The Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA) is the largest technical cooperation programme of UNCTAD. It has supported over 100 developing economies in digitalizing customs and facilitating trade, and has continuously evolved by adapting new technology, to improve efficiency, strengthen transparency and build more resilient and inclusive trade systems.
This event will showcase the new-generation ASYCUDA platform, which provides for secure data exchanges and integrates artificial intelligence and machine learning for smarter risk management and faster clearance. The platform helps to strengthen Government and public sector ownership and interoperability, while supporting electronic commerce, revenue collection, paperless transactions and cross-border cooperation. Participants, including representatives from customs authorities, partner government agencies and development actors, will discuss how ASYCUDA enables more secure, connected and equitable trade and helps countries shape their digital futures.
Programme
Opening remarks:
- Pedro Manuel Moreno, Deputy Secretary-General of UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
Keynote address:
- Moustoifa Hassani Mohamed, Minister of Economy, Industry, and Investments of Comoros
High-level panel and interactive discussion
Questions
- How can emerging digital technologies be leveraged to enhance the efficiency, security and sustainability of cross-border trade operations, particularly in developing country contexts?
- Which practical and institutional insights can be drawn from national and regional experiences in designing, deploying and scaling the single window for trade systems?
- How can the ASYCUDA programme and broader technical cooperation support member States in working together to accelerate the transition to cross-border paperless trade, including legal, institutional and technological readiness?
- Which institutional frameworks are most effective in managing change during digital transformation projects, particularly in fragile or post-conflict States?
- How can the automation of permit issuance and compliance monitoring strengthen the enforcement of international environmental agreements while simplifying trader obligations?
Speakers:
- Davaasuren Gerelmaa, Ambassador, Permanent Mission of Mongolia to the United Nations in Geneva
- Abdel Ilah Bousseta, Director of Postal Operations, Universal Postal Union
- Pha Engveng, Deputy Director General, General Department of Customs and Excise of Cambodia
- Paula Baena, Global Policy Lead on Customs, International Chamber of Commerce
Mr. Pedro Manuel Moreno of Spain, is Deputy Secretary-General of UNCTAD.
He has over 20 years of experience of working for multilateral and intergovernmental organizations in programme, management and strategic positions both in the field and at headquarters.
He was Deputy Secretary-General of the Communication for Development Committee at the Spanish National Commission with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (1999-2004), and for the United Nations Development Programme, at the Country Office in Ecuador and, in New York City, as part of the Human Development Report team, at the Regional Bureau for Latin America and the Caribbean and at the Executive Office.
In 2014, he was appointed Chief of Staff of the Ibero-American Conference in Madrid, where he coordinated key political processes and South-South cooperation projects.
In September 2021, he was named Chief of Staff and Director of the Office of the Secretary-General of UNCTAD.
Her Excellency Ms. Davaasuren Gerelmaa is a senior diplomat with extensive experience in multilateral diplomacy, international cooperation, and policy coordination. She currently serves as Mongolia's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office at Geneva, where she represents her country across a wide range of international organisations and development agendas.
Ambassador Gerelmaa has held key positions within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia, including roles in multilateral affairs and human security, and has contributed to Mongolia's engagement with the United Nations, WTO, and regional forums.
A committed advocate for digital transformation and trade facilitation, she serves as a member of the ASYCUDA Advisory Board, where she actively supports the strategic direction of UNCTAD's digital customs reform initiatives. Her leadership reflects Mongolia's long-standing commitment to international cooperation, digital innovation, and inclusive development.
Ambassador Gerelmaa holds advanced academic qualifications in international relations and public policy.
H.E. Moustoifa Hassani Mohamed currently serves as Minister of Economy, Industry, Investment and Economic Integration of the Union of the Comoros, with responsibility for trade, industry, investment policy and regional economic integration.
He began his career in customs administration after graduating from the Senegal Customs School in 1992. Between 1995 and 2017, he worked with the inspection company Cotecna, including a posting in Iraq from 1999 to 2001 as an expert for the United Nations Oil-for-Food Programme. Upon his return to the Comoros, he was appointed Head of the Customs Office in 2017 and later Director General of Customs in 2021, where he led institutional reforms to modernize the administration and represented the country in international customs and trade forums.
Since joining the Government in 2024, Minister Hassani Mohamed has been a strong advocate for economic transformation, customs modernization and digital trade integration. He has represented the Comoros at high-level events, including the WTO Public Forum, the World Economic Forum and Investopia, where he has presented the country’s investment and trade strategies under the Emerging Comoros 2030 Plan.
He possesses extensive expertise in customs modernization and regional economic integration, particularly within the frameworks of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and Economic Partnership Agreements with the European Union. He is recognized for his leadership in advancing regulatory reform and promoting the digital transformation of trade systems. His technical knowledge, institutional experience and active engagement in international policy dialogues make him a prominent voice in global discussions on trade facilitation and inclusive economic development, especially for developing and small island economies.
Abdel Ilah Bousseta is currently the Director of Postal Operations Directorate at the Universal Postal Union (UPU) International Bureau.
A graduate of the École Nationale Supérieure des Postes et Télécommunications (ENSPTT) in Paris, Mr. Bousseta spent 13 years in various senior roles dedicated to the development of postal activities in Morocco.
During his tenure with Poste Maroc, he highly contributed to several major projects, including the establishment of the international express subsidiary EMS Chronopost International Maroc in 2001, the creation of the AMANA parcels brand, and the introduction of hybrid mail services.
From November 2005 to April 2015, he served as Director of Development Cooperation at the UPU International Bureau. In this capacity, he introduced a new regional approach that promoted the efficient and targeted implementation of technical assistance projects. His responsibilities covered key areas such as financial inclusion, resource mobilization, sustainable development, and disaster risk management. A core component of his strategy was to strengthen South–South cooperation, fostering mutual assistance and the exchange of best practices among countries. Throughout his tenure, he consistently sought to deliver appropriate support where it was most needed.
Since April 2015, Mr. Bousseta has been heading the Postal Operations Directorate at the UPU International Bureau. This directorate oversees all operational aspects of international postal service , including supply chain management, customs clearance, postal products, and quality of service.
He highly contributed to the creation of a Quality of Service Fund to support global projects related to postal operations and supply chain performance, as well as to the implementation of the Electronic Advance Data (EAD) project and the optimization of POC working methods.
Mr. Pha Engveng is a Deputy Director General for the General Department of Customs and Excise, the lead secretariat of the National Single Window Steering Committee and the Customs Automation Team.
He has more than 32 years of experience in trade facilitation, particularly Customs Reforms and Modernization. He has supported the implementation of the Automated System on Customs Data (ASYCUDA), the Cambodia National Single Window, ASEAN Single Window in Cambodia, and other Customs Automation Systems.
He plays an important role in trade facilitations and logistics in Cambodia with ICT solutions.
Paula Baena is the Global Policy Lead for Customs at the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), where she advances global customs and trade facilitation as part of ICC’s wider trade policy agenda. In this role, she amplifies the voice of business at international policy discussions and multilateral forums.
Her professional background spans both the public and private sectors, including roles within the economic, commercial, and investment promotion agencies of the diplomatic missions of Australia in Madrid and Spain in Guangzhou, China. In these positions, she supported businesses in navigating market access requirements, export documentation, customs procedures, and other cross-border trade processes essential for successful international expansion.
She holds an MBA in International Business Management from ICEX-CECO, advanced studies from Spain's Diplomatic School and the Instituto Universitario Ortega-Marañón, and bachelor's degrees in Political Science and Humanities. She brings multidisciplinary expertise across trade, diplomacy, and cultural affairs to advance private-sector engagement at international level.
