I am spending another morning at Schiphol in Amsterdam. This is a very normal place to be for an international capacity builder and globetrotter.
This is the best transit airport in Europe. By far. Smart design, new simple and fast security, short transit routes, fast immigration controls (and smart controls).
On my way home.
This week I visit Beijing, China for business meetings.
It is always exiting to visit this amazing country with its mix of history and fast development.
I have had the fortune to visit China more than 20 times over the last twenty years and I have many Chinese friends.
Tianamen Square
I am always impressed by the fast development that can be seen everywhere in the big cities.
China Customs (GACC) is one of the really good examples of the modernization process. Today it is a modern agency meeting high international standards and with a level of competence, capacity and efficiency that is amazing in comparison with the same organization ten years ago. The strategic leadership of the agency has tranformed operations.
Also the Chinese businesses have developed and transformed the last decade. Today China is the largest economy in the world.
Wangfujing Street, my base in Beijing
I really like China and the Chinese people. I always have.
This is country that deserves to be in the center of the world, just like thousands of years ago.
On Wanfujing Street earlier today
This week it is the Dragon Boat Festival holiday. It was great to see people on the streets, relaxing with families and friends during this holiday (and with great weather).
A hot day in Dongsheng, Beijing
Now I am on my way back to Europe, but only for a short stop before gpong to South America.
Another week in the service of the society, trying to make the world a better place.
My colleague and friend, Dr. Mikhail Kashubsky has just released his book about Oil & Gas, under the name “Offshore Oil and Gas Installations Security – An International Perspective”.
The book
The launch was done in a proper setting during the 23rd Caspian Oil and Gas Exhibition in Baku, Azerbaijan last week.
Mikhail at the launch
Mikhail Kashubsky is the Head of the International Network of Customs Universities (INCU) – where I am Honorary Fellow and Member of the International Advisory Board.
The International Network of Customs Universities (INCU)
I had the privilege to be in Baku together with Mikhail last week during the events and sharing this big moment for him.
Our regional INCU Office in Baku
I have always believed in the power of research and decelopment for our sector. It is very important that we do more academic research of Customs in ghe future. There is not enough of written academic material in our field. That is why I very much appreciate theceggirts of colleagues writing books in this specific area. I congratulate Mikhail for his excellent work writing this book.
Elmar Gasimov, Rektor of the Baku Higher Oil School & Dr. Kashubsky
For the rest of you, get it and read it – it is a very interesting study and book.
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