Hunnu Airlines has launched a direct flight from Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, to Beijing Daxing International Airport, utilizing the Embraer E195-E2 aircraft for the first time. This marks a new development in the China-Mongolia air corridor. The new route aims to strengthen communication and cooperation between the two countries and promote further growth in the tourism industry.
The new international freight corridor between China, Mongolia, and Russia has officially opened, leveraging Guangxi's geographical advantage to connect ASEAN with Russia. During the inaugural trial run, refrigerated trucks commenced trade from Nanning to Ulan-Ude, facilitating the northward transport of southern produce and promoting new economic development in the region. This initiative injects vitality into the fruit trade between Guangxi and ASEAN, fostering the establishment of a new economic corridor.
A meeting was held at the Harbin Customs on the China-Russia border to discuss and promote customs cooperation and trade facilitation between the two countries. The conference aimed to strengthen the connection between the 'Longjiang Silk Road' and the 'Coastal Highway 1,' addressing issues such as port management and mutual recognition of commodity regulation. Future cooperation directions were planned to promote the smooth progress of bilateral trade.
The launch of the 'Lianxinyou' train route from Lianyungang to Kazakhstan and Europe marks an upgrade in logistics cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative. The railway spans 11,000 kilometers and reduces transport time to 12 days, enhancing transport efficiency. As a crucial logistics hub, Lianyungang facilitates economic cooperation between China and Kazakhstan and collaborates with Kazakhstan to build a modern logistics park, laying the foundation for future development.
Customs training managers from the Asia-Pacific region gathered to discuss enhancing the professionalism and capabilities of regional customs personnel through strategic collaboration, competency models, and closed-loop training. The meeting emphasized the importance of innovative learning and technology empowerment. Participants proposed compiling a “Compendium of Good Practices” to promote regional cooperation and build a mutually beneficial “Customs Training Community.” The discussions centered on fostering a collaborative environment for knowledge sharing and developing effective training programs to address evolving customs challenges.
On November 19, the Erenhot Port launched the first phase of the "three mutuals" cross-border reform pilot, marking the success of Inner Mongolia's first pilot project. This reform aims to simplify customs procedures, enhance efficiency, and achieve one-stop operations through customs and inspection cooperation. The establishment of a joint inspection center will significantly reduce customs clearance times, providing new opportunities for regional economic development and China-Mongolia trade.
The 25th WCO Asia-Pacific Regional Heads of Customs Conference successfully concluded in Sydney, focusing on the theme of 'Customs Engaging Purposefully with Traditional and New Partners,' emphasizing international supply chain resilience. The conference reviewed the implementation of the regional strategic plan, approved a new strategic plan, endorsed a draft WCO resolution supporting enhanced Customs-industry resilience, and approved the establishment of a WCO Regional Training Center in Cambodia. This marks a new chapter for customs cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region.
The World Customs Organization (WCO) emphasized the critical importance of international cooperation in the face of global crises at an international organization annual meeting. Secretary General Kunio Mikuriya highlighted the WCO's measures to ensure smooth cargo flow during the pandemic, emphasizing the inclusiveness and flexibility of international instruments. He called for strengthening cooperation platforms to transform challenges into opportunities. The WCO's efforts demonstrate the vital role of collaboration in navigating global disruptions and fostering resilience in international trade.
The Regional Intelligence Liaison Office (RILO) network held its second virtual meeting to strengthen international cooperation during the pandemic. The meeting highlighted RILO's crucial role in data quality and combating illegal wildlife trade. Participants also discussed involvement in WCO meetings and preparations for the global RILO conference. Facing global challenges, the RILO network will continue to enhance cooperation and capabilities to contribute to global trade security and economic development. The focus remains on improving information sharing and coordinated efforts to address evolving threats.
The 2015 Liaison Office Meeting on Customs Capacity Building in West and Central Africa was held in Senegal, focusing on regional customs reform and capacity enhancement. The meeting reviewed the implementation of the strategic plan, initiated the identification of assistance needs, promoted a regional capacity-building market, and discussed key projects. Through mutual cooperation and field visits, the aim was to improve regional customs efficiency, facilitate trade, and safeguard the economic development of West and Central Africa. The meeting emphasized collaboration to strengthen customs operations and regional integration.
