brig. gen. Pavel KotrabaLadies and gentlemen,
Nowadays security issues cannot be viewed solely as a matter of national defence, or the protection of a country’s borders. It is increasingly linked to our ability to protect the economy, legitimate trade, public finances, the health of the population, and citizens’ trust in the functioning of the state. It is precisely in this area that the Czech Customs Administration plays an irreplaceable role.
Modern Customs Administration is an integral part of a country’s security framework. Its daily tasks take place at the intersection of the open market and the challenges posed by the globalized world. Customs officers monitor the movement of goods, prevent illegal trade, protect consumers from dangerous products, and help uncover tax evasion and organized crime. At the same time, our customs officers protect the fiscal interests of Czechia and the European Union and help create a fair environment for honest business practices.
An important part of our work is monitoring the movement of strategic goods, dual-use goods, and commodities subject to international sanctions. Czech Customs Administration also participates in the fight against illicit trade in tobacco products, narcotic, counterfeited goods, and hazardous waste. Czech Customs thus significantly contributes not only to protecting of the economy, but also to the health and safety of the population.
One of the fastest growing areas is currently the e-commerce. Every year, tens of millions of shipments from around the world pass through customs proceedings. This trend places new demands on the use of data analytics, automatization, modern technologies, and effective risk management. The ability to quickly identify potential threats while maintaining the smooth flow of legitimate trade has thus become one of the key tasks of modern Customs Administration.
However, today’s security challenges cannot be addressed in isolation. Success depends on close cooperation among law enforcement agencies, government institutions, international organizations, academic area, and the private sector. The Future Forces Forum therefore serves as a unique platform for sharing not only experiences, but also showcasing of technological innovations, and finding common responses to new security threats.
The Czech Customs Administration is very well aware of its responsibility to protect society, the economy, and national security. We are prepared to actively contribute to professional dialogue, utilize modern technologies, and further develop partnerships that will help us effectively address the challenges of today as well as the future.
Thank you for your attention.
brig. gen. Pavel KOTRABA
General Director of the General Directorate of Customs
