With the assistance of the World Customs Organization (WCO), Comoros has upgraded its national commodity nomenclature to the HS 2012 version and signed the instrument of accession to the HS Convention. This aims to improve Comoros' trade efficiency, tariff revenue, and international image, bringing new opportunities for its economic development. Capacity building will follow to enhance customs officers' understanding and application of the HS.
The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) have agreed to a no-cost extension of one year for the Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP). Launched in 2018, the GTFP has benefited numerous countries by significantly improving customs management and trade facilitation through capacity building, institutional reforms, cooperation promotion, and technological innovation. This has injected new momentum into global trade development.
The 19th Heads of Asia Pacific WCO Regional Training Centers (RTCs) Meeting explored the role of remote training in customs capacity building during the pandemic. RTCs shared experiences, challenges, and innovative initiatives, emphasizing strengthened cooperation. They highlighted the use of data analytics and VR technologies to promote personalized and practical training. This aims to address the complex international trade environment and enhance regional customs capabilities.
Supported by the Swedish-funded WCO-WACAM project, the Cabo Verde Tax Authority enhanced its project management and business process optimization capabilities through capacity building missions, laying a solid foundation for customs reform. Brazilian customs experts shared their experiences to help modernize Cabo Verde Customs, optimize clearance procedures, improve service quality, and promote trade facilitation, ultimately achieving the vision of becoming a modern and efficient customs organization.
The World Customs Organization (WCO) is assisting ROCB Europe in restructuring its organizational framework to build a competency-based human resource management system, ultimately enhancing regional customs capacity building. By defining positions, constructing competency models, and providing ongoing support, the WCO aims to create an efficient talent engine that promotes regional trade facilitation and security. This initiative contributes to strengthening the global customs cooperation network.
The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a data analysis workshop for the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) to enhance its data analysis capabilities and build a data-driven organization. The workshop covered data governance, data quality, data warehouse optimization, and hands-on Python exercises. Successful experiences from Uganda and Tanzania were also shared. The WCO will continue to support its members in building data analysis capacity to jointly address global trade challenges.
The WCO's regional architecture plays a crucial role in global trade facilitation. The 2017 conference highlighted its role in supporting the WCO's strategic plan and implementing the WTO's Trade Facilitation Agreement. The conference assessed the effectiveness of regional strategic plans and donor conferences, deciding to further optimize best practice guides and enhance the use of digital platforms. This aims to improve global customs capacity building and promote trade development.
The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a workshop in Sudan to enhance customs human resource management capabilities, evaluating previous results and improving HRM tools. The workshop focused on workforce planning, job descriptions, competency frameworks, performance appraisal, and employee motivation, resulting in a new roadmap. The WCO provides expertise, technical guidance, and capacity building to help Sudanese Customs build a scientific and efficient human resource management system, enhancing customs modernization.
With funding from HM Revenue & Customs, the World Customs Organization (WCO) successfully supported Madagascar Customs in implementing its AEO program, aiming to enhance trade facilitation and supply chain security. Through technical exchanges and international experience sharing, the WCO assisted Madagascar in optimizing customs clearance procedures, improving business competitiveness, and promoting sustainable economic development. This collaboration represents another significant demonstration of the WCO's ongoing commitment to capacity building and international cooperation.
The World Customs Organization and the World Organisation for Animal Health are strengthening cooperation to create a safer, more efficient, and equitable cross-border trade environment. This collaboration focuses on enhancing cooperation among border agencies, implementing trade facilitation agreements, coordinating risk management, and building capacity. The goal is to promote global economic development and bring multiple benefits to businesses, consumers, and governments by streamlining processes and reinforcing security measures at borders.
