Uzbekistan Unveils Major Customs Reform to Boost Trade

Uzbekistan Unveils Major Customs Reform to Boost Trade

Uzbekistan launched the second phase of the Global Trade Facilitation Program (GTFP), aiming to enhance customs capabilities, optimize trade processes, reduce trade costs, and promote cross-border trade development. The project will focus on organizational development and trade facilitation, leveraging WCO capacity-building tools to upgrade Uzbekistan's customs system, injecting new momentum into economic growth. This initiative seeks to streamline procedures, improve efficiency, and ultimately contribute to a more competitive and integrated trading environment for Uzbekistan.

WCO Shifts Focus to Capacity Building Amid Economic Strains

WCO Shifts Focus to Capacity Building Amid Economic Strains

A high-level working group meeting of the World Customs Organization (WCO) explored customs capacity building in the context of the global economic situation. The meeting reviewed project progress and planned the functions of the new committee, aiming to contribute to the development of customs worldwide. Discussions focused on enhancing efficiency and effectiveness of customs administrations to facilitate trade and ensure security, aligning with the WCO's commitment to supporting its members in adapting to evolving global challenges.

Temus Lowcost Model Tests Crossborder Ecommerce Sellers

Temus Lowcost Model Tests Crossborder Ecommerce Sellers

Pinduoduo's cross-border project, Temu, has rapidly risen using a low-price strategy, demanding suppliers offer prices below wholesale. It implements strict background checks and a demanding work environment. Sellers need to optimize their supply chains, differentiate product selection, and improve product quality to address the low-price challenge. Temu's future development requires a focus on quality and service alongside low prices to achieve sustainable growth. The key is balancing affordability with customer satisfaction in the long run.

Nigeria Customs Modernizes Ruling System to Ease Trade

Nigeria Customs Modernizes Ruling System to Ease Trade

The Nigeria Customs Service is actively implementing a national Advance Ruling System aimed at reducing trade costs, improving efficiency, and enhancing trade predictability for businesses by pre-determining commodity classification, tax rates, and other relevant matters. This initiative, part of the EU-World Customs Organization Africa HS project, draws on the successful experiences of Ethiopia and Liberia. It is expected to significantly improve Nigeria's business environment and promote economic development by providing clarity and certainty to traders before importation.

Moldova Streamlines Aid Clearance Via WCO Trade Program

Moldova Streamlines Aid Clearance Via WCO Trade Program

The Swiss-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP) continues to support the Moldovan Customs Service in enhancing the efficiency of clearing humanitarian aid supplies. This is achieved through stakeholder workshops and the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). The project aims to foster collaboration among stakeholders, streamline processes, and ensure the rapid delivery of relief goods, aligning with relevant provisions of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. The initiative focuses on simplifying customs procedures related to humanitarian assistance entering Moldova.

Central America Adopts Kyoto Convention to Modernize Customs

Central America Adopts Kyoto Convention to Modernize Customs

The Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO)-World Customs Organization Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP) launched an assistance program in Central America to help countries adopt the Revised Kyoto Convention, simplify customs procedures, and promote trade facilitation. Through workshops, self-assessments, and capacity building, the project will support Central America in improving customs management and integrating into the global trade system. The initiative aims to enhance efficiency and transparency in customs operations across the region.

Prologis Reports Rising Demand in Logistics Real Estate

Prologis Reports Rising Demand in Logistics Real Estate

The Prologis IBI index indicates a turning point in logistics real estate demand in Q3, with increases in net absorption, new lease signings, and project pipelines. The report analyzes the drivers behind this demand recovery, including customer actions, improved utilization rates, and a more favorable market environment. While vacancy rates are expected to remain stable in the short term, the market is projected to tighten in the long term as new supply decreases, potentially leading to accelerated rental growth.

Prologis Reports Rising Demand in Logistics Real Estate Sector

Prologis Reports Rising Demand in Logistics Real Estate Sector

The Prologis IBI index indicates a rebound in logistics real estate demand, with increased net absorption, new leasing activity, and project pipeline. Companies are actively addressing trade uncertainties by boosting supply chain investments and improving operational efficiency, leading to a better market environment. While vacancy rates remain stable in the short term, construction is slowing down, potentially accelerating rental growth. Investors should focus on prime assets in core locations, adapt flexibly to market changes, and strengthen risk management strategies.

Liberia Enhances Tax Collection with WCO Assistance

Liberia Enhances Tax Collection with WCO Assistance

With the support of the WCO WACAM project, the Liberia Revenue Authority is actively implementing a competency-based human resource management system. This includes developing tools such as job benchmarks, competency frameworks, and job descriptions, as well as formulating human resource and training strategies. This initiative aims to enhance employee performance, achieve organizational goals, and inject new vitality into Liberia's economic development and social progress. The focus is on building a skilled and effective tax workforce.

Ecommerce Sellers Face Shoe Sole Patent Lawsuits

Ecommerce Sellers Face Shoe Sole Patent Lawsuits

Cross-border e-commerce sellers should be aware of the risk of patent infringement related to shoe soles! Recently, some sellers have been sued for imitating shoe sole designs, and their accounts may be frozen. This article reminds sellers to withdraw funds promptly to avoid high settlement fees and provides a detailed analysis of the three types of Amazon patent infringement and methods to avoid them. It emphasizes the importance of conducting thorough checks before launching new products, implementing differentiated designs, and securing patent protection. Compliant operation is key to the long-term development of cross-border e-commerce.