Belize Customs Boosts Training with WCO Assistance

Belize Customs Boosts Training with WCO Assistance

The World Customs Organization (WCO) assisted the Belize Customs and Excise Department (CED) in its human resources reform and modernization efforts. Through workshops, CED senior management analyzed existing strategies and business plans, developing a human resources strategy, development plan, and training calendar. These initiatives aim to enhance CED's human resources management capabilities to meet the evolving challenges of global trade and promote economic development in Belize. The collaboration underscores the importance of international cooperation in strengthening customs administrations and fostering efficient trade practices.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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West and Central Africa Push to Modernize Customs Systems

West and Central Africa Push to Modernize Customs Systems

The 7th Annual Meeting of Capacity Building Focal Points for West and Central Africa focused on customs reform and modernization strategies. Key challenges discussed included leadership, human resources, outsourcing responsibility repatriation, and trade facilitation. The meeting emphasized strengthening regional cooperation and WCO support to enhance customs management, promote regional economic development, and build an efficient and secure global trade system. The discussions aimed to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of customs administrations in the region, ultimately contributing to increased trade and economic growth.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Bhutan Boosts Trade Efficiency with WCO Tariff Support

Bhutan Boosts Trade Efficiency with WCO Tariff Support

The WCO is assisting Bhutan in developing its advance ruling system and optimizing tariff classification, enhancing customs capacity, facilitating trade, increasing revenue, and improving the business environment. This initiative focuses on modernizing customs procedures and providing traders with certainty regarding tariff treatment before import or export. By implementing a robust advance ruling system, Bhutan aims to streamline trade processes, reduce disputes, and attract foreign investment. The project contributes to the overall modernization of Bhutanese customs and its alignment with international best practices.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
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West and Central Africa Customs Modernize HR at Ouagadougou Meeting

West and Central Africa Customs Modernize HR at Ouagadougou Meeting

The 9th Conference of Heads of Human Resources Management and Training of Customs in West and Central Africa convened in Ouagadougou, focusing on the theme of "Investing in Human Capital." The conference aimed to promote the modernization of customs human resources management in the region. The meeting adopted the "Ouagadougou Declaration," emphasizing the responsibilities of all parties and promoting regional cooperation and capacity building. This initiative lays the foundation for enhancing the effectiveness of customs in West and Central Africa.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Colombia Customs Boosts Efficiency with WCO Partnership

Colombia Customs Boosts Efficiency with WCO Partnership

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through its Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP), remotely assisted the Colombian Customs (DIAN) in strategic planning and optimizing its Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) system to improve management efficiency. The project aims to build a sustainable performance management system, supporting DIAN's institutional transformation and capacity building. This initiative lays the foundation for the modernization of Colombian Customs and contributes to global trade facilitation efforts. The GTFP's support is crucial for enhancing DIAN's strategic alignment and operational effectiveness.

01/19/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO and Sida Collaborate to Modernize African Customs

WCO and Sida Collaborate to Modernize African Customs

The WCO, in partnership with Sida, launched the "Project to Promote Trade Facilitation and Customs Modernization" aimed at enhancing customs capacity in Sub-Saharan Africa. The project optimizes the cross-border trade environment, fostering economic growth and poverty reduction. It focuses on strategic capacity building, operational efficiency improvements, promotion of trade facilitation measures, strengthened regional cooperation, and ensuring sustainable development. The initiative seeks to streamline customs procedures and reduce trade barriers, ultimately contributing to increased trade flows and economic prosperity in the region.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Benin Customs Adopts Competency Model to Enhance Efficiency

Benin Customs Adopts Competency Model to Enhance Efficiency

With the support of the Swedish government through the WACAM project, Benin Customs has successfully implemented a competency-based human resource management system. This system covers key areas such as recruitment, training, and performance evaluation, aiming to enhance the overall effectiveness of the customs administration. The Minister of Finance expressed support for the project and hopes to extend it to the tax department. A pilot competency assessment project will be launched at Cotonou Airport, laying the foundation for the modernization of human resources within Benin Customs.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Egyptian Customs Boosts Leadership Skills Via WCO Partnership

Egyptian Customs Boosts Leadership Skills Via WCO Partnership

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a leadership and management development workshop in Alexandria, Egypt, for senior officials of the Egyptian Customs Authority. The workshop aimed to enhance their leadership skills and ability to drive reform. Topics covered included leadership, integrity, gender equality, negotiation, personnel management, communication, and change management. The workshop fostered individual and organizational development and provided strong support for the modernization process of Egyptian Customs. It focused on building the capabilities needed to effectively manage and lead the organization through ongoing changes.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Burundi Adopts Competencybased HRM System for Revenue Authority

Burundi Adopts Competencybased HRM System for Revenue Authority

With support from the World Customs Organization, the Burundi Revenue Authority is undergoing modernization through the development of a competency-based HRM system. This aims to improve operational efficiency, increase tax revenue, and enhance stakeholder relations. The workshop focused on empowering the HR department to build a competency model and develop an action plan. The WCO will continue to provide support to help the Burundi Revenue Authority achieve its modernization goals. This initiative highlights the importance of HR in driving organizational change and improving public service delivery.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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South Africas SARS Boosts Female Leadership in Organizational Overhaul

South Africas SARS Boosts Female Leadership in Organizational Overhaul

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held an all-women leadership workshop in South Africa for the South African Revenue Service (SARS). The workshop aimed to enhance the leadership skills of female managers and promote institutional reform. Focusing on the challenges faced by SARS, the workshop covered topics such as strategic management and personnel management. Participants actively engaged and benefited greatly. Funded by the Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs, the event reflects the importance placed on women's leadership development and customs modernization. This initiative contributes to building a more inclusive and effective customs administration.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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