12/01/2009 (Agence Europe) - On 1 January 2009, Kunio Mikuriya took up his duties as the new secretary general of the World Customs Organisation (WCO). Elected for a term of five years, he has pledged to make the WCO into a highly efficient organisation by reinforcing good governance, increasing the involvement of the member countries in the decision-making of the organisation and by developing permanent dialogue with its public partners and the private sector. “The WCO plays a vital role in the facilitation and security of trade, reinforcing the capacities of the customs administrations and international cooperation. It is vital that its role and expertise become better known internationally”, said the new top man of the WCO in a press release. The WCO, which is based in Brussels, is made up of 174 customs authorities. For more information: http: //http://www.wcoomd.org/fr/pagedaccueil.htm (M.B./transl.fl)