SAICA congratulates SARS commissioner as Chairperson of the WCO
Johannesburg, 28 June 2023 - The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) congratulates the Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service (SARS), Mr. Edward Kieswetter, on his election as the Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation (WCO). He will succeed Mr. Ahmed Hamad Al-khalifa of Bahrain.
The WCO was established in 1952 as an independent intergovernmental body whose mission is to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of Customs administrations. The WCO is headquartered in Brussels, Belgium and represents 185 customs administrations that collectively process 98% of world trade. The WCO Council oversees the WCO Secretariat and the latter’s implementation of the strategic plan which was revised in 2022.
Mr. Kieswetter will chair the WCO Council for the next year and SAICA is confident that he will bring a positive influence to the WCO strategy, utilising his four-agenda focus areas of working with his colleagues and peers from member countries to listen actively and ensure that the WCO’s strategic intent finds practical expression; advocating for greater inclusivity with a strong focus on women and people with disabilities; building resilient and effective partnerships with all stakeholders; and striving towards an enhanced profile of the important role of customs in the service of society and ensuring the well-being of the most vulnerable in society.
We share his sentiment that his appointment reflects international confidence in SARS, and we wish him well in achieving this agenda focus as Chairperson.
About SAICA
The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA), South Africa’s pre-eminent accountancy body, is widely recognised as one of the world’s leading accounting institutes. The Institute provides a wide range of support services to more than 50 000 members and associates who are chartered accountants (CAs[SA]), as well as associate general accountants (AGAs[SA]) and accounting technicians (ATs[SA]), who hold positions as CEOs, MDs, board directors, business owners, chief financial officers, auditors and leaders in every sphere of commerce and industry, and who play a significant role in the nation’s highly dynamic business sector and economic development.
Chartered Accountants are highly valued for their versatile skill set and creative lateral thinking, that's why all of the top 100 Global Brands employ Chartered Accountants.
SAICA is a member of Chartered Accountants Worldwide (CAW), a global family that connects over 1,8 million fellow Chartered Accountants and students in more than 190 countries. Together, we support, develop, and promote the role of Chartered Accountants as trusted business leaders, difference-makers, and advisers.
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