Transforming Trade in the Middle East A Key Path to Adapting to New Customs Regulations

Transforming Trade in the Middle East A Key Path to Adapting to New Customs Regulations

The trade landscape in the Middle East is rapidly changing, with countries reforming customs processes to promote the development of the non-oil economy. Saudi Arabia's total trade reached $286 billion in 2023, highlighting its regional dominance. As nations like Jordan, Iraq, and Kuwait actively expand international trade and seek economic diversification, customs reform is playing a crucial role. Partnering with efficient logistics providers will be key for businesses to navigate the complexities of customs.

03/19/2025 Logistics Industry Insights
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Finnish Customs Boosts Global Trade Via WCO Training

Finnish Customs Boosts Global Trade Via WCO Training

Finnish Customs actively participates in WCO capacity building projects, contributing to global customs capacity enhancement and trade facilitation through workshops and financial support. The Finnish government's financial support for WCO projects in East and Southern Africa will further promote customs modernization and trade development in the region. Finnish Customs will continue to deepen its cooperation with the WCO in the future, contributing to global trade prosperity. They aim to strengthen customs procedures and promote efficient trade practices worldwide.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Enhances Africa Trade Via Kenya Training Hub

WCO Enhances Africa Trade Via Kenya Training Hub

The World Customs Organization supports the Kenya Regional Training Centre in enhancing customs capacity in East and Southern Africa. This initiative aims to strengthen customs administrations through training and development programs, ultimately contributing to improved trade facilitation, revenue collection, and border security. By fostering regional cooperation and harmonization of customs procedures, the project promotes economic growth and development within the region. The WCO's support is crucial for building sustainable customs capacity and ensuring effective implementation of international standards.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Eldoret Emerges As Kenyas Highland Trade and Agriculture Hub

Eldoret Emerges As Kenyas Highland Trade and Agriculture Hub

Eldoret, located in southwestern Kenya's Uasin Gishu Plateau at 2100m altitude, is a vital inland city and a key transportation and agricultural hub in East Africa. As a major station on the Mombasa-Uganda Railway and a road network hub, it connects coastal ports with the hinterland, fostering regional economic development. Its strategic location facilitates the movement of goods and people, playing a crucial role in trade and commerce within Kenya and the wider East African region.

09/29/2025 Port Encyclopedia
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Aviation Industry Strengthens Ties in Africa and Middle East

Aviation Industry Strengthens Ties in Africa and Middle East

The IATA Africa and Middle East Regional Office (AME) serves as the central hub for the International Air Transport Association in the region, dedicated to representing, leading, and serving airlines in Africa and the Middle East. It provides regional representation, membership services, industry leadership, and expert consulting. AME aims to empower businesses to thrive within the African and Middle Eastern aviation markets, supporting their growth and ensuring sustainable development of the air transport industry in the region.

01/05/2026 Airlines
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Burkina Faso Customs Adopts Wcobacked Advance Ruling System

Burkina Faso Customs Adopts Wcobacked Advance Ruling System

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is assisting Burkina Faso in establishing an advance ruling mechanism to enhance trade predictability, reduce compliance costs, and improve customs efficiency. Through capacity building workshops and the WACAM project, the WCO supports Burkina Faso's customs modernization and promotes regional trade development. The establishment of this mechanism will improve the trade environment, foster economic growth, and serve as a reference for other African countries. The initiative aligns with global efforts to streamline trade processes and promote efficient customs operations.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Comoros Customs Adopts Harmonized System to Boost Trade

Comoros Customs Adopts Harmonized System to Boost Trade

Comoros Customs is actively preparing for the early application of the Harmonized System Convention. Through capacity-building programs funded by the African Development Bank, Customs officers are enhancing their understanding and application of the latest HS. This initiative aims to simplify customs procedures, improve trade efficiency, promote trade facilitation, and boost Comoros' international competitiveness. Support from COMESA experts will ensure the smooth integration of the HS into the customs system, laying the foundation for Comoros' integration into the global trading system.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Customs Enhances Aid CRED Project Innovates Epidemic Response

Customs Enhances Aid CRED Project Innovates Epidemic Response

The World Customs Organization (WCO)'s C-RED project aims to enhance the capacity of West African customs to respond to epidemics. Through multilateral cooperation and streamlined customs procedures, it has significantly improved the region's efficiency in responding to emergencies. The C-RED+ project plans to expand its coverage and leverage new technologies to build a more robust lifeline, providing a stronger guarantee for global humanitarian assistance. This initiative strengthens customs' role in facilitating aid delivery and ensuring timely responses to crises.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Enhances Customs Training in Francophone Africa

WCO Enhances Customs Training in Francophone Africa

With EU funding, the WCO held a workshop in Burkina Faso to enhance the expertise of Customs administrations in French-speaking African countries, specifically in areas like commodity classification. The training aimed to improve customs efficiency and contribute to trade facilitation within the region. The workshop focused on practical skills and knowledge transfer to strengthen customs operations and promote smoother trade flows. This initiative underscores the WCO's commitment to supporting its members in Africa and fostering economic development through improved customs practices.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Eastsouthern Africa Customs Officials Tackle Transfer Pricing

Eastsouthern Africa Customs Officials Tackle Transfer Pricing

A joint workshop by the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the OECD aimed to enhance the expertise of customs officials in East and Southern Africa on transfer pricing and customs valuation. The initiative promotes regional customs cooperation, maintains fair trade practices, and combats tax evasion. By strengthening the capacity of customs administrations in these areas, the workshop supports efforts to ensure accurate valuation of goods and prevent illicit financial flows, ultimately contributing to a more transparent and equitable global trading system.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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