Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo expressed her full support for Ian Saunders as the U.S. candidate for secretary general of the World Customs Organization.
Saunders currently serves as the deputy assistant secretary for the western hemisphere at the International Trade Administration, according to a May 26 news release. He has extensive experience in customs and international affairs. In his role, he has been instrumental in developing strategies and policies to enhance the United States' commercial position in the western hemisphere.
“I unequivocally support Ian Saunders’ candidacy for secretary general of the World Customs Organization,” Raimondo said in the release. “Ian is an internationally renowned and respected leader whose exceptional track record of program implementation, policy development and coalition building has strengthened our relationships with trading partners.”
Raimondo said his decades of leadership working at the intersection of customs, trade and commercial policy have prepared Saunders to be a transformative and inclusive leader of the WCO, the release reported.
“We are confident that the WCO members will benefit from his expertise and experience in bilateral, regional and multilateral affairs. I wholeheartedly encourage our partners around the world to support his candidacy,” she said in the release.
Saunders’ responsibilities include overseeing a network of 24 field offices throughout the region, which contribute to the strengthening of the nation's economic interests, according to the release. Having served in the U.S. Government Senior Executive Service since 2008, he brings more than 20 years of customs experience from his time at U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the U.S. Customs Service.
His public service for the international community in diverse and challenging roles has been focused on many facets of trade: customs, commercial policy, travel and infrastructure, according to a candidacy bio from the Commerce Department. His style is collaborative and communicative, displaying accomplishments in delivery.
The bio said Saunders led the implementation of programs, formulation of policies and forging of partnerships that have advanced facilitation and security in trade worldwide.