The "WCO Virtual Reality Training Program" organized at the Academy of the State Customs Committee in order to support customs officers to learn and understand  the basic procedures of physical inspection on containers  by applying VR technology, has come to an end.

The World Customs Organization (WCO), within the framework of the Virtual Reality Training (VRT) Program project managed by the  Capacity Building Directorate  has donated equipment for Virtual Reality Training to the Academy of the State Customs Committee of the Republic of Azerbaijan, which is one of the WCO's seven Regional Training Centers (RTCs) in the European Region.

VRT equipment was offered to the Academy of the State Customs Committee of Azerbaijan for the first time among the RTMs of the WCO   European Region located in Azerbaijan, Ukraine, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, North Macedonia and Russia. The installation of the equipment at the Academy and the organization of trainings on its use for the Academy staff were carried out by the senior technical staff of "HO Entertainment" Corporation, a Korean manufacturer and supplier of the equipment.

With the substantial support of the State Customs Committee, the VRT technology installed in the Academy is used to train customs officials with virtual reality simulations of the implementation of goods imported into the country, freight transiting through the country, and other activities related to customs inspections and control. Enriching their knowledge, skills and experience in this direction, is important in terms of training new trainers. VRT technology will also enable more effective and innovative organization of training, especially on all aspects of physical inspection of containers.

It should be noted that with the support of the Korean Customs Cooperation Fund, the VRT Program was established in English and French languages at  WCO Headquarter. The VRT Program was first established in September 2021 at the WCO RTM of Korea, which has been one of the important partners of the Academy in the field of international cooperation since 2020. As a result of  successful trials, WCO decided to provide WCO RTMs and WCO Regional Offices for Capacity Building (ROCBs) operating in various regions and countries globally with VRT equipment through the Directorate of Capacity Building.