The second phase of the WCO and JICA's Southern African Customs Valuation Training Program has concluded. The program aimed to develop trainers and enhance regional customs valuation capabilities. Recommendations include strengthening follow-up support and fostering regional cooperation to sustain the program's impact and build upon the progress achieved in improving customs valuation practices within the region.
The launch of the 'Lianxinyou' train route from Lianyungang to Kazakhstan and Europe marks an upgrade in logistics cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative. The railway spans 11,000 kilometers and reduces transport time to 12 days, enhancing transport efficiency. As a crucial logistics hub, Lianyungang facilitates economic cooperation between China and Kazakhstan and collaborates with Kazakhstan to build a modern logistics park, laying the foundation for future development.
Shandong Port Group and Yunnan Province are deepening supply chain cooperation by hosting a promotion conference that facilitates resource integration from multiple parties. They aim to provide a one-stop service solution to support regional economic development and trade facilitation, thereby initiating a new model of cooperation between the two sides.
The World Customs Organization (WCO), through Phase II of the Finland-East and Southern Africa Project, is helping customs administrations in the region enhance their gender equality capabilities. This includes providing tools, organizing training, and promoting cooperation. Workshops focused on gender mainstreaming, sharing practical examples, and developing guidelines for regional development. The WCO will continue to support national customs agencies in building a more equitable, inclusive, and efficient working environment.
The World Customs Organization (WCO), in partnership with the CCF Korea, held a virtual workshop for senior officials from the Middle East and North Africa region, focusing on data analysis capacity building. The workshop aimed to enhance the region's customs data analysis capabilities to support customs modernization. It covered topics such as introducing a data analysis framework, sharing experiences, presenting capacity building initiatives, and exploring cooperation prospects for the BACUDA project.
The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority, in collaboration with the African Civil Aviation Commission, aims to enhance cabin crew training standards in the region and integrate cabin safety more comprehensively into the National Aviation Security Programme. This initiative is expected to improve overall safety levels through unified training standards, the development of local expertise, and strengthened regional cooperation. Ultimately, this effort will contribute significantly to aviation safety in Africa and globally.
The new direct flight route between Sanya Phoenix International Airport and Samara, Russia, officially opened on October 13, with two flights per week. This route enhances Sanya's international profile and facilitates trade and tourism development between the two regions, holding significant importance for China-Russia cooperation.
The Shanghai and Zhejiang port groups have signed a cooperation agreement to jointly promote the comprehensive development of the Xiaoyangshan Port area, aiding the integration of the Yangtze River Delta. Through equity cooperation, they aim to optimize resource allocation and achieve port synergy and the establishment of a river-sea intermodal service center. In the future, they will strengthen collaboration in areas such as free trade zones and rail transportation, working together to drive coordinated regional development and create a demonstration zone.
The General Administration of Customs' Global Trade Monitoring and Analysis Center has signed a memorandum of cooperation with the Ningbo Shipping Exchange to engage in in-depth collaboration in global trade research and index construction. This partnership aims to leverage big data analysis to enhance the responsiveness of trade markets and support the development of both domestic and international trade.
MSC has introduced its first 24,000 TEU super container ship to Africa, marking a new chapter in West African shipping history. This initiative aims to enhance regional trade connectivity, boost local economic development, and demonstrate MSC's long-term commitment to the African market.
