Asiapacific Customs Adopts VR for Regional Training

Asiapacific Customs Adopts VR for Regional Training

The 20th Meeting of Heads of WCO Regional Training Centers in Asia Pacific was held in Bangkok, Thailand. The meeting focused on empowering and strengthening regional cooperation through VR technology to enhance customs capacity building and promote regional customs modernization. The importance of impact assessment in capacity building was emphasized. The meeting also explored the challenges and future development directions of customs training under the pandemic, aiming to build a safer and more efficient regional trade environment.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Taylor Swift Tour Lifts Singapores Air Travel Amid swiftonomics

Taylor Swift Tour Lifts Singapores Air Travel Amid swiftonomics

Taylor Swift's exclusive concert tour in Singapore significantly boosted the country's airline capacity and positively impacted its economy. During the concert period, Singapore's airline capacity surged, driving consumption growth in related industries such as hotels and catering, contributing approximately 0.2% to the first quarter's GDP. Furthermore, the event sparked geopolitical and economic competition within the region, providing valuable insights for other countries and regions. This highlights the potential of the 'Concert Economy' to stimulate economic activity and attract tourism.

01/07/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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WCO Belgian Customs College Enhance Francophone Africa Customs Training

WCO Belgian Customs College Enhance Francophone Africa Customs Training

This paper analyzes a capacity-building program for Francophone African customs officials, a collaboration between the Belgian Customs Academy and the World Customs Organization. The program, employing methods like curriculum supplementation, field visits, and virtual reality training, aims to enhance the professional skills of African customs officials and their ability to navigate complex trade environments. The article highlights the importance of regional cooperation, localized application, technological innovation, and evaluation mechanisms in capacity building. It also provides relevant recommendations for improving future programs.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO and Eswatini Revenue Authority Launch Training Evaluation Pilot

WCO and Eswatini Revenue Authority Launch Training Evaluation Pilot

The World Customs Organization (WCO), in collaboration with the Eswatini Revenue Authority (ERA), launched a pilot training evaluation project to enhance customs officers' capabilities and optimize processes. This project utilizes a five-level evaluation model to comprehensively assess training effectiveness and support the HS-Africa Project and the Training of Trainers program. The project's findings will be shared at the WCO Capacity Building Committee meeting, contributing to global customs capacity building efforts. This initiative aims to improve efficiency and effectiveness within customs administrations.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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West Africa Customs Training Thrives Amid Pandemic Challenges

West Africa Customs Training Thrives Amid Pandemic Challenges

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) joint “Mentoring Training Programme” (MTP) has made significant progress in West Africa. Overcoming the impact of the pandemic through innovative models such as virtual working groups, the program successfully enhanced the capacity of customs officers in West African countries in risk management and intelligence analysis, contributing to regional trade security and economic development. The success of this program provides a valuable reference for capacity building in other developing countries.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Laos Boosts Trade with Wcobacked Customs Reform

Laos Boosts Trade with Wcobacked Customs Reform

In 2017, the WCO conducted a tariff classification capacity building project in Laos to improve its classification skills, establish an advance ruling system, and implement HS 2017. Through workshops, tool applications, and expert guidance, the capacity of Lao Customs officials was enhanced, laying the foundation for trade facilitation. The experience of Chinese Customs also provided a reference for Laos. This initiative serves as a model of international cooperation in promoting trade facilitation and contributes to the economic development of Laos.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Crossborder Ecommerce to Rise As Fed Rate Hikes Ease

Crossborder Ecommerce to Rise As Fed Rate Hikes Ease

The Fed's slowing rate hikes signal a potential recovery in the US consumer market. This article analyzes the relationship between rate hikes, inflation, and consumption. By examining the rate hike strategies of the UK and the EU, it provides data-driven strategic advice for cross-border e-commerce businesses. This guidance aims to help them seize new opportunities presented by the anticipated consumption recovery.

12/31/2025 Logistics Industry Insights
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Pacific Shipping Sees Recovery in H1 Earnings An Analysis of the Shift from Loss to Profit

Pacific Shipping Sees Recovery in H1 Earnings An Analysis of the Shift from Loss to Profit

Pacific Shipping Company reported a net profit of $30.8 million for the first half of 2023, a significant improvement from last year's losses. The company noted that the recovery of the bulk carrier market and high operational load factors contributed to the positive performance. Looking ahead, the company remains optimistic about the recovery of the shipping market and plans to continue exploring investment opportunities in second-hand vessels. Additionally, in response to the 2020 low-sulfur regulations, the company is assessing compliance strategies.

08/01/2023 Logistics Industry Insights
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WCO and ZATCA Enhance MENA Customs Training to Ease Trade

WCO and ZATCA Enhance MENA Customs Training to Ease Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO), in collaboration with Saudi ZATCA, organized a Harmonized System (HS) expert pre-certification workshop for the Middle East and North Africa region. This initiative aims to cultivate local experts, enhance regional customs capacity, and facilitate trade. Through a rigorous assessment and certification process, the WCO will expand its pool of experts, support regional capacity building efforts, and promote the standardization of global trade practices. The workshop is a key step in strengthening regional customs expertise and streamlining trade processes.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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