WTO WCO Assess Techs Role in Ecommerce Trade Shift

WTO WCO Assess Techs Role in Ecommerce Trade Shift

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the World Trade Organization (WTO) co-organized a seminar at the Public Forum, exploring the role of disruptive technologies and e-commerce in post-pandemic trade recovery. The conference highlighted data-driven Customs development, WTO's policy guidance, Zambia's practical experience, and the private sector's perspective. It aimed to inject new vitality into the future development of global trade. The discussions emphasized leveraging data and technology to streamline processes, improve efficiency, and foster a more resilient and inclusive global trading system in the evolving digital landscape.

China Eyes Service Export Growth Amid Trilliondollar Trade Opportunity

China Eyes Service Export Growth Amid Trilliondollar Trade Opportunity

China's service trade is entering a golden age with significant export growth potential. By deepening institutional opening-up and focusing on new drivers like digital trade, green services, and "AI + Services", while optimizing the structure of traditional and high-end services and building a collaborative ecosystem, China is poised to achieve leapfrog development in service trade. This will contribute Eastern wisdom to the global economy. The key is to foster innovation and create a more favorable environment for international cooperation in the service sector.

Usindia Trade Deal Spurs Growth Raises Farm Sector Worries

Usindia Trade Deal Spurs Growth Raises Farm Sector Worries

The US-India trade deal has sparked concerns in India regarding agricultural concessions, despite government assurances. Farmers are planning protests. The agreement includes tariff adjustments, energy and defense cooperation, and India's commitment to purchasing US goods. Market reaction has been positive, with the Rupee and stock market rising, but analysts believe the long-term impact will be limited. India needs to balance various interests and maintain its independent development to truly benefit from the agreement. It must prioritize its own agricultural sector while navigating the complexities of international trade.

Barbados Customs Modernizes with WCO Support to Boost Trade

Barbados Customs Modernizes with WCO Support to Boost Trade

With the support of the World Customs Organization, the Barbados Customs and Excise Department launched an organizational restructuring project aimed at improving operational efficiency, revenue collection, and trade facilitation. By implementing a competency-based HRM system, the department aims to foster a sense of belonging and pride among employees and develop career paths for the next generation. The Minister of Finance pledged to provide the necessary support to extend this approach across all departments within the Ministry of Finance.

Guatemala Customs Adopts WCO Standards to Boost Trade Efficiency

Guatemala Customs Adopts WCO Standards to Boost Trade Efficiency

The WCO is assisting Guatemala in accelerating its accession to the Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC), aiming to streamline customs procedures. An assessment indicates good progress, with the roadmap being maintained. RKC compliance is expected to enhance Guatemala's trade competitiveness and enable it to embrace global opportunities. This initiative focuses on trade facilitation and utilizes customs assistance to ensure successful RKC implementation, ultimately benefiting Guatemala's integration into the global trading system.

Fiji Boosts Trade Efficiency with Wcobacked Time Release Study

Fiji Boosts Trade Efficiency with Wcobacked Time Release Study

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is supporting the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) and its stakeholders in conducting a Time Release Study (TRS). This study aims to assess and optimize cargo release processes, thereby enhancing trade facilitation. With WCO's guidance and training, Fiji is expected to better fulfill its obligations under the World Trade Organization (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) and inject new vitality into its economic development. The TRS will provide valuable insights for streamlining customs procedures and improving efficiency.

ATA Carnet Digitalization to Streamline Global Trade by 2027

ATA Carnet Digitalization to Streamline Global Trade by 2027

The ATA/Istanbul Convention Administrative Committee aims for full digitalization of ATA Carnets by 2027, accelerating the global eATA transition through customs readiness guidelines and global training. The UK and Belgium completed the first fully digital round trip transaction, marking a new phase in digital customs clearance. Discussions also covered convention interpretation and manual updates, enhancing global trade efficiency, security, and sustainability. This initiative promotes trade facilitation by streamlining processes and reducing paperwork, leading to faster and more reliable international trade operations.

South Africa Eswatini Enhance Trade Via Border Efficiency Study

South Africa Eswatini Enhance Trade Via Border Efficiency Study

South Africa and Eswatini jointly launched a Time Release Study (TRS) at the Oshoek-Ngwenya border post. The study aims to improve the efficiency of goods clearance by identifying and addressing bottlenecks in border procedures. Supported by the World Customs Organization (WCO), the study is expected to release its findings in April 2024. The results will provide both countries with a basis for optimizing border management and promoting trade facilitation. This initiative is crucial for streamlining cross-border trade and enhancing economic cooperation between South Africa and Eswatini.

Global Trade Adopts HS Codes for Green Equipment Tracking

Global Trade Adopts HS Codes for Green Equipment Tracking

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a series of workshops exploring the use of the Harmonized System (HS) to support environmentally sustainable trade. The workshops focused on the challenges and opportunities in identifying green technologies, incorporating perspectives from the EU, APEC, BIR, IRENA, and industry representatives. The aim was to promote the green transformation of the HS, facilitate trade in environmentally friendly machinery and equipment, and address classification challenges in the circular economy. The discussions highlighted the importance of accurate HS codes for promoting green trade initiatives and achieving environmental sustainability goals.

Comoros Customs Adopts Harmonized System to Boost Trade Efficiency

Comoros Customs Adopts Harmonized System to Boost Trade Efficiency

Comoros Customs is actively preparing for the early application of the Harmonized System (HS) through capacity building and expert support. This initiative aims to improve trade efficiency, optimize tariff management, and attract foreign investment. This presents opportunities for businesses, requiring them to strengthen their understanding of the HS, optimize supply chains, and expand market channels. Establishing a strong partnership with Comoros Customs is crucial to collectively embrace a bright future for trade development.