Wcos COPES Initiative Strengthens Customs Against Wildlife Trafficking

Wcos COPES Initiative Strengthens Customs Against Wildlife Trafficking

The WCO's COPES project aims to enhance customs' capacity to combat illegal wildlife trade. A workshop in Togo focused on evidence collection, case management, and international cooperation. INAMA provided financial support. The training sought to improve the effectiveness of customs officials in identifying, investigating, and prosecuting wildlife trafficking offenses. Emphasis was placed on collaborative efforts between national agencies and international partners to disrupt transnational criminal networks involved in the illegal trade of endangered species.

Cambodia Strengthens Anticounterfeit Efforts with WCO Backing

Cambodia Strengthens Anticounterfeit Efforts with WCO Backing

The WCO is assisting Cambodian Customs in combating counterfeit and pirated goods, enhancing its border enforcement capabilities for intellectual property rights, and protecting consumer rights and public health and safety. This collaboration aims to strengthen Cambodia's ability to prevent the entry of illicit goods, safeguarding legitimate businesses and ensuring the well-being of its citizens. The WCO's support includes training, technical assistance, and the sharing of best practices in customs enforcement and intellectual property protection.

Philippines Enhances Trade with Wcobacked National Team

Philippines Enhances Trade with Wcobacked National Team

The WCO is assisting Philippine Customs in building a trade facilitation team to improve trade efficiency and support the work of the Philippine Trade Facilitation Committee. This initiative aims to streamline customs procedures, reduce trade costs, and enhance the overall competitiveness of the Philippines in the global market. By strengthening the capacity of Philippine Customs, the WCO is contributing to the country's efforts to implement trade facilitation measures and promote economic growth.

Zambia Botswana Boost Trade with Customs Data Link

Zambia Botswana Boost Trade with Customs Data Link

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.

WCO Workshop Boosts Global Customs Risk Management Skills

WCO Workshop Boosts Global Customs Risk Management Skills

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) jointly held a pre-accreditation workshop on risk management, aiming to expand the pool of experts and enhance global customs risk control capabilities. Participants from five West African countries attended the workshop and are expected to obtain WCO accreditation, becoming an important force in the global customs field. This will help the WCO provide risk management support to its members.

Biden Allocates 28B to Boost US EV Battery Production

Biden Allocates 28B to Boost US EV Battery Production

The Biden administration announced $2.8 billion in grants to expand U.S. electric vehicle battery production and reduce reliance on China. The funding will support 20 companies in building or expanding battery and component manufacturing facilities, covering the entire supply chain from raw materials to recycling. Simultaneously, the "American Battery Materials Initiative" was launched to secure the supply of critical minerals. This initiative aims to reshape the U.S. electric vehicle supply chain and enhance domestic competitiveness.

Aviation Industry Advances Sustainable Fuel Postcop28

Aviation Industry Advances Sustainable Fuel Postcop28

COP28 is pushing for the aviation industry's transition to Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). IATA urges governments to support SAF production through optimized incentives and the establishment of a global accounting framework. Data analysis is crucial for tracking progress and ensuring accountability. The focus is on scaling up SAF production and deployment to achieve significant reductions in aviation emissions, aligning with global climate goals and demonstrating the industry's commitment to a sustainable future.

Serbia Boosts Customs Strategy with WCO Assistance

Serbia Boosts Customs Strategy with WCO Assistance

With the support of the World Customs Organization, Serbian Customs has enhanced its overall strategic management capabilities through strategic planning and the development of a performance indicator system. By fostering international cooperation, optimizing processes, and shifting mindsets, Serbian Customs is progressing towards greater efficiency, transparency, and accountability. This transformation contributes to the country's economic development and the global trade order, aligning with international best practices and promoting a more streamlined and effective customs administration.

Madagascar Revamps HR to Strengthen Tax Revenue

Madagascar Revamps HR to Strengthen Tax Revenue

The Madagascar Revenue Authority (MRA), with support from the World Customs Organization (WCO), launched an HR modernization project. This initiative aims to enhance operational efficiency, optimize tax collection, and improve employee engagement by building a competency-based HR management system. The MRA will focus on developing a highly skilled and professional tax workforce through competency models, digital empowerment, and cultural transformation. This transformation will enable the MRA to contribute more significantly to Madagascar's economic development.

WCO Boosts Supply Chain Resilience in Americas Caribbean

WCO Boosts Supply Chain Resilience in Americas Caribbean

The World Customs Organization (WCO) Americas and Caribbean region celebrated International Customs Day, emphasizing the theme of "Recovery, Renewal, Resilience." The focus was on technology empowerment, international cooperation, green development, and a people-centered approach. The aim is to reshape sustainable global supply chains, contributing to global trade security and economic prosperity. The celebration highlighted the importance of customs administrations in building resilient and adaptable systems to face future challenges and support global recovery efforts.