West and Central Africa Boost Security with Customs Network

West and Central Africa Boost Security with Customs Network

The West and Central Africa Customs Organization (WCO) enhanced the intelligence capabilities and Customs Enforcement Network (CEN) application skills of customs officers in the region through a webinar. This initiative aims to strengthen intelligence sharing and jointly combat fraud and transnational organized crime, thereby maintaining regional security and stability. The webinar focused on improving the officers' abilities to collect, analyze, and disseminate customs intelligence, ultimately contributing to a more effective and coordinated approach to law enforcement within the region.

WCO Fellowship Program Boosts Customs Modernization in Developing Nations

WCO Fellowship Program Boosts Customs Modernization in Developing Nations

Participants of the 91st World Customs Organization (WCO) training program have completed the second phase of their training. This program aims to enhance the capabilities of customs officials from developing countries and promote the modernization of their respective national customs administrations. The participants attended leadership workshops at the WCO headquarters and had exchanges with the Secretary-General. They are currently undertaking study visits in China, Japan, or Korea.

WCO JICA Boost Pacific Island Customs Training

WCO JICA Boost Pacific Island Customs Training

The WCO-JICA MTP project empowers Pacific Island customs administrations by developing local trainers and regional training materials to enhance customs capabilities. The third working group activity was held in Fiji, focusing on strengthening regional collaboration and ensuring sustainable capacity building within the customs administrations of the Pacific Island countries. The project aims to improve customs efficiency and effectiveness through tailored training programs and resources, ultimately contributing to economic growth and security in the region.

WCO Resumes Leadership Program to Train Future Customs Leaders

WCO Resumes Leadership Program to Train Future Customs Leaders

The WCO relaunched its Leadership Development Programme, aiming to enhance the leadership and management capabilities of customs officials. This initiative addresses international trade challenges and promotes customs modernization. Sixteen countries have benefited from the program. The WCO expresses gratitude to China, Japan, and Korea for their financial contributions and support.

Ethiopia Boosts Trade with WCO Harmonized System Partnership

Ethiopia Boosts Trade with WCO Harmonized System Partnership

The Ethiopian Customs Commission (ECC), in collaboration with the World Customs Organization (WCO), enhances the professional capacity of its officers in the Harmonized System (HS). This article emphasizes the importance of commodity classification, shares highlights from the ECC's study visit, and provides references and suggestions for customs and enterprises in other developing countries. The aim is to improve trade competitiveness through strengthened customs expertise and efficient classification practices, ultimately contributing to smoother international trade flows.

Lesotho Revenue Authority Modernizes Talent Management for Efficiency

Lesotho Revenue Authority Modernizes Talent Management for Efficiency

The Lesotho Revenue Authority (LRA) is implementing a competency-based human resource management system in collaboration with the World Customs Organization (WCO) to enhance operational efficiency and tax revenue. WCO workshops and capacity-building support are helping LRA staff acquire modern HR management skills and develop action plans. With strong commitment from LRA leadership, talent management is poised to be a key driver in the tax department's transformation. This initiative signifies a significant step towards modernizing the LRA and improving its ability to meet its revenue collection goals.

South Korea Increases Support for WCO Language Fund

South Korea Increases Support for WCO Language Fund

The Korea Customs Service (KCS) increased its contribution to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Language Fund, aiming to promote broader participation in WCO activities by customs administrations by overcoming language barriers through translation and interpretation services. Simultaneously, the WCO emphasizes the importance of digital transformation and data culture, encouraging members to leverage data-driven decision-making and build data ecosystems to enhance customs management efficiency and global trade facilitation. This initiative highlights the WCO's commitment to both inclusivity and modernization within the global customs community.

WCO Streamlines Regional Structure to Improve Global Trade

WCO Streamlines Regional Structure to Improve Global Trade

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.

Malawi Boosts Wildlife Trafficking Crackdown with WCO Aid

Malawi Boosts Wildlife Trafficking Crackdown with WCO Aid

The WCO is assisting the Malawi Revenue Authority in enhancing its intelligence capabilities to combat illegal wildlife trade. This support includes providing expert assistance and training to strengthen the implementation of the CITES convention. The initiative aims to build a global enforcement network to effectively address wildlife trafficking. By improving intelligence gathering and analysis, the Malawi Revenue Authority will be better equipped to identify and intercept shipments of illegal wildlife products, contributing to the protection of endangered species and the disruption of criminal networks involved in this illicit trade.

Gabon Enhances Customs Skills with WCO Training Program

Gabon Enhances Customs Skills with WCO Training Program

Under the WCO-WACAM project funded by the Swedish government, the Gabon Customs Administration successfully held a 'Train-the-Trainer' workshop. This significantly enhanced the capabilities of 23 participants in key areas such as customs valuation and tariffs. The project not only lays the foundation for a sustainable talent development system within Gabon Customs but also provides valuable lessons learned for other developing countries. The workshop aimed to empower participants to become effective trainers and contribute to the long-term strengthening of customs operations.