government solutions
- Customs reform and organisation
- Customs law enforcement and compliance
- Customs as a service and trade facilitation
The Centre will offer integration of solutions for the implementation of international conventions and work closely with the relevant international bodies.
The Deputy Chief Minister, Dr Joseph Garcia, said:
“The Government is particularly pleased to see the establishment in Gibraltar of the UNCTAD Centre of Excellence. The Centre, through its delivery of specialised training, will attract to Gibraltar high level officials from around the world. Gibraltar will thus become a focal point for the development of research and technology which will assist international trade. I would like to thank the Collector of Customs, John Rodriguez, for his efforts in agreeing with UNCTAD the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding and the establishment of the Centre of Excellence”
The Minister for Education, Gilbert Licudi, expressed his satisfaction that the Centre of Excellence will be based at the University of Gibraltar. He said: “This will enhance the reputation and the international reach of the University and will place it at the forefront of training and discussions on all aspects of global trade development. I am grateful to the University’s Board of Governors for their enthusiasm and for agreeing that the University will host the Centre of Excellence.”
The UNCTAD ASYCUDA Regional Coordinator, Nicolae Popa, declared: “We are extremely proud of the longstanding and successful cooperation with HM Customs Gibraltar and we strongly believe that the establishment of the Centre of Excellence in cooperation with the University will offer new opportunities for the benefit of ASYCUDA user countries as well as the stakeholders of international trade.”
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