WASHINGTON— U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Senior Official Performing Duties of Commissioner Troy A. Miller issued the following statement today in support of Ian Saunders, the U.S. candidate for the upcoming Secretary General election of the World Customs Organization (WCO). The election will take place June 24 in Brussels, Belgium.
“As we approach this weekend’s election, I am deeply proud to reiterate my strong support for Ian Saunders to be the next Secretary General of the World Customs Organization (WCO). Ian currently oversees the development of programs, policies, and strategies to strengthen commercial cooperation in the Western Hemisphere as a Deputy Assistant Secretary at the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration. I have known Ian for many years and have had a front-row seat to his impressive 30-year career during which he has lived, worked, and breathed customs and global trade issues.
“Ian Saunders has earned our trust and respect over many years of hard work and robust engagement with key members of the international trade community. Ian’s technical knowledge, track record at the WCO, leadership in multiple agencies, linguistic proficiencies, and experience in both commercial diplomacy and international customs facilitation make him the ideal candidate to lead the WCO. I was proud to formally nominate him in January, and I am confident he will be elected the new Secretary General for the WCO in Brussels on June 24.”
Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas today also issued a statement of support for Ian Saunders’ candidacy. For more information about Deputy Assistant Secretary Saunders’ candidacy for Secretary General of the WCO, visit his website on CBP.gov.