Ohrid, 2026 – Representatives of the academic staff of Mother Teresa University in Skopje participated in the 18th International Scientific Conference on the Service Sector – INSCОSES 2026, organized by the Faculty of Tourism in Ohrid at the St. Clement of Ohrid University of Bitola.

As part of the conference, the scientific paper entitled “Modernization of Customs Systems in the Western Balkans: From Reform Milestones to Regional Interoperability” was presented, authored by Assoc. Prof. Urim Iseni, Ph.D., and Full Prof. Neritan Turkeshi, Ph.D.

The paper examines the modernization process of customs administrations in the six Western Balkan economies during the period 2010–2023, with a particular focus on the digitalization of customs procedures, risk management, NCTS, AEO programs, the Single Window system, and cross-border data exchange.

The research findings indicate a common direction in customs reforms across the region, but with different paces and approaches to implementation at the national level. They also point to an increasing orientation toward interoperability and regional cooperation.

Participation in the conference represents a contribution to the promotion of scientific research activities and the exchange of academic knowledge and experience in the fields of customs modernization and trade facilitation.

During the conference, we were also given the opportunity to meet with the Dean’s Office of the Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality – Ohrid. The meeting focused on opportunities for further cooperation between our institutions, with particular emphasis on strengthening academic and professional collaboration.

The discussion addressed opportunities for implementing joint activities, exchanging experiences and best practices, organizing conferences, seminars, and other professional activities, as well as creating opportunities for cooperation and exchange of academic staff and students.