WCO Program Strengthens African Customs for Trade Growth

WCO Program Strengthens African Customs for Trade Growth

The World Customs Organization (WCO), with EU funding, held a Technical and Operational Advisor (TOA) accreditation workshop for French-speaking African countries. The aim was to enhance customs officials' skills in areas like commodity classification, origin, and valuation. Through pre-accreditation and field visit assessments, the project seeks to expand the pool of experts and facilitate regional trade. Quantitative evaluation and continuous improvement are crucial for the project's success, contributing to the upgrading of African trade. The program ultimately aims to streamline customs procedures and boost economic development within the region.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WCO Certification Enhances Trade in Latin America

WCO Certification Enhances Trade in Latin America

The World Customs Organization successfully held a Mercator Programme Advisor certification workshop for the Spanish-speaking Americas region. The aim was to cultivate a group of high-quality MPA experts and promote the coordinated implementation of trade facilitation measures globally. This initiative helps relevant countries optimize customs clearance processes, reduce trade costs, and improve efficiency, injecting strong momentum into regional trade facilitation. The workshop focused on equipping participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively implement the WCO's Mercator Programme, ultimately contributing to streamlined trade procedures and economic growth.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Tenzinghillary Airport Everests Highrisk Gateway

Tenzinghillary Airport Everests Highrisk Gateway

Tenzing-Hillary Airport (Lukla Airport) in Nepal is one of the world's highest and most dangerous airports. Renowned for its unique geography and challenging flying conditions, it serves as a crucial gateway to Mount Everest. With an altitude of 9,337 feet and a runway incline of 12%, the airport demands exceptional piloting skills. Its short runway and surrounding mountainous terrain make landings and takeoffs particularly precarious, requiring specialized training and meticulous adherence to procedures. Despite the risks, it remains vital for tourism and supplies to the Everest region.

01/22/2026 Airport Codes
Read More
Californias Cliff Hatfield Airport A Vital Desert Aviation Hub

Californias Cliff Hatfield Airport A Vital Desert Aviation Hub

Cliff Hatfield Memorial Airport, located in Calipatria, California, USA, is renowned for its unique geographical location and memorial significance. The airport code CLR serves as its unique identifier, connecting the community to the world. This article delves into the airport's geographical coordinates, naming origin, practical applications, and surrounding tourism resources. It also looks ahead to its future development prospects, aiming to provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of the airport's charm. It's more than just a landing strip; it's a vital link and a testament to aviation history in the region.

01/21/2026 Airport Codes
Read More
WCO Launches Antitrafficking Training in MENA to Protect Cultural Heritage

WCO Launches Antitrafficking Training in MENA to Protect Cultural Heritage

The World Customs Organization (WCO), in collaboration with various partners, successfully conducted a training-of-trainers workshop for customs officers in the Middle East and North Africa region. This initiative aimed to enhance the capacity of customs personnel to combat the illicit trafficking of cultural property. The training covered cultural property identification, risk management, and international cooperation, emphasizing the importance of implementing relevant WCO resolutions. This training represents a significant step by the WCO in the field of cultural heritage protection and contributes to strengthening the defenses against cultural property crime.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Chabahar Port Rivals Karachi As Key Afghan Trade Hub

Chabahar Port Rivals Karachi As Key Afghan Trade Hub

The Afghan Ministry of Industry and Commerce anticipates that Iran's Chabahar Port will potentially replace Pakistan's Karachi Port as Afghanistan's primary maritime outlet. Chabahar Port boasts a strategic location and offers a free trade zone for Afghan traders. The recent shipment of Indian-aided wheat from the port signals a new era for Afghan trade. This development highlights the growing importance of Chabahar Port in facilitating regional commerce and potentially reshaping the landscape of port competition in the region, offering Afghanistan a viable alternative for its import and export activities.

01/27/2026 Port Encyclopedia
Read More
Hanjin Races to Sell Long Beach Terminal Amid Deadline Pressure

Hanjin Races to Sell Long Beach Terminal Amid Deadline Pressure

Hanjin Shipping's sale of its Long Beach terminal assets is nearing completion. After Korea Line relinquished its priority purchasing rights, HMM and MSC jointly bid. Creditors are pressuring Hanjin to expedite Korea Line's decision to avoid bankruptcy. This transaction impacts the Port of Long Beach's operations, shipping competition, and global trade. Quantifying throughput, industry consolidation, competitor strategies, and legal risks is crucial from a data-driven perspective. The outcome will significantly reshape the landscape of container shipping and port operations in the region, potentially influencing global supply chains.

01/29/2026 Logistics
Read More
Chinas COSCO Launches Thailandeurope Roro Route for Auto Exports

Chinas COSCO Launches Thailandeurope Roro Route for Auto Exports

COSCO SHIPPING Specialized Carriers launched a new Ro-Ro route connecting Thailand and Europe, facilitating Changan Automobile's first complete vehicle shipment from its Thai production base to the European market. This provides a new logistics channel for the collaborative overseas expansion of the Chinese automotive industry chain. This route marks the third key route deployed by COSCO SHIPPING's car carriers in the Thai market, further enhancing its third-country route network along the RCEP region and the Belt and Road Initiative, providing strong support for the 'globally manufactured, globally sold' strategy of Chinese automobiles.

01/30/2026 Logistics
Read More
Lesotho South Africa Study Customs Efficiency to Boost Trade

Lesotho South Africa Study Customs Efficiency to Boost Trade

Lesotho and South Africa jointly released an end-to-end clearance time study report, aiming to optimize border management and improve cross-border trade efficiency. The study focuses on the Maseru Bridge and Ficksburg Bridge border posts, highlighting the importance of trade facilitation in unlocking the potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area. Both countries are committed to implementing the report's recommendations, strengthening economic ties, and promoting regional economic development. The study underscores the critical role of efficient border procedures in fostering trade and growth within the region.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Etihad Cargo Expands Greater China Capacity by 18

Etihad Cargo Expands Greater China Capacity by 18

Etihad Cargo has announced an 18% increase in main deck cargo capacity to meet growing demand in the Greater China region. This expansion involves wet-leasing a Boeing 747-F freighter, adding flights to London and Shenzhen, and strengthening connections between Europe, the Middle East, and China. The initiative aims to enhance the transport of key goods, including e-commerce and pharmaceuticals. This strategic move builds upon Etihad Cargo's strong performance in 2023, which saw double-digit growth in both revenue and freight volume, demonstrating a precise understanding of market needs and confidence in future growth.

11/03/2025 Logistics
Read More