Customs: Kessler in China, working closer together
​Rome - A new step in the customs relations between Italy and China, with a shared objective: supporting trade growth while working together to combat fraud and protect citizens' health and safety. These were the words of Giovanni Kessler, Director of the Italian Customs Agency, and Chinese Minister and Head of Customs Yu Guangzhou, at the first world conference on Trans-national E-Commerce organized in Beijing by the Chinese Customs and the World Customs Organization. Trade has increased exponentially: in 2017, China's export to Italy grew by 10.6% and Italy's imports in China grew by 22%. Overall trade volume exceeded 49 billion dollars, making Italy the third main European partner in China. In light of this data - released by the Chinese delegation - Kessler and Yu remarked that customs cooperation has already produced good results, particularly in combating under-invoicing, harmful waste trafficking and counterfeiting. "These phenomena hit both economies and undermine consumer safety in both countries", said Kessler. This is why we need to strengthen our cooperation, exploiting the opportunities arising from European coordination". The parties agreed to increase the means of cooperation between the two customs services. In particular, they decided to close a new agreement within a few months, aimed at facilitating direct contact and cross monitoring between the customs of several Italian ports and the Shanghai hub, first in the world for container traffic. "Trade growth, fiscal compliance and citizens' safety are complementary and irrevocable objectives. China confirmed that they are fully aware of these priorities. Their willingness to continue strengthening our common customs work complementing trade flows between our two countries is evidence of their commitment", concluded Kessler.