Lesotho Boosts Tax Collection with HR System Overhaul

Lesotho Boosts Tax Collection with HR System Overhaul

With the support of the World Customs Organization, the Lesotho Revenue Authority is advancing human resource management modernization. This initiative aims to improve the quality and effectiveness of the tax workforce, ultimately enhancing tax collection efficiency. The focus is on developing a competent and skilled workforce capable of effectively administering tax laws and regulations. This modernization effort is crucial for Lesotho's economic development, ensuring sustainable revenue streams and promoting good governance within the tax administration system. The implementation of a robust competency model is key to achieving these goals.

STB Chair Urges Railroads to Focus on Service Not Profits

STB Chair Urges Railroads to Focus on Service Not Profits

U.S. Surface Transportation Board Member Robert Primus, at the NEARS conference, emphasized the urgent need to improve rail service levels. He pointed to prioritizing operating ratio (PSR), problems with PSR implementation, labor shortages, and insufficient investment benefit assessments as key contributing factors. From a data analyst's perspective, this article proposes solutions including quantitative assessment, PSR optimization, addressing labor issues, and evaluating investment benefits. The aim is to reshape rail service and enhance its competitiveness by focusing on service quality and long-term sustainability rather than solely on short-term cost reduction.

Supply Chains Turn to Tech Amid Trade War Uncertainty

Supply Chains Turn to Tech Amid Trade War Uncertainty

Descartes research reveals that 74% of supply chain leaders view technology as crucial for growth in the face of trade challenges, with a higher proportion (88%) among high-growth companies. Global trade intelligence, trade analytics, and supply chain mapping are the most sought-after technologies. Companies need to develop a clear technology strategy aligned with their specific business needs to effectively address challenges and achieve sustainable growth. Focusing on practical implementation and strategic alignment is key to leveraging technology for competitive advantage in the evolving global trade landscape.

Pinterest Drives Crossborder Ecommerce Growth

Pinterest Drives Crossborder Ecommerce Growth

This article delves into the unique value of Pinterest as a visual search engine and its application in driving traffic for cross-border e-commerce. It elaborates on the core mechanisms of Pinterest traffic generation, practical implementation paths, risk warnings, and frequently asked questions. The aim is to assist cross-border sellers in acquiring high-intent traffic from Europe and the United States at a low cost, thereby achieving business growth. It provides actionable insights and practical strategies for leveraging Pinterest's visual appeal to attract potential customers and boost sales in the global market.

Asiapacific Nations Strengthen Customs to Curb Illegal Plastic Waste Trade

Asiapacific Nations Strengthen Customs to Curb Illegal Plastic Waste Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) launched the Asia-Pacific Border Management Waste Project to strengthen customs control over plastic waste in the Asia-Pacific region, combat illicit trade, and raise awareness of the Basel Convention amendments. Through virtual diagnostic missions to Indonesia and the Philippines, the WCO will develop detailed implementation plans and host regional workshops to promote regional cooperation in addressing plastic waste management challenges and building green border defenses. The project aims to enhance the capacity of customs administrations to effectively regulate and manage the transboundary movement of plastic waste.

Bolivia Expands Customs AEO Program with Regional Insights

Bolivia Expands Customs AEO Program with Regional Insights

Bolivian Customs gained insights into the practices and challenges of AEO program implementation through experience sharing with Colombia, Mexico, and Uruguay, aiming to optimize its own AEO program. The analysis focuses on the characteristics of the AEO programs in these three countries, explores the opportunities and challenges faced by Bolivia, and proposes recommendations for future development. It emphasizes that the WCO will continue to provide technical support to help Bolivia improve trade facilitation and enterprise competitiveness. The ultimate goal is to enhance Bolivia's AEO program and contribute to smoother international trade.

Chinas Crossborder Ecommerce Zones Excel in Government Review

Chinas Crossborder Ecommerce Zones Excel in Government Review

The Ministry of Commerce released the 2022 assessment results of cross-border e-commerce pilot zones, aiming to guide these zones to play a demonstrative role and promote innovative development. The assessment covers over 40 indicators, including implementation plans and import/export volume, and is divided into four levels. Currently, China has established 165 pilot zones with over 100,000 cross-border e-commerce entities, leading to a significant increase in import and export scale. The assessment is crucial for optimizing the pilot zones' performance and fostering sustainable growth in cross-border trade.

Smart Hydropower Expo in Chengdu Advances Renewable Energy

Smart Hydropower Expo in Chengdu Advances Renewable Energy

The 2026 Smart Hydropower Development Conference and Technical Equipment Exhibition will be held in Chengdu in July 2026. It aims to promote new quality productive forces in the hydropower industry and serve the construction of a new energy system. The conference will bring together global hydropower experts and industry resources, focusing on technological innovation, model optimization, and ecological collaboration. It will build a platform for the integration of government, industry, academia, research, and application, promote the implementation of cutting-edge technologies and project cooperation, and lead the high-quality development of the hydropower industry.

WTO Explores Streamlining Trade Under GATT Rules

WTO Explores Streamlining Trade Under GATT Rules

This paper analyzes several measures proposed by the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu to improve the implementation of GATT Articles VIII and X, including advance clearance, risk management, express clearance, advance tariff classification rulings, and single window services. Combining international practices and expert opinions, it assesses the feasibility and potential impact of these measures. The study offers further recommendations aimed at promoting trade facilitation, enhancing customs efficiency, and reducing operational costs for businesses. The goal is to streamline processes and improve overall trade competitiveness.

New Customs System Enhances Trade Efficiency

New Customs System Enhances Trade Efficiency

This paper delves into the customs guarantee system, a trade facilitation measure advocated by Canada and Switzerland, designed to allow importers to retrieve goods before final tariff determination. It elaborates on the core principles, implementation details, advantages, challenges, and the rights and limitations of customs inspection within this system. The article emphasizes its significant role in improving customs clearance efficiency, optimizing the trade environment, and reducing the burden on businesses. It calls for countries to actively learn from experiences and improve their customs guarantee systems, fostering smoother international trade.