Rwanda Uses Drones to Deliver Critical Medical Supplies

Rwanda Uses Drones to Deliver Critical Medical Supplies

Rwanda pioneered drone delivery of medical supplies, addressing the 'last mile' challenge in remote areas. This innovative model, with its 30-minute rapid response, saves lives and offers a valuable lesson for developing countries. However, the cost, safety, and regulatory aspects of drone delivery still require careful consideration. Rwanda's initiative showcases the potential of drone technology to improve healthcare access and efficiency, while highlighting the need for responsible implementation and oversight.

01/28/2026 Logistics
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Trade Facilitation Pact Boosts Global Commerce

Trade Facilitation Pact Boosts Global Commerce

The Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) is a key agreement reached by the World Trade Organization, aimed at simplifying customs procedures, enhancing transparency, strengthening cooperation, and reducing cross-border trade costs to promote global trade growth. The agreement ensures the participation of developing countries through categorized commitments and capacity-building mechanisms. Businesses should understand the TFA's content, monitor policy changes, utilize electronic methods, strengthen internal management, seize opportunities, and enhance competitiveness.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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China Advances Yuan Internationalization with New Policies

China Advances Yuan Internationalization with New Policies

PBOC Governor Pan Gongsheng stated that China will steadily promote RMB internationalization by upgrading the cross-border payment system, deepening international cooperation, and enhancing financial regulatory capabilities. These efforts aim to provide enterprises with a more convenient, secure, and efficient cross-border transaction environment and enhance the voice of developing countries in the international financial system. The focus is on facilitating trade and investment while strengthening China's role in global finance.

02/03/2026 International Settlement
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Senegal Adopts Revised Kyoto Convention to Boost Trade Efficiency

Senegal Adopts Revised Kyoto Convention to Boost Trade Efficiency

Senegal's accession to the Revised Kyoto Convention marks a significant step towards aligning its customs system with international standards. This move aims to simplify customs procedures, reduce trade costs, and enhance trade competitiveness, benefiting Senegal's economic development. It also promotes trade facilitation in West Africa and serves as a model for other developing countries. By joining the convention, Senegal contributes to building a more open, transparent, and efficient international trade system.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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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.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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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.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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West Africa Security Project Emphasizes Gender Equality

West Africa Security Project Emphasizes Gender Equality

The West Africa Security Project (WASP) aims to enhance border security in West Africa by supporting partner countries in developing and implementing gender-sensitive and inclusive policies through its Gender Equality and Diversity (GED) component. Utilizing the WCO's GEOAT tool and training, the project assists customs administrations in comprehensively implementing GED across human resources, border operations, and stakeholder cooperation. This contributes significantly to security and sustainable development in the West African region.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Backs Timorleste in Customs Training Strategy Development

WCO Backs Timorleste in Customs Training Strategy Development

The World Customs Organization (WCO) provided technical assistance to Timor-Leste Customs, helping to develop a training strategy and plan for 2017-2019. This initiative aimed to comprehensively enhance the professional skills of customs officers, build a robust internal training center, promote customs modernization, and improve Timor-Leste's trade environment. The project is part of the WCO-Norway Customs Capacity Building Programme, which covers several developing countries and aims to improve their customs administration.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Boosts Lesotho Customs Modernization with Audit Reform

WCO Boosts Lesotho Customs Modernization with Audit Reform

The World Customs Organization (WCO) successfully completed a Post Clearance Audit (PCA) diagnostic mission for the Lesotho Revenue Authority (LRA). The mission aimed to assess the LRA's systems, techniques, and methodologies related to PCA and provide recommendations for improvement, enhancing the efficiency and transparency of its tax administration system. This initiative is part of the HMRC-WCO-UNCTAD collaboration project, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in promoting customs modernization in developing countries.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Uganda Enhances Tax Efficiency with Datadriven Customs Reform

Uganda Enhances Tax Efficiency with Datadriven Customs Reform

With the assistance of the World Customs Organization (WCO), the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) is actively exploring a data-driven approach to customs performance management. By optimizing data collection and analysis, establishing performance evaluation mechanisms, and implementing cultural change and capacity building, the URA aims to improve customs operational efficiency and optimize resource allocation. This initiative ultimately seeks to better serve Uganda's economic development. This reform practice provides valuable lessons for other developing countries.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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