Students and Teachers – New Partnerships in Customs
Sustainability and professional development are becoming the most important elements in today’s customs sector. With increasing demands to integrate sustainability principles into the business and public sectors, it is necessary to constantly update knowledge and strengthen cooperation with social partners. This mission will be continued at the conference “Customs Current Affairs and Sustainability” on 12th December 2024, where Assoc. Prof. Dr. Milita Vienažindienė, Head of the Department of Business and Rural Development Management of the Faculty of Bioeconomy Development of VMU ŽŪA and Chair of the Business Logistics Committee of the Master’s Programme, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Erika Besusparienė, Chair of the Customs Process Management Committee of the MBA programme, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vilma Tamulienė, Chair of the Logistics and Commerce Committee of the Bachelor’s programme, deepened their knowledge in the most relevant areas of customs.
The event was organised by the Customs Department of the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Lithuania together with the Customs Practitioners Association, of which VMU is a member. The event became an excellent platform not only for the application of theoretical knowledge, but also for strengthening relations with social partners. In the modern global context, the sustainability and effectiveness of customs institutions’ activities require continuous professional development and cooperation with various institutions.
VMU Faculty of Bioeconomic Development teachers with Customs Practitioners Association Head E. Naujoke
The conference focused on key aspects of the customs reform, including the digitalisation of customs procedures, the entry into force of new regulations and the practical implications of their implementation. The application of the EU Deforestation Regulation, which has become one of the most important sustainability issues, was discussed, as well as the adaptation of companies to new requirements, product passports and certification. Much attention was also paid to the use of artificial intelligence tools to more effectively manage the implementation of sustainability standards and ensure smoother movement of goods through customs. Enrika Naujokė, head of the Customs Practitioners Association, presented the customs knowledge assistant PICOCO, which will help simplify complex customs and international trade procedures. These topics not only highlighted the importance of sustainability, but also the need to constantly update knowledge and adapt to changing regulations to ensure the effective development of the customs sector.
The conference participants, including students, teachers and practitioners, emphasised the importance of education as a key factor contributing to the formation of a sustainable and responsible professional community in the customs field. The teachers of the VMU Faculty of Bioeconomy Development are pleased that the students of the MBA programme Customs Process Management are actively involved in the activities of the Customs Practitioners Association, creating valuable contacts with professionals and strengthening the knowledge base. At the conference, the teachers had the opportunity to meet with alumni and current students of the MBA programme Customs Process Management.
The conference “Customs Current Affairs and Sustainability” has become an important step not only for professional development, but also for ensuring long-term sustainability in the customs field.
Applications are now open for the autumn 2025 semester, and teachers are inviting international candidates interested in customs and logistics to apply via https://vytautasmagnus.dreamapply.com/ . Don’t miss the opportunity to join our programme and explore the field of customs management and international trade:
