Saudi Arabia Expands Aviation Sector with New Airline, IATA Hub

Saudi Arabia Expands Aviation Sector with New Airline, IATA Hub

The Saudi Arabian government has announced that the International Air Transport Association will establish a regional office in Riyadh to meet the growing demands of the industry. Additionally, plans are underway to launch a new flagship airline aimed at transforming Saudi Arabia into a global logistics hub, enhancing economic diversification, and reducing reliance on oil. The new airline is expected to increase the number of international routes significantly and boost air cargo capacity, with an anticipated ranking as the fifth largest in global air transit volume.

07/29/2025 Logistics
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WCO Backs Uzbekistans Customs System Upgrade

WCO Backs Uzbekistans Customs System Upgrade

At the request of the State Customs Committee of Uzbekistan, the World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a diagnostic mission to assess its customs valuation system and propose reforms. The assessment covered legal framework, valuation capacity, risk management, post-clearance audit, information technology application, and cooperation mechanisms. The reform aims to improve trade facilitation in Uzbekistan, attract foreign investment, and promote economic growth. The WCO's recommendations are expected to enhance the efficiency and transparency of customs procedures, ultimately contributing to a more favorable business environment.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Tunisia Boosts Trade Efficiency with Updated Customs Training

Tunisia Boosts Trade Efficiency with Updated Customs Training

Within the framework of the EU-WCO Africa Harmonized System Programme, Tunisian Customs is strengthening national-level Harmonized System training. This aims to enhance customs officers' technical skills in commodity classification and their training abilities, building a professional team. The initiative seeks to promote trade facilitation and predictability, contributing to Tunisia's economic development. The training program focuses on improving the accuracy and efficiency of customs procedures, ultimately benefiting both traders and the national economy by ensuring consistent and correct application of the Harmonized System.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Tunisia Boosts Customs Audits with WCO Assistance

Tunisia Boosts Customs Audits with WCO Assistance

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a national workshop on Post Clearance Audit (PCA) in Tunisia, aiming to enhance the Tunisian Customs' PCA capabilities. The workshop covered WCO guidelines interpretation, human resource management, case studies, and group discussions. It assisted Tunisian Customs in optimizing audit processes, addressing risks in complex trade environments, and promoting economic development. The training sought to improve efficiency and effectiveness in identifying and addressing compliance issues after goods have been released, contributing to a more secure and predictable trade environment.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Sierra Leone Boosts Trade with WCO Customs Upgrade

Sierra Leone Boosts Trade with WCO Customs Upgrade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) assessed Sierra Leone Customs' valuation capabilities to support its WTO commitments and enhance trade facilitation and revenue management. This assessment aims to identify areas for improvement and provide targeted capacity building initiatives. By strengthening customs valuation procedures, Sierra Leone can ensure accurate revenue collection, streamline trade processes, and promote a more transparent and efficient trading environment. The WCO's support is crucial for Sierra Leone to effectively implement its WTO obligations and achieve sustainable economic growth through improved trade practices.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Thailand Pushes for Remanufacturing in Trade Pacts to Aid Circular Economy

Thailand Pushes for Remanufacturing in Trade Pacts to Aid Circular Economy

This study explores the necessity of including remanufactured goods provisions in Thailand's regional trade agreements. By analyzing Thailand's circular economy policies, comparing relevant clauses in various RTAs, and incorporating case studies, it assesses the environmental, economic, and social impacts of incorporating remanufacturing provisions for Thailand. The aim is to provide decision-making references for the Thai government and promote circular economy development. The research considers the potential benefits and challenges of such inclusion, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and resource-efficient economy in Thailand.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Zimbabwe Enhances AEO System Following WCO Review

Zimbabwe Enhances AEO System Following WCO Review

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has completed a review of Zimbabwe's Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) pilot program, offering recommendations for upgrades to build a 'next generation' AEO program aligned with international standards. This initiative, supported financially and technically by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) of the UK, collaborates with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) to promote trade facilitation and supply chain security in Zimbabwe. The goal is to enhance efficiency and security within Zimbabwe's trade environment through improved AEO program implementation.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Aids Togo in Customs Valuation to Boost Trade Efficiency

WCO Aids Togo in Customs Valuation to Boost Trade Efficiency

WCO training assisted Togo in enhancing its customs valuation capabilities. This initiative focused on strengthening personnel skills to ensure compliant and efficient valuation practices. By improving valuation procedures, the training contributes to trade facilitation and promotes smoother international trade flows. The program aims to equip Togo's customs officials with the necessary expertise to accurately assess the value of imported goods, leading to increased revenue collection and improved border security. Ultimately, this technical assistance supports Togo's economic development by fostering a more transparent and predictable trading environment.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Enhances African Customs Training Amid Belgian Graduation Milestone

WCO Enhances African Customs Training Amid Belgian Graduation Milestone

The Secretary General of the World Customs Organization (WCO) attended the graduation ceremony of French-speaking African customs officials at the Belgian Customs Academy, emphasizing the crucial role of customs in revenue collection, trade facilitation, and societal protection. This initiative supports African economic development and the AfCFTA by enhancing customs management, promoting regional integration, and fostering international cooperation. The WCO plays a key role by providing technical assistance and promoting the application of international standards, ultimately contributing to a more efficient and secure trade environment in Africa.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Bangladesh Enhances Trade Efficiency with Wcobacked Study

Bangladesh Enhances Trade Efficiency with Wcobacked Study

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP) held a strategic dialogue with the National Board of Revenue (NBR) of Bangladesh in February 2021 to strengthen Bangladesh's Time Release Study (TRS) capabilities. The meeting reviewed Bangladesh Customs' TRS experience and developed a future action plan to improve clearance efficiency and promote trade facilitation. The aim is to streamline processes and reduce the time required for goods to be released from customs control, ultimately boosting trade competitiveness.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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