Global Trade Experts Gather at WCO Academy in Brussels

Global Trade Experts Gather at WCO Academy in Brussels

The 3rd WCO Knowledge Academy successfully took place in Brussels, gathering 155 customs and trade professionals from 50 countries. The two-week intensive training covered traditional customs topics, trade facilitation, security frameworks, and featured a special “Women in Leadership” workshop. The WCO Secretary General personally presented certificates, recognizing the participants' achievements. The Knowledge Academy promoted international exchange and cooperation in the field of customs and trade, contributing to global trade development.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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WCO and UNCTAD Partner to Boost Global Trade Efficiency

WCO and UNCTAD Partner to Boost Global Trade Efficiency

In 2014, the WCO and UNCTAD Secretaries-General met in Geneva, focusing on the harmonized implementation of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). They emphasized providing needs assessments and technical assistance based on WCO instruments to avoid implementation divergence. Discussions also covered addressing complex cross-border trade issues, improving transportation and logistics efficiency. Both parties committed to further strengthening cooperation to build an efficient and transparent global trade system.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Philippines Kenya Simplify Customs to Boost Trade

Philippines Kenya Simplify Customs to Boost Trade

In 2010, the Philippines and Kenya acceded to the Revised Kyoto Convention, signifying their commitment to simplifying customs procedures and promoting international trade facilitation. The Convention aims to enhance trade efficiency, reduce costs, and foster global economic growth through streamlined processes, the application of information technology, risk management, and strengthened cooperation. The promotion and effective implementation of the Convention are crucial for building a more open and interconnected global trading system.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Bangladesh Joins Revised Kyoto Convention to Enhance Trade

Bangladesh Joins Revised Kyoto Convention to Enhance Trade

Bangladesh's accession to the Revised Kyoto Convention marks a significant step towards trade facilitation. This convention aims to simplify customs procedures, improve clearance efficiency, enhance trade environment transparency, promote information technology application, strengthen risk management, and foster closer trade partnerships. This will inject new impetus into Bangladesh's economic development by streamlining trade processes and creating a more predictable and efficient trading environment, ultimately contributing to economic growth and competitiveness.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Launches Newsletter to Boost Global Customs Training

WCO Launches Newsletter to Boost Global Customs Training

The WCO has launched the 'Capacity Builder Newsletter' to support global customs capacity building. It provides information, experiences, and expert perspectives. This initiative complements briefings, certifications, and e-learning platforms, offering a comprehensive approach to enhancing customs capabilities worldwide. The newsletter aims to facilitate knowledge sharing and promote best practices within the international customs community, ultimately contributing to more efficient and effective border management and international trade facilitation.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Malta Adopts Revised Kyoto Convention to Boost Trade

Malta Adopts Revised Kyoto Convention to Boost Trade

Malta's accession to the Revised Kyoto Convention demonstrates its commitment to trade facilitation. The Convention aims to reduce trade barriers and enhance global trade efficiency by simplifying customs procedures, increasing transparency, and utilizing information technology. Malta's membership is expected to boost its trade competitiveness, attract foreign investment, and promote economic diversification. In the future, data analysis will help assess the effectiveness of the Convention's implementation and drive continuous improvement.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Niger Enhances Trade Skills with WTO Workshop

Niger Enhances Trade Skills with WTO Workshop

In 2010, the WTO held a trade facilitation workshop in Niger to identify the country's needs and priorities through self-assessment. Experts from UNCTAD and WCO assisted in the workshop, enhancing Nigerien officials' awareness of international trade challenges and clarifying actions aligned with WTO principles. The workshop focused on customs issues, deepening participants' understanding of international trade and customs affairs, and contributing to Niger's integration into the global trading system.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Moldova Adopts Global Standards to Simplify Ecommerce Customs

Moldova Adopts Global Standards to Simplify Ecommerce Customs

The WCO, in collaboration with SECO, is supporting the Moldovan Customs Service to enhance its e-commerce clearance capabilities. The initiative focuses on simplifying procedures, enabling the exchange of advance information, and addressing humanitarian aid flows. This partnership aims to improve trade facilitation and modernize customs operations in Moldova, ultimately boosting its cross-border e-commerce competitiveness and efficiency. The project seeks to streamline processes and improve overall customs effectiveness.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Colombia Boosts Customs Oversight with Global Partnerships

Colombia Boosts Customs Oversight with Global Partnerships

WCO collaborated with Colombia's DIAN to enhance its customs audit capabilities through the GTFP. The WCO provided support to optimize PCA strategies and SOPs, fostering trade facilitation and economic growth. This partnership aims to improve efficiency and effectiveness in customs procedures, ultimately contributing to a more streamlined and competitive trade environment for Colombia. The collaboration highlights the importance of international cooperation in strengthening customs administrations and promoting global trade.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Mozambique Adopts Harmonized System to Ease Global Trade

Mozambique Adopts Harmonized System to Ease Global Trade

Mozambique's accession to the International Convention on the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System, becoming the 145th contracting party, signifies an acceleration of its trade facilitation process. The Harmonized System, serving as a 'universal language' for international trade, simplifies customs procedures and promotes trade statistics, positively impacting both Mozambique's and global trade development. Looking ahead, the Harmonized System will increasingly focus on technological advancements, environmental protection, and trade security.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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