Uruguay National Customs Directorate shares its experience in World Bank’s self-assessment

Fecha: 27/06/2019

Uruguay National Customs Directorate (DNA) provided assistance to Poland Customs, since Uruguay was the first Administration to carry out the World Bank’s ‘Diamond’ methodology self-assessment.

Within the framework of the technical assistance program, the World Bank Group developed a tool called ‘Tax Diamond’ that allows institutions to self-assess their current status. Diamond is based on existing international good practices, and identifies, through indicators, in which areas the institution has limitations.

This self-assessment represents an input for the development of a strategic plan and action plans that are focused on solving the core problems of the organization.

Although the World Bank carries out evaluations in which its staff visits the organization’s premises, and these evaluations support the overall process, this tool is innovative because the institution itself executes the process.

The role of DNA

Within the framework of the Modernization Process that Uruguay Customs is undergoing, the World Bank proposed Mr. Enrique Canon, Director General of Uruguay Customs and Chairperson of the Council of the World Customs Organization, to carry out this evaluation.

The process took four weeks in which the whole organization was assessed. A team was established, coordinated by Ms. Rossana San Juan, Director of the Arrival Cargos Department, and Mr. Fernando Wins, Manager of Control and Risk Management Area. Officials from the Areas General Administration, Customs Operations, Information Technology and Controls, also participated in the assessment.

After the indicators results were uploaded, a presentation was given to the Directors of the World Bank, and to other Customs Administrations that were interested, such as Poland and Pakistan, among others.

Results and Benefits

This self-assessment was carried out at a strategic moment for the institution, and it represents an important input for visualizing its current status.

Although feedback from the World Bank is still pending, results of the indicators can already be observed, and they have been satisfactory. Now, the second stage has begun, which involves developing an action plan to continue advancing towards improvement.

 

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