Uzbekistan Enhances Trade Via WTO Pact with SECOWCO Backing

Uzbekistan Enhances Trade Via WTO Pact with SECOWCO Backing

The SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme continues to support Uzbekistan in implementing the WTO's Trade Facilitation Agreement. Through workshops and other initiatives, the program focuses on key areas such as advance rulings, risk management, and cooperation between border agencies. Uzbekistan is actively responding, dedicating efforts to process optimization and capacity building to improve trade efficiency and integrate into the global economy. The country aims to streamline procedures and enhance its capabilities to facilitate smoother and faster trade flows, ultimately boosting its economic competitiveness.

G7 Urges Customs Reform to Enhance Global Trade

G7 Urges Customs Reform to Enhance Global Trade

The G7 Trade Ministers' joint statement highlights new trends in global trade, emphasizing the crucial role of customs in enhancing supply chain resilience, regulating e-commerce, and addressing climate change. The World Customs Organization (WCO) actively responds, committing to strengthen cooperation with emerging economies and enhance customs capacity building to address modern business challenges and promote efficient, responsible global trade. This includes focusing on streamlined procedures, data sharing, and technology adoption to improve border management and facilitate legitimate trade flows while combating illicit activities.

Jordan Faces Trade Hurdles Gains Under WTO Pact

Jordan Faces Trade Hurdles Gains Under WTO Pact

Jordan, under the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement, is leveraging the WCO Mercator Programme to advance customs pre-arrival rulings, border management, and other trade facilitation measures. Full implementation of the TFA is crucial for the Jordanian economy. The Mercator Programme supports Jordan in modernizing its customs procedures and aligning them with international standards, ultimately aiming to reduce trade costs and improve efficiency. This will enhance Jordan's competitiveness and contribute to sustainable economic growth.

Turkmenistan Boosts Customs Expertise in WCO Workshop

Turkmenistan Boosts Customs Expertise in WCO Workshop

In February 2025, the WCO and Turkmenistan co-organized an HS workshop in Ashgabat. The workshop aimed to enhance customs' tariff classification capabilities and contribute to trade development. This initiative underscores the importance of accurate and consistent tariff classification for efficient border management and international trade facilitation. By strengthening customs' expertise in the Harmonized System, the workshop supports Turkmenistan's efforts to align with international standards and promote economic growth through streamlined trade processes.

Integrated Trade Platforms Boost SME Global Growth

Integrated Trade Platforms Boost SME Global Growth

A foreign trade comprehensive service platform integrates services across the foreign trade process. It provides one-stop solutions for SMEs, including financing, customs clearance, tax refunds, logistics, and insurance. This helps reduce costs, improve efficiency, and mitigate risks, empowering businesses to expand into international markets. It serves as a powerful tool for SMEs engaging in international trade.

Botswana Strengthens Environmental Enforcement at Borders

Botswana Strengthens Environmental Enforcement at Borders

The World Customs Organization, in collaboration with UNEP and others, held a workshop for Botswana Customs to enhance their understanding of the Basel and Montreal Conventions. This initiative aims to strengthen their capacity to control the cross-border movement of hazardous waste and ozone-depleting substances. The workshop supports Botswana in building a green border and similar activities are planned for other beneficiary countries. The goal is to improve customs' ability to enforce environmental agreements and protect the environment through effective border management.