WTO Advances Trade Talks Sets New Meeting Schedule

WTO Advances Trade Talks Sets New Meeting Schedule

The World Trade Organization (WTO) has released the work program and meeting schedule of the Trade Facilitation Negotiating Group, aiming to simplify customs procedures, enhance trade transparency, and promote global trade. The plan covers revised rules, technical assistance, customs cooperation, special and differential treatment, needs assessment, and international collaboration. The meeting schedule has been initially determined and will be further consulted with member countries. Trade facilitation is crucial for promoting trade growth, attracting investment, and fostering economic development. However, it also faces challenges, requiring strengthened international cooperation.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Sri Lanka Forms Trade Panel to Spur Economic Growth

Sri Lanka Forms Trade Panel to Spur Economic Growth

Sri Lanka established the National Trade Facilitation Committee (NTFC) to coordinate domestic departments in cross-border trade and promote the implementation of trade facilitation measures, thereby driving national economic development. The NTFC will be responsible for policy consultation, supervision and evaluation, strategic coordination, departmental coordination, problem identification and resolution, information center construction, and international cooperation. By optimizing trade processes and improving trade efficiency, it aims to promote economic growth. The NTFC is expected to streamline procedures and enhance Sri Lanka's competitiveness in the global market.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Namibia Boosts Trade Efficiency with WCO Partnership

Namibia Boosts Trade Efficiency with WCO Partnership

At the request of Namibia, the WCO conducted an assessment of its TFA implementation. The objective was to identify challenges and provide recommendations for improvement. This diagnostic aims to pave the way for future collaboration to enhance Namibia's trade facilitation performance. The WCO will work with Namibia to address identified weaknesses and build capacity, ultimately contributing to smoother and more efficient trade processes. The assessment covers various aspects of TFA implementation, offering a comprehensive overview of Namibia's current standing and potential for growth in trade facilitation.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
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St Lucia Aims to Enhance Trade Via AEO Program

St Lucia Aims to Enhance Trade Via AEO Program

Saint Lucia initiated its AEO program exploration in 2009, aiming to simplify customs procedures and enhance business competitiveness by certifying secure and reliable trade operators. A workshop shared Jamaica's experience, emphasizing the importance of swift action. While the private sector expressed concerns, it pledged support. AEO certification is a global trend, and Saint Lucia needs to overcome challenges and seize opportunities to achieve trade facilitation and economic development. The program seeks to streamline processes and improve efficiency for authorized economic operators, fostering a more competitive and attractive trade environment.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Central American Customs Boost Global Trade with New Partnerships

Central American Customs Boost Global Trade with New Partnerships

The Heads of Customs Administrations of the Americas and the Caribbean Conference was held in Guatemala, focusing on global connectivity, risk management, and customs-business cooperation. The importance of the Revised Kyoto Convention was emphasized. Guatemala was elected as the new WCO Regional Vice-Chair. The conference promoted regional customs cooperation and pointed the way for global trade facilitation. It addressed key challenges and opportunities in the region, aiming to enhance efficiency and security in international trade flows. The discussions highlighted the need for collaborative efforts to streamline customs procedures.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Urges Customsbroker Collaboration to Streamline Global Trade

WCO Urges Customsbroker Collaboration to Streamline Global Trade

The WCO Deputy Secretary-General attended the IFCBA World Congress, emphasizing the crucial role of customs-broker cooperation in trade facilitation. The conference highlighted China Customs' proactive efforts under the Belt and Road Initiative and explored areas of cooperation such as information sharing, capacity building, and compliance incentives. The aim is to build a closer customs-business relationship and promote global trade development. This collaboration is essential for streamlining processes, reducing costs, and ensuring security in the international supply chain, ultimately benefiting both customs administrations and the trading community.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Bahamas Customs Enhances Trade with WCO Partnership

Bahamas Customs Enhances Trade with WCO Partnership

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is assisting Bahamas Customs in launching its first Time Release Study (TRS) to identify bottlenecks and optimize processes, ultimately improving trade efficiency. Through the TRS and the development of a Single Window system, the Bahamas aims to significantly improve its business environment, enhance international competitiveness, and lay the groundwork for joining the World Trade Organization. The WCO will continue to provide support to help the Bahamas achieve its trade facilitation goals. This initiative is crucial for economic growth and integration into the global trading system.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Togo Boosts Trade with Wcobacked Customs AEO Program

Togo Boosts Trade with Wcobacked Customs AEO Program

The WCO is assisting the Togo Revenue Authority in establishing an AEO program to enhance trade facilitation. This initiative focuses on optimizing processes and strengthening cooperation to promote economic growth in Togo. By implementing the AEO program, Togo aims to streamline customs procedures, reduce trade barriers, and attract foreign investment. The program's success will contribute to increased efficiency in cross-border trade and a more competitive business environment for Togolese companies. This collaboration between the WCO and Togo Customs is expected to yield significant benefits for the country's economy.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Enhancing Port Competitiveness in Container Transshipment Business

Enhancing Port Competitiveness in Container Transshipment Business

In recent years, port cities have regarded container transshipment as a key competitive advantage by enhancing economic and geographic conditions as well as both hardware and software facilities to attract transshipment cargo. Ports like Singapore and Hong Kong have become global transshipment hubs due to their unique advantages. The transshipment business not only increases port throughput but also promotes the long-term development of the ports.

07/21/2025 Logistics
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