Zimbabwe Enhances Crossborder Trade with Risk Management Training

Zimbabwe Enhances Crossborder Trade with Risk Management Training

The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority, with support from the WCO and HMRC, successfully conducted a risk management workshop. This initiative empowered cross-border regulatory agencies, enhanced risk management capabilities, and promoted trade facilitation. By strengthening risk management practices and coordinating border management efforts, Zimbabwe is building a more efficient and secure environment for cross-border trade. The workshop aimed to equip officials with the necessary skills to identify and mitigate risks associated with international trade, ultimately contributing to economic growth and improved border security.

Sierra Leone Boosts Trade with WCO Customs Upgrade

Sierra Leone Boosts Trade with WCO Customs Upgrade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) assessed Sierra Leone Customs' valuation capabilities to support its WTO commitments and enhance trade facilitation and revenue management. This assessment aims to identify areas for improvement and provide targeted capacity building initiatives. By strengthening customs valuation procedures, Sierra Leone can ensure accurate revenue collection, streamline trade processes, and promote a more transparent and efficient trading environment. The WCO's support is crucial for Sierra Leone to effectively implement its WTO obligations and achieve sustainable economic growth through improved trade practices.

West Africa Launches Electronic Trade Transit System

West Africa Launches Electronic Trade Transit System

Five West African nations are jointly developing an electronic transit system to streamline processes, reduce costs, and improve efficiency, thereby promoting regional economic integration and supporting trade facilitation agreements. This initiative aims to modernize customs procedures and enhance the movement of goods within the region, fostering economic growth and attracting investment. By leveraging technology, the system seeks to overcome existing bottlenecks and create a more predictable and transparent trade environment for businesses operating in West Africa.

Hungary Conference Explores Tax and Customs Cooperation Reforms

Hungary Conference Explores Tax and Customs Cooperation Reforms

A tax and customs cooperation conference held in Hungary focused on improving the synergistic efficiency of tax and customs departments. The World Customs Organization emphasized the importance of data sharing, joint risk management, and capacity building. The conference also commemorated Hungarian customs pioneers and explored future cooperation trends towards intelligence and synergy, aiming to build a more prosperous and secure international trade environment. The discussions highlighted the need for streamlined processes and enhanced collaboration to facilitate legitimate trade while combating illicit activities.

WCO Aids Mongolia in Strengthening Customs Risk Management

WCO Aids Mongolia in Strengthening Customs Risk Management

The World Customs Organization (WCO) collaborated with Mongolian Customs to conduct a passenger risk screening workshop in Ulaanbaatar, aiming to enhance Mongolia's risk-based passenger targeting capabilities. The workshop covered risk management frameworks, behavioral analysis, questioning techniques, and the application of WCO risk management tools. It emphasized the strategic importance of risk management in customs modernization and explored future trends in intelligent risk management.

Benin Customs Adopts Competency Model to Enhance Efficiency

Benin Customs Adopts Competency Model to Enhance Efficiency

With the support of the Swedish government through the WACAM project, Benin Customs has successfully implemented a competency-based human resource management system. This system covers key areas such as recruitment, training, and performance evaluation, aiming to enhance the overall effectiveness of the customs administration. The Minister of Finance expressed support for the project and hopes to extend it to the tax department. A pilot competency assessment project will be launched at Cotonou Airport, laying the foundation for the modernization of human resources within Benin Customs.

Sierra Leone Adopts WCO Study to Boost Trade Efficiency

Sierra Leone Adopts WCO Study to Boost Trade Efficiency

The WCO supported Sierra Leone in enhancing its customs efficiency by hosting a Time Release Study workshop. This initiative aimed to optimize clearance procedures and promote trade facilitation. The workshop focused on identifying bottlenecks and implementing strategies to improve the speed and predictability of customs processes. The project was funded by the UK's HMRC, demonstrating international collaboration in supporting Sierra Leone's efforts to streamline trade and boost economic growth through more efficient customs operations.

El Salvador Upgrades Customs Labs to Boost Trade Efficiency

El Salvador Upgrades Customs Labs to Boost Trade Efficiency

El Salvador hosted a workshop on modernizing customs laboratories to enhance commodity classification capabilities and promote trade facilitation. Sponsored by the World Customs Organization (WCO), the workshop focused on the Harmonized System (HS) classification and international cooperation. The aim was to improve the accuracy and efficiency of customs procedures, ultimately contributing to smoother and faster trade flows. This initiative underscores the importance of modern customs infrastructure and skilled personnel in supporting global trade and economic development.

WCO Program Enhances South African Tax Authority Efficiency

WCO Program Enhances South African Tax Authority Efficiency

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a Leadership and Management Development Workshop in South Africa to support the South African Revenue Service (SARS) in enhancing the capabilities of its middle managers and driving organizational reform. The workshop emphasized the importance of self-awareness, strategic management, people management, communication skills, and change management. Follow-up cooperation is planned to develop a regional center of expertise. Leadership and management development are crucial for organizational success, requiring continuous learning and practice.

WCO UNCTAD Aid Ghanas Trade Reforms Under Mercator Program

WCO UNCTAD Aid Ghanas Trade Reforms Under Mercator Program

The WCO and UNCTAD are supporting Ghana in enhancing its trade facilitation capabilities to implement the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement, improve its trade environment, and promote economic development. Funding support is provided by the UK's HMRC. This initiative aims to streamline customs procedures, reduce trade costs, and boost Ghana's competitiveness in the global market. By strengthening institutional capacity and promoting international cooperation, the project contributes to sustainable economic growth and regional integration.