The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a Competency-Based Human Resource Management (CBHRM) workshop for the Serbian government, aiming to enhance human resource management and promote customs modernization within Serbian Customs. The workshop covered strategic HRM, HRM systems, the CBHRM framework, and project management. This initiative supports Serbian Customs in building a talent-driven organization.
The WCO held a workshop in Bolivia to help its customs enhance organizational transformation capabilities, implement a new strategic plan, and promote trade facilitation and sustainable development. The workshop aimed to strengthen Bolivia's customs administration by focusing on modernizing its operations and aligning them with international best practices. This initiative is expected to improve efficiency, transparency, and compliance, ultimately contributing to economic growth and regional integration. The WCO's support underscores its commitment to assisting member countries in achieving their development goals through effective customs management.
The World Customs Organization (WCO) supports the Kyrgyz Republic Customs in developing an advance ruling system to enhance customs valuation efficiency and trade facilitation. Through workshops and capacity building, the WCO assists Kyrgyz Customs in building an efficient, transparent, and reliable advance ruling system. This aims to reduce trade risks for businesses, optimize supply chain management, and improve customs control effectiveness, ultimately promoting global trade facilitation. The system is expected to provide clarity and predictability, leading to smoother customs procedures and reduced delays.
The WCO has released crisis communication guidelines to assist customs administrations in responding to pandemic challenges. The guidelines emphasize clear objectives, teamwork, and proactive planning. Effective communication is crucial for maintaining public confidence, ensuring the smooth flow of essential goods, and fostering international cooperation. These guidelines provide a framework for customs organizations to manage information effectively during times of crisis, enabling them to adapt and respond efficiently while minimizing disruption to trade and protecting public health.
The EU-WCO cooperation project promotes customs modernization in Africa by optimizing the Harmonized System and rules of origin, and strengthening capacity building. This creates a more efficient trade environment, fostering intra-African trade and regional economic integration. The project has yielded significant results and will continue to support African customs development, contributing to the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area. Its focus on streamlining procedures and enhancing skills will be crucial for unlocking Africa's trade potential and fostering sustainable economic growth across the continent.
The World Customs Organization (WCO) is assisting Madagascar Customs in implementing the Trade Facilitation Agreement and the Immediate Release Guidelines, aiming to optimize trade processes, accelerate cargo release, and promote economic growth. Through workshops, gap analysis, and field visits, the WCO is working with Madagascar Customs to advance digital transformation and improve cross-border trade efficiency. This collaboration focuses on enhancing customs procedures and infrastructure to streamline the movement of goods and boost Madagascar's economic competitiveness.
The SECO-WCO GTFP provided technical assistance to Peruvian Customs for implementing a Time Release Study (TRS). The aim was to enhance Peruvian Customs' capacity through WCO methodology training, procedure review, and software training, identifying bottlenecks and optimizing processes. The successful TRS pilot paved the way for national implementation, potentially improving Peru's trade facilitation and international competitiveness. This initiative highlights the importance of data-driven decision-making in trade facilitation. The study focused on identifying areas where customs procedures could be streamlined to reduce clearance times and improve overall efficiency.
The Jordan Customs Valuation Workshop, jointly organized by the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Customs Cooperation Fund Germany (CCF Germany), aimed to enhance the understanding and application of the Customs Valuation Agreement among Jordanian customs officials. Through theoretical learning and case studies, participants delved into key issues such as the transaction value principle and alternative valuation methods. This initiative laid the foundation for Jordan to build a fair and transparent international trade environment.
The World Customs Organization's inaugural E-commerce and Customs Valuation Symposium addressed the challenges of valuing cross-border e-commerce goods. Representatives from international organizations, customs administrations, and businesses discussed data acquisition, valuation methodologies, compliance costs, and fraud risks. The symposium emphasized international cooperation, technological innovation, and process simplification to foster a fair, transparent, and efficient cross-border e-commerce environment. The aim is to promote global trade development by addressing valuation complexities and ensuring accurate revenue collection while facilitating legitimate trade flows.
Supported by the SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme, Serbian Customs has made significant progress in standardization, transparency, cooperation, and automation, particularly in the AEO program, online application systems, and automation projects. These achievements have not only promoted Serbia's international trade but also injected new impetus into regional economic development. Serbia's reform experience provides valuable lessons for other developing countries. The advancements highlight the positive impact of targeted support and strategic implementation in streamlining customs procedures and fostering economic growth.
