This morning (06.03.2025), the inauguration ceremony of the new National Director of Customs of Uruguay, Mr. Joaquín Serra, took place. The event was attended by the Minister of Economy and Finance, Mr. Gabriel Oddone, the Undersecretary, Mr. Martín Vallcorba, and the General Director of the Secretariat, Mr. Gabriela Fachola. National authorities and representatives of foreign trade associations, among others, also attended.
During the event, the following spoke: Minister of Economy, Ec. Gabriel Oddone, and the new National Director of Customs, Lic. Joaquín Serra. Oddone recalled how he contacted Serra to join the team: “When I started putting together teams, one of the first people I called was Joaquín, whom I only knew by sight, but who had the best references from many trusted people. I called him on the phone to ask him if he could join the team. I don’t know what went through his head, but I’m sure he didn’t expect that the National Directorate of Customs would propose him.”
The minister highlighted Serra's career at the General Tax Directorate (DGI) and his ability to manage with a low profile, qualities that he considers essential for customs administration. He also underlined the importance of foreign trade for the country: “Foreign trade is key for Uruguay. At the same time, it is very relevant because of something that we talked about with Joaquín on the first day. It is one of the reasons why I asked him to be here, I wanted someone I could trust completely.”
A commitment to modernization and transparency
In his speech, the National Director, Mr. Joaquin Serra, outlined the strategy and challenges of his administration. He emphasized that his work will be oriented towards the modernization of Customs, the facilitation of foreign trade, the improvement of risk management and the eradication of internal corruption. “We will work to ensure strict compliance with the laws, combat evasion, smuggling and illicit trafficking of goods,” he said.
Serra placed special emphasis on the work of customs officials, stressing his intention to work “together with honest customs officers committed to the institution’s mission.” He also pledged to implement an administrative career and develop technical and value-based training policies, promoting healthy and safe working conditions. “We will work to identify irregular behavior, investigate and sanction in an impartial and firm manner,” he added.
Serra made a Recognition of former Customs Directors for their contributions to the development and modernization of the institution: “We want to recognize the contribution of Enrique Canon, who led this process that definitively changed the Customs. We want to recognize the contribution of Jaime Borgiani, which maintained and deepened these changes. In particular, with the incorporation of scanners in the port of Montevideo, which are an essential tool to control international drug trafficking and reinforce security.”
The Mission and Vision 2030
To close his speech, Serra read the Uruguayan Customs Vision 2030, which states that: “Society will feel protected by its Customs. In turn, the regional foreign trade community will recognize us as a reference, as a result of our actions and our capacity to propose. We will be an example of effective and responsible public management and active drivers of Uruguay's economic development.”
The document also highlights the importance of the integrity and commitment of the officials: “In short, we will proudly say that we are Customs Officers. Professional and effective public servants. Upright and uncompromising with corruption. Committed, with reason and heart, to the fulfillment of our Mission.”
Serra concluded with a hopeful message: “In 2030, we customs officers can proudly say: we made our dream come true!”
Aduana News is the first Argentine customs newspaper to launch its digital version. With 20 years of experience, its publications and initiatives aim to provide the most relevant knowledge on customs issues in order to contribute to safe trade in the region.
