Irish Woman new Chair of the World Customs Organisation
The Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan T.D., welcomes the announcement today (25/06/11) of the election of Josephine Feehily, Chairman of the Revenue Commissioners, to the position of Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation (WCO), one of the largest intergovernmental organisations in the world.
Congratulating Josephine on her election, Minister Noonan said: "This is an honour for Ireland and very welcome news in the context of the Government’s approach to international engagement. Ms Feehily was proposed for this position by her European colleagues and her success is a reflection of the regard in which the Revenue’s Customs Service, and Josephine Feehily are held in the international Customs community.".
The WCO is the key intergovernmental organisation in supporting and modernising customs administrations, particularly in developing countries, and in facilitating international trade. The work the WCO carries out is of benefit to Irish and EU trade across the globe.
The role of chairing the WCO Council provides the opportunity for Ireland to be closely involved in shaping international Customs policy and ensuring that trade facilitation remains a central goal of the WCO.
Josephine Feehily is currently the Chair of the WCO's Audit Committee and has previously served as Head of the Europe Region and Vice Chair of the WCO.
[Ends 25/06/11]
Notes:
- The Chair of the WCO Council is an honorary non-remunerated position.
- Ireland was a founding member of the WCO (initially known as the Customs Co-operation Council), which was established in 1952 to promote co-operation between governments in harmonising customs procedures and facilitating international trade.
- The WCO currently has 177 members worldwide. It has a broad mandate including:
- Developing global customs standards;
- Simplifying and harmonising customs procedures;
- Facilitating international trade;
- Enhancing supply chain safety and security; and
- Promoting more effective co-operation between customs administrations.
- The Council is the primary decision making body of the WCO, with each member country having a right to be represented on the Council.
- The Chair of the Council is also Chair of the Policy Commission, which acts as a dynamic steering group for the Council.
- WCO Press Release
