WCO Outlines Plan for Postpandemic Supply Chain Resilience

WCO Outlines Plan for Postpandemic Supply Chain Resilience

The Secretary General of the World Customs Organization (WCO) held an online meeting with customs representatives in Geneva to discuss how customs can contribute to global supply chain recovery in the post-pandemic era. The meeting highlighted the cooperation between the WCO and the WTO, clarified the work priorities for 2021 regarding pandemic response and technology empowerment, and emphasized the importance of building resilient supply chains. The global customs community looks forward to strengthening communication and cooperation to jointly address challenges.

WCO Trains Data Analysts in South Korea

WCO Trains Data Analysts in South Korea

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a data analysis lecture for WCO Scholarship Program students at Sungkyunkwan University in South Korea. The lecture covered data strategy implementation, customs data analysis applications, and geospatial intelligence. Through interactive discussions, WCO representatives answered student questions, helping to enhance customs data analysis capabilities and promote global trade security and facilitation. The initiative aims to equip participants with the skills necessary to leverage data for improved customs operations and decision-making within their respective administrations.

Thailand Sierra Leone Join Revised Kyoto Convention Enhancing Global Trade

Thailand Sierra Leone Join Revised Kyoto Convention Enhancing Global Trade

The Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC) has surpassed 100 contracting parties, with Thailand and Sierra Leone's accession further boosting global trade facilitation. The convention aims to simplify and harmonize customs procedures by applying information technology and risk management, improving customs efficiency and reducing trade costs. The World Customs Organization (WCO) actively promotes the RKC's implementation and encourages more members to join, fostering global trade prosperity. The growing number of signatories demonstrates the international commitment to streamlined customs processes and enhanced trade efficiency.

Tanzania Upgrades Border Security with Smart Risk Management

Tanzania Upgrades Border Security with Smart Risk Management

Tanzania, with assistance from the World Customs Organization and the Japan International Cooperation Agency, is upgrading its customs risk management framework. This aims to enhance customs efficiency, promote trade facilitation, and combat smuggling through more precise risk identification and response. The upgrade is a significant step towards improving the country's customs administration and contributing to national economic development and trade security. The improved framework will allow for better resource allocation and targeted interventions, ultimately streamlining trade processes and reducing illicit activities.

WCO Advocates Gender Equality to Strengthen Supply Chains

WCO Advocates Gender Equality to Strengthen Supply Chains

On International Women's Day, the World Customs Organization (WCO) emphasized empowering women's leadership and promoting gender equality and diversity to build more resilient and sustainable supply chains. Through the release of the 'Compendium on Gender Equality and Diversity in Customs' and ongoing training and collaboration, the WCO is committed to advancing gender equality and diversity within the global customs community. These efforts contribute to building a more just and prosperous world by fostering inclusivity and equal opportunities within international trade and customs practices.

WCO Promotes Gender Equality to Strengthen Global Trade

WCO Promotes Gender Equality to Strengthen Global Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) Virtual Working Group (VWG) on Gender Equality and Diversity convened to explore how to enhance collaboration with the private sector to promote gender-inclusive trade facilitation, better addressing the needs of women traders and marginalized groups. The WCO is building a more gender-equal customs environment through initiatives like online learning modules and the 'Women in Customs' campaign. These efforts aim to ensure that customs procedures and policies are equitable and supportive of all stakeholders, regardless of gender.

WCO Urges Stronger Customsbusiness Ties at Shanghai Forum

WCO Urges Stronger Customsbusiness Ties at Shanghai Forum

The WCO Deputy Secretary General attended the IFCBA conference, emphasizing customs-business cooperation for trade facilitation. The focus was on the efforts of Chinese Customs and discussions centered around WCO surveys aimed at improving trade efficiency. The importance of collaboration between customs authorities and the private sector was highlighted as a key driver for streamlining border procedures and reducing trade costs. The conference provided a platform for exchanging best practices and exploring innovative approaches to enhance customs operations and promote seamless international trade.

WCO Unveils Tool to Fight Cultural Heritage Trafficking

WCO Unveils Tool to Fight Cultural Heritage Trafficking

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has released a training manual on preventing the illicit trafficking of cultural heritage. This manual aims to enhance the expertise and skills of frontline customs officers, strengthening their role in protecting cultural heritage. The tool's publication contributes to improved global cultural heritage protection and fosters international cooperation among customs administrations. It provides practical guidance and resources to help customs officers identify, detect, and seize illegally traded cultural artifacts, ultimately combating the devastating impact of cultural heritage crime.

Colombias Tax Agency DIAN Advances Digital Overhaul

Colombias Tax Agency DIAN Advances Digital Overhaul

The Colombian Customs, with the support of SECO-WCO, held a workshop to enhance its digital transformation capabilities and build a future customs model. The workshop emphasized data-driven decision-making as a key component of this transformation. The initiative aims to modernize customs processes, improve efficiency, and facilitate trade. By leveraging digital technologies and data analytics, Colombian Customs seeks to streamline operations and enhance its ability to adapt to the evolving global trade landscape, ultimately contributing to trade facilitation and economic growth.

Freight Forwarding Best Practices for Shipping Agents

Freight Forwarding Best Practices for Shipping Agents

This paper focuses on key aspects of freight forwarding operations, including shipping agent selection, manifest processing, document workflows, information from shipping company document centers, and emergency response. It aims to help freight forwarding professionals improve efficiency, reduce risks, and provide practical guidance. The paper details best practices and considerations for each stage of the process, offering actionable insights to optimize operations and minimize potential disruptions. This serves as a valuable resource for both novice and experienced professionals in the freight forwarding industry.