Uzbekistan Joins SECOWCO Program to Enhance Trade Efficiency

Uzbekistan Joins SECOWCO Program to Enhance Trade Efficiency

Uzbekistan joined the SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme to enhance customs efficiency and optimize the business environment. The project supports capacity building and organizational development, strengthens post-clearance audits, and conducts release time studies, promoting economic growth and regional connectivity. This initiative aligns with global trade facilitation trends and is expected to modernize Uzbekistan's customs, optimize regulations, and improve services. It aims to contribute significantly to the country's economic development and regional cooperation.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Enhances Customs to Boost Global Trade Competitiveness

WCO Enhances Customs to Boost Global Trade Competitiveness

The WCO Deputy Secretary General attended the ALACAT International Congress, emphasizing the crucial role of customs in enhancing global competitiveness and implementing the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. The WCO empowers customs through standardized tools, risk management, capacity building, and coordinated cooperation to promote trade facilitation. The importance of customs-business cooperation was also highlighted. Furthermore, the WCO is actively addressing the challenges of the digital age, contributing to the prosperity and development of global trade.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Gambia Enhances Trade Efficiency with Wcobacked Time Release Study

Gambia Enhances Trade Efficiency with Wcobacked Time Release Study

The World Customs Organization (WCO) supported the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) in conducting a Time Release Study (TRS) to enhance trade facilitation. Through workshops and technical assistance, the WCO helped Gambia identify bottlenecks in cargo clearance, optimize customs procedures, and align with the WTO's Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). The ultimate goal is to improve the business environment and promote sustainable economic development in Gambia. The TRS aims to streamline processes and reduce the time and cost associated with importing and exporting goods.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Trade Leaders Discuss Istanbul and ATA Conventions

Global Trade Leaders Discuss Istanbul and ATA Conventions

The 2015 Istanbul Convention Management Committee meeting focused on trade facilitation, discussing the Convention's implementation progress, the eATA project, the TIR Convention, and the WTO's Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). The meeting emphasized the compatibility between the Istanbul Convention and the TFA. Discussions also covered revising the Convention's annexes and strengthening customs-business cooperation, aiming to optimize temporary admission procedures and promote global trade development. The committee explored ways to streamline processes and enhance efficiency for businesses utilizing the ATA Carnet system.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Madagascar Customs Streamlines Trade with New Classification System

Madagascar Customs Streamlines Trade with New Classification System

With the support of the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation (GATF), Madagascar Customs has enhanced the commodity classification skills of its officers through capacity-building training. This lays the foundation for building a modern advance ruling mechanism. This initiative aims to optimize the business environment, promote trade facilitation, and help Madagascar integrate into the global trading system. The improved classification expertise contributes to efficient customs procedures and supports Madagascar's economic growth by streamlining international trade.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Costa Rica WCO Collaborate to Enhance Central American Trade

Costa Rica WCO Collaborate to Enhance Central American Trade

Costa Rica's Minister of Foreign Trade met with the WCO Secretary General to discuss trade facilitation, regional integration, and other key issues. Costa Rica emphasized simplifying border procedures, establishing joint border posts, and implementing digital platforms. The WCO recommended establishing a National Trade Facilitation Committee and conducting a Time Release Study. Both parties agreed to strengthen cooperation to improve border management and create a better business environment for companies. The meeting highlighted the commitment to streamline trade processes and promote regional economic growth through enhanced collaboration.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Vanuatu Customs Boosts Trade Efficiency with WCO Study

Vanuatu Customs Boosts Trade Efficiency with WCO Study

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a Time Release Study (TRS) workshop for the Vanuatu Customs and Inland Revenue Department to enhance customs efficiency and promote trade facilitation. The workshop covered TRS methodology, software applications, and action plan development. Through the TRS, Vanuatu aims to reduce cargo release times, improve the business environment, and fulfill its obligations under the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. This initiative is expected to streamline customs procedures and contribute to economic growth by reducing delays and costs associated with international trade.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Uzbekistan Streamlines Customs to Enhance Trade Efficiency

Uzbekistan Streamlines Customs to Enhance Trade Efficiency

Uzbekistan hosted a workshop on customs strategic planning to enhance management capabilities and promote trade facilitation. The workshop aimed to improve customs efficiency and effectiveness through strategic planning and performance evaluation. The Global Trade Facilitation program provided support for the event. The initiative underscores Uzbekistan's commitment to streamlining customs procedures, reducing trade barriers, and fostering a more competitive business environment. Ultimately, this leads to increased trade volume and economic growth. The focus on strategic planning and performance evaluation ensures sustainable improvements in customs administration.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Namibia Adopts Zambias Customs Automation Expertise

Namibia Adopts Zambias Customs Automation Expertise

Namibian Revenue Agency officials visited Zambia to study the application of the ASYCUDA World system, drawing on its experience in customs automation. The aim is to improve Namibia's own automation level, effectively implement the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement, and promote trade facilitation and economic growth. This study tour was supported by the WCO's Trade Facilitation Acceleration Programme.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Developing Nations Boost Trade Via Technical Assistance

Developing Nations Boost Trade Via Technical Assistance

This paper delves into the challenges faced by developing countries in trade facilitation negotiations. It emphasizes the crucial role of Technical Assistance and Capacity Building (TACB) in enabling these nations to benefit from streamlined trade processes. The paper proposes strategies such as establishing trade facilitation partnerships, implementing commitments in phases, and creating a WTO Trade Facilitation TACB support unit. These measures aim to help developing countries achieve mutually beneficial trade facilitation outcomes and ensure they are not left behind in the global trade landscape.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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