Workshop on the Application of Targeted Risk Management for Customs, 21-25 November 2005, Bangkok

Some 60 Customs officials from Thailand attended the workshop on the "Application of Targeted Risk Management for Customs", jointly organised by the Royal Thai Customs and ECAP II. During the workshop, experts from the Directorate General Taxation and Customs Union (TAXUD) of the European Commission, Customs from Malta, Portugal and the Netherlands Customs as well as from Thailand exchanged their experience and expertise on targeting and selection techniques used in the European Union and in Thailand. Representatives from over 10 European companies also participated actively to this workshop by providing their information and experiences on the targeting of counterfeited materials.

HE Dr. Friedrich Hamburger, Ambassador-Head of Delegation, EC Delegation to Thailand, stated during the press meeting: "IP Protection and enforcement are key factors for encouraging investment in a country (….) We are encouraged to see the progress made by the Royal Thai Customs and other countries in controlling the flow of pirated and counterfeited goods"

The World Economic Forum estimated in 2003 the cost of counterfeiting and piracy at 450 billion Euros annually, accounting for 5-7% of world trade.