WCO Launches Virtual Leadership Program for Colombian Customs

WCO Launches Virtual Leadership Program for Colombian Customs

The World Customs Organization (WCO), at the request of the Colombian National Directorate of Taxes and Customs (DIAN), successfully conducted its first fully virtual Leadership and Management Development Programme. Focusing on leadership enhancement and crisis management, the program utilized innovative teaching methodologies and achieved significant results, improving the overall capabilities of individual participants, teams, and the organization. The Director General of DIAN highly praised the collaboration and expressed anticipation for future partnerships with the WCO to further organizational development.

WCO Enhances Trade Aid for Landlocked Nations During Pandemic

WCO Enhances Trade Aid for Landlocked Nations During Pandemic

The Secretary General of the World Customs Organization (WCO) emphasized at the Annual Conference of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) the WCO's commitment to supporting LLDCs in overcoming pandemic challenges and accelerating trade facilitation to achieve sustainable development goals through standard setting, capacity building, and enhanced cooperation. WCO's specific initiatives include promoting international standards, fostering regional cooperation, addressing the impact of the pandemic, and promoting data-driven decision-making.

Zimbabwe Boosts Trade Audits with WCO Support

Zimbabwe Boosts Trade Audits with WCO Support

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a workshop in Zimbabwe to enhance its customs' post-clearance audit (PCA) capabilities, implement the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA), and strengthen customs-private sector cooperation. The workshop aimed to improve the effectiveness of PCA processes, ensuring compliance and promoting legitimate trade. By building capacity in PCA, Zimbabwe customs can better manage risks, optimize revenue collection, and contribute to a more efficient and secure trading environment. The event underscored the importance of collaboration between customs administrations and businesses in achieving trade facilitation goals.

WCO Enhances Malawis Wildlife Trafficking Fight

WCO Enhances Malawis Wildlife Trafficking Fight

The World Customs Organization's INAMA project is helping the Malawi Revenue Authority enhance its risk management capabilities to combat illegal wildlife trade. Through diagnostics, training, and collaboration, the project aims to improve the risk management framework, enhance risk analysis skills, strengthen international cooperation, and increase detection efficiency. It also focuses on raising public awareness to collectively combat illegal trade and protect endangered species. The project ultimately contributes to a more effective and coordinated response to wildlife trafficking in Malawi.

Customs Key to Asiapacific Trade Resilience During Pandemic

Customs Key to Asiapacific Trade Resilience During Pandemic

The Asian Development Bank and UNESCAP jointly held a webinar focusing on the critical role of customs in safeguarding trade and connectivity during the pandemic. The WCO Secretary General emphasized the need for customs to ensure supply chain transparency and shared WCO's response measures and recommendations for regional cooperation. These included coordinating border management, digitizing procedures, and building capacity. The meeting highlighted the importance of customs in facilitating trade and building resilient supply chains during global crises.

Global Customs Labs Share Pandemic Best Practices

Global Customs Labs Share Pandemic Best Practices

Facing the global challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the World Customs Organization (WCO)'s network of customs laboratories, the BRLR, held an online meeting to share experiences and best practices, and to discuss how to better support its members. The meeting highlighted the challenges faced by the BRLR during the pandemic, shared best practices such as optimizing laboratory processes, developing rapid detection methods, and strengthening information sharing. It also looked forward to the vision of building a stronger global customs laboratory network in the future.

Cambodia Deploys Raman Spectrometers to Tighten Border Security

Cambodia Deploys Raman Spectrometers to Tighten Border Security

Under the WCO Asia Pacific Security Project, funded by the Japanese government, Cambodian Customs has introduced Raman spectrometers for rapid and accurate identification of explosive precursors. This initiative, involving equipment donation and professional training, aims to enhance Cambodia's border security enforcement capabilities. It effectively combats the smuggling of explosive precursors, safeguarding national security and social stability. This effort serves as a valuable reference for customs administrations in other developing countries seeking to strengthen their border control measures against illicit trafficking.

Mali Customs Boosts Training with WCO Support for Staff Efficiency

Mali Customs Boosts Training with WCO Support for Staff Efficiency

With the support of the World Customs Organization, Mali Customs developed a Human Resource Management Strategy for 2018-2021. This strategy aims to enhance employee skills, improve work efficiency, and strengthen organizational cohesion through tools like competency models, ultimately achieving the overall mission of customs. The success of Mali Customs has attracted significant attention from the Ministry of Finance and is expected to be promoted to other government departments. The focus is on building a capable and motivated workforce to drive customs modernization and improve overall performance.

WCO Group Tackles Disruptive Tech in Global Trade

WCO Group Tackles Disruptive Tech in Global Trade

The 44th meeting of the World Customs Organization's Private Sector Consultative Group (PSCG) focused on the impact of disruptive technologies on global trade. Key topics included cross-border e-commerce, public-private information exchange, and regional cooperation. Through high-level dialogues, the PSCG and WCO Policy Commission members explored the application of technologies like artificial intelligence and blockchain in the customs domain. These discussions aimed to build a more efficient and secure future for global trade by leveraging innovative solutions and fostering collaboration between public and private sectors.

WCO Aids Burkina Faso in Trade Process Modernization

WCO Aids Burkina Faso in Trade Process Modernization

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is assisting Burkina Faso in launching a Time Release Study (TRS) to identify bottlenecks in customs procedures and improve trade facilitation. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the significance, implementation steps, challenges, and solutions of the TRS, and envisions its intelligent future, offering a valuable reference for other developing countries. The study aims to streamline processes, reduce delays, and ultimately enhance the efficiency of cross-border trade in Burkina Faso.