Ravenna Port, a key maritime gateway in Italy's Emilia-Romagna region, has become a leader in trade across the Eastern Mediterranean and the Black Sea due to its advantageous geographic location. By joining the International Port Association, the port aims to enhance its global cooperation and operational efficiency, contributing significantly to regional economic growth.
With support from the Sida-WCO program, Zambia and Botswana are advancing customs system interconnectivity and data exchange. This initiative aims to improve customs clearance efficiency and promote regional integration. By linking their customs systems, both countries seek to streamline trade processes, reduce delays, and enhance transparency. The improved data exchange will also contribute to better risk management and security. This collaboration highlights the importance of regional cooperation in facilitating trade and fostering economic growth.
The WCO held a workshop in Nicaragua to help optimize clearance processes and improve trade efficiency. The workshop was supported by the WCO-Norad project. The aim was to enhance trade facilitation by streamlining customs procedures and reducing delays. Key areas covered included risk management, automation, and cooperation between agencies. The workshop provided practical guidance and fostered collaboration among stakeholders to achieve faster and more efficient clearance times, ultimately contributing to economic growth and competitiveness.
The latest meeting of the WCO Technical Committee focused on customs facilitation, emphasizing data standardization, risk management, SME support, cross-border e-commerce facilitation, and AEO mutual recognition. Businesses should strengthen compliance management, embrace digital transformation, and enhance international cooperation to adapt to the evolving trade landscape. The meeting highlighted the importance of streamlined processes and innovative solutions to promote efficient and secure international trade flows, ultimately contributing to global economic growth and development.
The US-led trade war introduces uncertainty into the freight economy, leading to decreased demand, supply chain disruptions, and increased costs. Businesses should diversify markets, optimize supply chains, improve efficiency, and strengthen risk management. Governments should stabilize policies, provide support, and enhance cooperation. The trade war has profound implications for global economic growth, inflation, and geopolitics. In the long term, it will reshape global supply chains, intensify technological competition, and alter international relations.
Turkmenistan will host a WCO workshop in 2025 to enhance customs tariff classification capabilities and promote trade facilitation. The workshop is sponsored by the China Customs Cooperation Fund. The aim is to improve the understanding and application of the Harmonized System (HS) nomenclature, ensuring accurate classification and efficient customs procedures. This initiative supports Turkmenistan's efforts to align with international standards and streamline trade processes, ultimately contributing to economic growth and regional integration.
The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) are jointly supporting the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) to enhance its risk assessment and selectivity capabilities, addressing new trade challenges in East Africa. Using a two-pronged approach combining expert discussions and practical exercises, Kenyan Customs actively participates in building a smart customs administration. This initiative aims to improve clearance efficiency, promote trade facilitation, and ultimately contribute to Kenya's economic growth.
The SAFE Working Group meeting assessed the framework's implementation, focusing on data strategies and green customs initiatives. A new AEO (Authorized Economic Operator) curriculum was launched, and the working plan was revised to better reflect current priorities. Discussions emphasized strengthening coordination across various sectors to enhance the overall effectiveness of the SAFE Framework in promoting secure and efficient trade. The meeting highlighted the ongoing commitment to international customs cooperation and trade security.
Nicaragua, with the support of the World Customs Organization, hosted a Time Release Study (TRS) workshop. The aim was to identify and address trade bottlenecks through the TRS methodology, thereby improving customs clearance efficiency. This event is part of the WCO-Norwegian Development Cooperation Agency's Customs Capacity Building Project and complements Nicaragua's Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) pilot program. Both initiatives are dedicated to enhancing supply chain security and efficiency, ultimately promoting trade facilitation.
The World Customs Organization (WCO) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) are jointly advancing the Rules of Origin 'Pool of Trainers' project in West Africa. A workshop held in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, aimed to enhance the capacity of West African customs administrations in implementing rules of origin. The initiative focuses on developing experienced trainers and establishing a sustainable training system to facilitate trade and economic development within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
