This week I participate in the World Customs Organizations (WCO) annual Academic conference PICARD in Manila, Philippines.
The 2016 PICARD conference is an international event where the Academia, Government and Private Sector meet to discuss Academic Research & Development around Customs, borders, trade and security of the international supply chain and safety of our world.
I was involved in initiating the WCO PICARD programme in 2006-2007 as Director of Capacity Building of the WCO, and chaired the conference 2007-2010.
The aim of the programme is to increase the professionalism of Customs and Border Agencies – and to support the development of worldwide security and safety.
It is always very interesting to meet academic colleagues from all around the world to discuss the latest research in various areas of our profession, how to protect the world and at the same time develop our societies.
Over the years we have had all the most acknowldeged scientists and researches involved in the programme and the congerences, including several Nobel Prize winners.
It is always a pleasure to participate in this very important conference, this year hosted in a very impressive way by Philippines.
What are your favourite cities? Ibhabe visited 164 countries andvthese are my personal favourite cities:
1. Sydney
2. Rio de Janeiro
3. Singapore
4. San Francisco
5. Cape Town
I also like Bangkok, New York, Istanbul and Stockholm.
Every year MasterCard do a ranking of the most popular cities from a travel destination point-of-view. Here is the recently published list for 2016:
Most popular big cities in 2016:
1) Bangkok, Thailand (21.47 million visitors)
2) London, UK (19.88)
3) Paris, France (18.03)
4) Dubai, United Arab Emirates (15.27)
5) New York, United States (12.75)
6) Singapore (12.11)
7) Kuala Lumpur (12.02)
8) Istanbul (11.95)
9) Tokyo (11.7)
10) Seoul (10.2)
56) Stockholm (2.08)
65) Copenhagen (1.63)
Source: 2016 MasterCard Global Destination Cities Index
The last days I have spent in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia – or KL as everybody say – for meetings.
I like this city. I have always liked the big cities in Asia.
I have visited Malaysia many times in the past and it is always a pleasure to be back.
KLIA Airport in KL is also one of the large flight hubs of Asia. A good place to transfer.
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