WCO Helps Togo Increase Revenue by Tightening Customs Controls

WCO Helps Togo Increase Revenue by Tightening Customs Controls

The World Customs Organization (WCO) completed a three-phase capacity building assistance program for Togo Customs, aimed at helping the Togolese Revenue Office (OTR) reclaim outsourced customs valuation functions and enhance its valuation capabilities. The program, through diagnostic assessments, expert training, and the establishment of an electronic database, helped Togo Customs close tax loopholes and increase fiscal revenue, providing stronger financial support for national development. The initiative strengthened Togo's ability to accurately assess customs duties and improve overall customs administration.

Indonesia Boosts Global Trade with New WCO Customs Centers

Indonesia Boosts Global Trade with New WCO Customs Centers

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and Indonesian Customs have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a regional training center and a regional customs laboratory in Indonesia. This initiative aims to enhance the professional skills of regional customs personnel and improve commodity inspection capabilities. It will also help combat counterfeit goods, promote trade facilitation, and strengthen regional cooperation to address the challenges posed by the pandemic. This collaboration is expected to inject new vitality into the healthy development of global trade.

New English Rules for Truckers Stir Safety Cost Concerns

New English Rules for Truckers Stir Safety Cost Concerns

The U.S. government is strengthening English proficiency regulations for truck drivers, aiming to improve road safety. In the short term, this move is expected to have a limited impact on overall freight rates, as market demand remains the dominant factor. The long-term effects require continuous monitoring, and businesses should focus on compliant operations and improving driver quality. Companies should prioritize adherence to regulations and invest in driver training to ensure compliance and maintain operational efficiency in the evolving regulatory landscape.

Moldova Enhances Ecommerce Through Trade Facilitation Initiative

Moldova Enhances Ecommerce Through Trade Facilitation Initiative

With the support of the SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme, Moldova is actively promoting e-commerce trade facilitation reforms. An e-commerce framework standards workshop identified areas for improvement, leading to the planned establishment of a dedicated e-commerce working group. Future steps include enhancing risk management capabilities, strengthening cooperation with e-commerce operators, and participating in WCO training. The aim is to streamline processes, optimize regulations, and enhance collaboration to create an efficient and convenient e-commerce environment.

Malawi Customs Strengthened Against Wildlife Trafficking

Malawi Customs Strengthened Against Wildlife Trafficking

The INAMA Project aims to enhance the capacity of Malawi Customs to combat illegal wildlife trade. Through diagnostic assessments, training implementation, and risk management workshops, the project assists Malawi Customs in building risk defenses. It strengthens cooperation with customs administrations of other countries to jointly address the global challenge of illegal wildlife trade, protect endangered species, maintain national security, and facilitate trade. The project ultimately contributes to a more secure and sustainable future by mitigating risks associated with wildlife trafficking.

Eswatini Revenue Service Adopts Competencybased HR System

Eswatini Revenue Service Adopts Competencybased HR System

The World Customs Organization held a virtual competency-based HRM workshop for the Eswatini Revenue Service to enhance the capabilities of its senior management team and help build an HRM system aligned with corporate strategy. Through competency model construction, recruitment optimization, training enhancement, and performance management improvement, the initiative supports the Eswatini Revenue Service in upgrading its talent strategy. This serves as a valuable reference for other developing countries' tax agencies seeking to modernize their HRM practices and align them with organizational goals.

Logistics Industry Struggles to Attract Retain Skilled Workers

Logistics Industry Struggles to Attract Retain Skilled Workers

Recent research highlights a critical talent shortage in the logistics industry, leading to declining customer satisfaction. This gap spans all levels, exacerbated by technological advancements creating a skills gap and perceptual biases hindering talent acquisition. Companies must shift their mindset, improve industry perception, invest in training, innovate incentive mechanisms, embrace technology, build employer brands, expand recruitment channels, strengthen university-industry partnerships, prioritize employee well-being, and establish talent pipelines. Ultimately, the goal is to reshape the industry's attractiveness and create a talent magnet.

Bridgeport Sikorsky Airport Key to Connecticuts General Aviation

Bridgeport Sikorsky Airport Key to Connecticuts General Aviation

Sikorsky Memorial Airport (BDR) in Bridgeport, Connecticut, is a general aviation airport named after aviation pioneer Igor Sikorsky. Covering 324 hectares, the airport features two operational runways. It primarily serves general aviation, offering services such as private flights and flight training. While it previously hosted scheduled passenger service, it now focuses on general aviation activities, acting as a vital aviation infrastructure hub for the local area. The airport plays a significant role in supporting private and recreational flying in Connecticut.

Kerman Airport Emerges As Key Middle East Aviation Hub

Kerman Airport Emerges As Key Middle East Aviation Hub

Kerman Airport is a crucial aviation hub in Kerman Province, Iran, featuring two runways. It serves as an operating base for Mahan Air and a pilot training center. Several airlines operate from the airport, offering routes to major cities across the Middle East. With its strategic location and growing infrastructure, Kerman Airport holds significant potential to play an even more vital role in regional air travel in the future, potentially becoming a more prominent transit point within the Middle East.