The future of the Customs Service discussed at the National Centre RUSSIA
The real opportunities for professional and career growth within the customs authorities were discussed on 10 February at the First Forum of the Russian Customs Academy (the RCA) at the National Centre RUSSIA. The event brought together heads of the Federal Customs Service of Russia (the FCS), representatives of government bodies, lecturers, students, and prospective students.
The customs service is becoming one of the most technologically advanced and multifunctional spheres of state activity. An important prerequisite for becoming a customs officer is love for the Motherland and service to it. The Chairman of the Public Council under the Federal Customs Service of Russia, Leonid Lobzenko, noted that without this, career achievements are impossible. Furthermore, he reminded that today there are less than a million customs officers worldwide. Yet, they control almost the entire global trade turnover.
Leonid Lobzenko was supported by the Deputy Head of the FCS of Russia, a graduate of the Russian Customs Academy, Sergei Shklyaev. In his speech, Sergei Shklyaev elaborated on the path one travels from an inspector to leadership positions, emphasising the uniqueness of the profession, teamwork, and conscientious dedication to the task.
"You have chosen one of the most interesting jobs in life. No one possesses such a range of competencies as customs officials. Love your Motherland, love the service – and all paths in life will be open to you," concluded Sergei Shklyaev.
Tatyana Merkushova, Deputy Head of the FCS of Russia, emphasised the academy's educational role: "The Customs Academy is not only about knowledge. It is a place that gives you opportunities to develop leadership and organisational competencies, learn to work in a team, and achieve your goals."
During the discussion of personnel training, the Head of the Department of Customs Revenues and Tariff Regulation at the Faculty of Customs Affairs of the RCA, Olga Sokolnikova, spoke. According to her, the combination of fundamental economic training with the practice of customs-tariff regulation allows graduates to work confidently in a dynamic foreign economic environment and ensure the stability of the state's revenue base.
The Chairman of the Student Council of the RCA, Alexander Agafonov, highlighted the forum's significance for the student community. He noted that interacting with the leadership of the FCS of the Russian Federation, as well as with practitioners, helps to see real career trajectories, and confirms that initiative, responsibility, and readiness for development are especially valued in the customs service.
During the forum, plenary and panel sessions were held, dedicated to customs education, professional self-determination, youth initiatives, science, and international cooperation. An important outcome was the signing of a Cooperation Agreement in the field of educational and scientific activities between the Russian Customs Academy and Bauman Moscow State Technical University.
The forum also featured an official awards ceremony for outstanding students of the academy and its branches. Students who demonstrated high achievements in academic, scientific, public, and sports activities were recognised with letters of commendation, confirming the high status of the Russian Customs Academy as a leading centre for training personnel for the customs service of Russia.
Event photobank
On 10 February, the First Forum of the Russian Customs Academy (the RCA) is being held at the National Centre RUSSIA.
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