Nomination of a Candidate for the Next Secretary-General of the World Customs Organization (WCO)

December 19, 2007

1. The Government of Japan has decided to propose Mr. Kunio MIKURIYA, currently Deputy Secretary General of the WCO, for the post of Secretary General of the WCO, which would be chosen at its election in June 2008.
2. The World Customs Organization (WCO) is an international organization consisting of 171 members, which aims to promote harmonization and unification of customs procedures and international cooperation. The WCO has significantly contributed to the development of global trade and economy by securing and facilitating trade, as well as protecting intellectual property rights and the environment. The Secretary General is the chief executive of the WCO Secretariat who plans and implements the policy and budget of the WCO, including assistance to developing countries, and represents the WCO Secretariat to attend meetings of other international organizations.
3. Mr. Mikuriya has extensive international experience, and has broad knowledge not only in the customs and trade area but also in the fields of economy, public finance, and financial markets. Since assuming the office of Deputy Secretary General in 2002, Mr. Mikuriya has demonstrated outstanding ability to achieve outcomes highly appreciated by other international organizations such as the WTO as well as the WCO Membership, exemplifying the necessary experiences and abilities for the WCO Secretary General.
4. Following the deadline for applications at end-March 2008, the new Secretary General of the WCO will be elected at its Council Session in June 2008. The Government of Japan will subsequently conduct demarches to the WCO Membership, in order that Mr. Mikuriya may be successfully elected as the next Secretary General.